Postdoctoral position in Materials Chemistry - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description of the workplace

This position will be part of the Inorganic Nanomaterials research group within the Centre for Analysis and Synthesis (CAS) at the Department of Chemistry. We are a highly international unit and strive to maintain gender balance. Research at CAS focuses on inorganic, organic, polymer and materials synthesis, as well as advanced analysis and characterization techniques, with applications across such topics as photovoltaics, energy storage and catalysis. Within the Inorganic Nanomaterials group, we are interested in designing new materials and understanding the fundamental dynamic processes underlying their synthesis. Read more on our website: https://www.kilu.lu.se/cas/research/nanomaterials/

We offer

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme.
Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee Work at Lund University

Subject description

In-situ transmission electron microscopy for elucidating the formation of lead-free piezoelectric materials.

Work duties

The main duties involved in a post-doctoral position is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position includes the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning. The purpose of the position is to develop the independence as a researcher and to create the opportunity of further development.

The aim of this project is to investigate the fundamental formation process of lead-free piezoelectric ceramics, such as sodium potassium niobate, at the nanoscale using in-situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The project will utilise microwave irradiation and conventional hydrothermal methods for synthesis of the precursors used to make the piezoelectric material. Characterisation will be reliant on solid-state techniques, such as Raman spectroscopy, XRD, SEM and AFM. A customized TEM integrated with a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) system will be used for monitoring the in-situ formation of the piezoelectric materials. Particular focus will be placed on understanding the challenge in obtaining stoichiometric occupancy of potassium and sodium, at the morphotropic phase boundary of sodium potassium niobate. Real-time analysis will be used to elucidate the processes influencing the piezoelectric properties of the materials, such as the formation of the morphotropic phase boundary.

As a postdoc you will be responsible for designing, planning and carrying out experiments independently, including development of project ideas. Supervision of graduate or postgraduate students may also be part of the work duties.

Qualification requirements

Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position. The certificate proving the qualification requirement is met, must be received before the employment decision is made. Priority will be given to candidates who have graduated no more than three years ago before the last day for application. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Doctoral degree within materials chemistry, inorganic chemistry, or a closely related subject
• Hands on experience in the synthesis of inorganic ceramic materials by microwave, hydrothermal or similar methods
• Synthesis of inorganic materials for electrochemical energy storage applications or with piezoelectric properties
• Good problem-solving and linguistic analytical abilities

The candidate is expected to work independently, but also to interact with researchers from other subjects.

Assessment criteria

This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers. Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject.

For appointments to a post-doctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

• A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research.
• Teaching skills.

Additional assessment criteria:

Experience in any of the following areas will be counted as a merit:

• Characterization methods including vibrational spectroscopy, PXRD, cyclic voltammetry, spectroscopic ellipsometry, AFM, SEM and/or electrophoretic light scattering
• Fabrication of solid-state materials including niobium/tantalum pentoxide, titanium-niobium oxides and alkali niobates, via the use of polyoxometalates
• Hands-on experience working in a clean room, with a schenk line, thin film fabrication or physical vapor deposition

We are looking for a person who is structured, goal-oriented and has good self-awareness. Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

Further information

This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of 2 years (state the exact period of employment between two and three years). The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral fellow”).

How to apply

Applications shall be written in English. Please draw up the application in accordance with LTH’s Academic qualifications portfolio – see link below. Upload the application as PDF-files in the recruitment system. Read more: http://www.lth.se/english/working-at-lth/to-apply-for-academic-positions-at-lth/

Welcome with your application!