Doctoral student in inorganic chemistry with focus on synthesis of earth-abundant semiconductors - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Subject description

The subject inorganic chemistry 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.

The focus of the research will be on the synthesis of novel semiconductor nanostructures composed of earth-abundant elements. Semiconductor nanostructures have a wide range of potential uses in energy applications such as solar energy (photovoltaics). To be able to meet the rising challenges in sustainable production of materials for these applications, novel earth-abundant materials must be explored. For this reason we are aiming to develop synthesis of semiconductors based on earth-abundant elements with potential for circular and low-cost production.

The PhD candidate will be part of the Inorganic NanoMaterials group (www.kilu.lu.se/cas/research/nanomaterials/) at the Centre for Analysis and Synthesis (www.kilu.lu.se/cas). The project will also be part of the EIC Pathfinder project SolarUP (https://solarup-project.eu/), which will include collaboration and potential research stays at partner sites.

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%).

This PhD project will involve the development of zinc phosphide nanostructure synthesis. Specific experimental tasks will include chemical vapor deposition (CVD), cleanroom nanofabrication, and characterization of the synthesized materials by appropriate methods such as electron microscopy. The PhD student will be responsible for planning and conducting their own experiments, as well as analyzing and interpreting the data.

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

Additional requirements

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• The Masters project (or equivalent) must be experimental in nature.
• Knowledge of important topics in solid state or materials chemistry is required, such as crystal structure, crystallization, defect formation, phase diagrams, material synthesis and structural characterization. This will primarily be assessed based on prior coursework.

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

• Practical experience of a vapor phase crystal growth techniques such as CVD or MBE.
• Practical experience of structural or functional characterization of semiconductors.
• Practical experience working in a cleanroom environment.
• 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.

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, etc.).