PhD position in 2D layered materials - Physics - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Division of Synchrotron Radiation Research (www.sljus.lu.se), which is a part of the Department of Physics, focuses on experimental studies of electronic, structural, and chemical properties of materials, especially of surfaces, interfaces, nanomaterials, free molecules, clusters and magnetic materials. At the division, which closely collaborates with the MAX IV Laboratory (www.maxiv.lu.se), we use and develop a wide range of synchrotron- and laboratory-based techniques, such as x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy/imaging and x-ray diffraction/imaging. We also host Sweden's largest facility for scanning probe microscopy.

Job assignment

The focus of this PhD project is atomic-scale studies of new layered and functionalized 2D materials grown in situ. We recently developed a new powerful method for the production of layered 2D materials of graphene and boron nitride. The first goal of the PhD project is, therefore, to develop and explore this technique further both for these materials and for some of the new 2D materials that recently have been found. The layered 2D materials will be characterized by using a combination of surface science techniques available at the Division of Synchrotron Radiation Research including scanning tunnelling microscopy, low-energy electron diffraction, Auger electron spectroscopy and synchrotron-based electron spectroscopy techniques available at the MAX IV Laboratory and other synchrotron radiation facilities.

The second goal of the PhD study is to build and test a setup for mass-selected functionalization of 2D materials by anchoring organic functional groups. The aim is here to make a dense and 2D array of organic functional groups. Again surface science techniques both at the division and at the MAX IV Laboratory will be used to characterize the array of organic functional groups. In the final step we will use wet chemistry methods to attach homogeneous catalysts to the dense array of immobilized organic functional groups and test the catalytic activity of the these systems. For these last experiments we will use the unique electrochemical instrumentation available at the ambient pressure x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy beamline HIPPIE at the MAX IV Laboratory.

The PhD student will work in a multidisciplinary fashion, in which collaboration with both experimentalists and theoreticians is a corner stone of the scientific work. We offer you the opportunity of a broad postgraduate education in a highly stimulating environment. You will have a focus on large-scale research facility-based analysis methods, but you will also have the opportunity to develop skills using other experimental methods and to collaborate with chemists and theoreticians. We expect you to be highly motivated to contribute to the scientific progress in the project. You are a hands-on person and feel comfortable with working both in the lab and with demanding data analysis and interpretation.

The main task for the doctoral student will be to conduct her/his own research education, which includes work with the research project and to master graduate courses.

Entry requirements

A formal requirement for doctoral studies in physics is:

• a university degree on advanced level within a related field, such as a Master's degree in physics or equivalent (e.g. materials science or chemistry), or
• substantial advanced course work at the Master level, or comparable, including an independent research project.

Furthermore, the acceptance is based on the expected ability to accomplish postgraduate studies.

Other requirements:

Good knowledge in spoken and written English is a requirement.

Basis of assessment

Selection to postgraduate studies is based on the expected ability to perform well in the studies. The evaluation of the ability to perform well is based primarily on the results of studies at the basic and advanced levels, in particular:

1. Knowledge and skills relevant to postgraduate studies within the research area, such as a broad and thorough preparation in the natural sciences. This can be documented by appended documents.

2. Estimated ability to work independently and the ability to formulate and solve scientific questions. This ability can be established, for example, based on undergraduate research experiences, a Master's thesis or in a discussion of scientific problems during a possible interview.

3. Skills in written and oral communication.

4. Other experience relevant to postgraduate studies, such as professional experience.

Other assessment criteria:

Experience of work with ultrahigh vacuum, x-ray spectroscopy, scanning tunneling microscopy, and 2D materials are considered an advantage. We consider good cooperation ability, drive and independent work ability as positive personal attributes.

Terms of employment

A PhD position is an employment with the main duty to be engaged in PhD studies according to the study plan. The duration of PhD studies is 4 years full time studies. In addition, those appointed to doctoral student position may be required to work with educational tasks, research and technical/administrative duties at a level of at most 20% of full time. The position is then extended correspondingly, however not longer than corresponding to 5 years full time employment. PhD positions are subject to special regulations. These can be found in the Swedish Higher Education Ordinance (SFS 1993:100, ch. 5, with updates). Only those who are or have been admitted to PhD studies may be appointed to PhD position.

Application procedure

Apply online! Applications must contain a cover letter in which applicants describe themselves and their particular research interests. Applications must also include a CV, a copy of the applicant’s Master’s thesis (or a summary text if the thesis is not yet completed), contact details of at least two references, copies of grade certificates, and any other documents that the applicant wishes to refer to.