Doctoral student in inorganic chemistry focused on in situ characterization of materials - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Subject description
The subject covers third-cycle education in the areas of solid state chemistry and material chemistry. The research focuses on synthesis of new solid materials and studies of their chemical and physical properties. Since the physical properties are directly dependent on the material’s atomic order and disorder, their crystal structure is studied with electron microscopy and X-rays diffraction. Collaboration with researchers in other areas of chemistry, physics, biology and mechanical and civil engineering is an important part of the third-cycle programme.

Project description
Redox processes on the surfaces of solid materials are fundamental to for example catalysis, combustion and corrosion. Using in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) it is however possible to directly image these processes at high temperatures while exposing the materials to reactive environments. This offers unprecedented access to the atomic scale mechanisms, which can help guide the design of e.g. more active catalysts.

The aim of this PhD project is to study materials and processes for carbon-neutral fuel and chemical production using in situ TEM. This includes surface characterization of catalysts for carbon dioxide hydrogenation, but also reactions and materials related to, for example, biomass gasification. The research will be conducted using a customized transmission electron microscope where the samples can be heated in the presence of, for example, oxygen for oxidation and hydrogen for reduction. The candidate will use a wide range of TEM-based imaging and analysis techniques to understand the dynamic redox processes occurring at different surfaces, and then relate these to the materials’ properties as for example catalysts. Synthesis and modification of materials prior to the in situ TEM experiments may form part of the research activities.  

The project will be carried out at the Centre for Analysis and Synthesis (www.kilu.lu.se/cas). A research visit to another university/institute may also occur. The PhD candidate will interact with a team of researchers conducting experiments using the in situ TEM, and will be responsible for planning and conducting their own experiments, as well and analyzing and interpreting the data.

Work duties
The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties will also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

Admission requirements
A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if the applicant:

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third cycle studies in Inorganic Chemistry if the applicant has:

• at least 30 credits of relevance to the subject area, of which at least 15 credits from the second cycle and a specialised project of at least 15 second-cycle credits in the subject, or
• a MSc in Chemical Engineering or Engineering Nanoscience

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Good knowledge of transmission electron microscopy, including substantial hands-on experience working with this type of instrument. 

Assessment criteria
Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the student’s potential to profit from such studies. The assessment of potential is made primarily on the basis of academic results from the first and second cycle. Special attention is paid to the following:

1. Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study.
2. An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
3. Written and oral communication skills
4. Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience.

Other assessment criteria:

• Prior coursework on advanced electron microscopy.
• Prior coursework on catalysis, surface chemistry/physics, or combustion physics.
• Experience of laboratory work related to catalysts preparation trough, e.g., synthesis and impregnation of oxide nanoparticles.
• A broad and interdisciplinary competence profile is very important, and knowledge within such areas as materials science, nanoscience, chemistry and physics will be considered relevant for the position.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through his or her experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme. Furthermore, we are looking for a person who is curious, achievement-oriented, structured and persistent, and has problem-solving analytical skills and a good self-awareness.

Terms of employment
Only those who will be admitted or who are already admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Third cycle studies at LTH consist of full-time studies for 4 years. A doctoral studentship is a fixed-term employment of a maximum of 5 years (including 20% departmental duties). Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

Instructions on how to apply
Applications shall be written in English and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. Relevant courses and thesis work must be clearly indicated in the cover letter. The application must also contain a CV, copies of grades (transcribed to ECTS), degree certificates or equivalent, copy of your Master thesis, and other documents you wish to be considered (contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.).