Doctoral student in Inorganic Chemistry - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description of the workplace

This position will be part of the Light-Activated Energy Materials (LAEM) 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. 

Subject description

The focus of the research will be on the synthesis and characterization of novel lead-free halide perovskite materials both in the form of thin film and nanocrystals for their green energy applications such as solar cells and photoelectrochemical water splitting. Metal halide perovskites have been recognized as the most promising candidate for a wide range of potential uses in solar energy applications such as solar cells and photocatalysis. To be able to meet the rising challenges in eco-friendly and sustainable production of materials for these applications, novel lead-free halide perovskites must be explored. For this reason, we are aiming to develop synthesis and deepen understanding of lead-free halide perovskites with potential for the fabrication of efficient and stable devices.

The project will also be part of the WISE program (Wallenberg Initiative Material Science for Sustainability), funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg foundation (https://wise-materials.org/), which will include collaboration with partners within the WISE network.

All early-stage researchers recruited into the WISE program will be a part of the WISE Graduate School <https://wise-materials.org/research/graduate-school/>, an ambitious nationwide program of seminars, courses, research visits, and other activities to promote a strong multi-disciplinary and international network between PhD students, postdocs, researchers, and industry.

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%).

You will be responsible for designing, planning and carrying out experiments under the direct supervision of your doctoral supervisor, including development of project ideas. Supervision of graduate students may be part of the work duties. You will conduct several specific experimental tasks as follows:

• Synthesis of novel lead-free halide perovskites bulk crystals (thin films) in inert atmosphere (e.g., nitrogen-filled glovebox)
• Colloidal synthesis of lead-free halide perovskite nanocrystals with Schlenk line system
• Fabrication of lead-free perovskite-based solar cells or photoelectrochemical cells
• Characterize as-synthesized perovskite materials with diverse microscopy and spectroscopy techniques, e.g., transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), absorption spectrometer, fluorometer

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:

• Good oral and written proficiency in English.

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:

• 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:

• Experience in fabrication of next generation solar cells such as dye sensitized solar cells, organic solar cells and perovskite solar cells.
• Experience in synthesis of semiconductor nanocrystals.
• Materials characterization skills such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-visible absorption spectroscopy, SEM etc.
• Knowledge in electrochemistry.
• Working experience in a chemistry or synthesis lab.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

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. https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/about-university/work-lund-university

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 §§.

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.).

Welcome to apply!