Doctoral student in inorganic nanomaterials from deep eutectic solvents - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Subject description

This research project focuses on the use of novel “green” solvents in inorganic materials chemistry. The research will focus on the dissolution of new or combinations of inorganic materials and studies of the chemical and physical properties of the solutions, which will then be used to make nanoparticles or nanoporous materials. Studies will include characterization of structure over many length scales from atomistic to macroscopic using a range of light, X-ray and neutron scattering techniques supplemented by other techniques such as electron microscopy, TGA, DSC, spectroscopic studies and functional characterisation. Collaboration with researchers in other subject areas in chemistry, physics and chemical engineering is an important part of the education at doctoral level

Work duties

Experimental work will include characterization of metal ion solutions in deep eutectic solvents and the synthesis of nanoparticles and/or nanoporous materials in these solvents. The work will also require travel to use instruments at neutron and synchrotron X-ray scattering facilities in the UK and Europe.

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 can 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
• an MSc in Chemical Engineering or Engineering Nanoscience

Finally, the student must be judged to have the potential to complete the programme.

Additional requirements:

• Good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Practical experience gained from research work in chemistry, including characterization of solutions and/or inorganic materials.
• Confident user of software for data analysis.

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 based on academic results from the first and second cycle. Special attention is paid to the following:

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

Other assessment criteria:

• Practical experience of solvothermal synthesis or other methods of nanoparticle/nanoporous materials synthesis
• Practical experience of analytical methods for metal ions in solution and/or inorganic materials (e.g. conductivity, FTIR, UV-Vis, EXAFS, XRD, NMR, TEM/SEM, gas sorption or other relevant methods.)
• Practical experience of data analysis using model fitting or simulations
• Knowledge of green chemistry ideals and sustainability considerations is desirable.
• Letters of recommendation from relevant persons/institutions

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.

Terms of employment

Only those 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. The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation:

• Motivation letter and Statement of purpose
• Curriculum vitae
• References (at least two)
• Certificates evidencing met admission requirement
• Certificates evidencing met assessment criteria
• Answer to the questions appended.