Doctoral student in Inorganic Chemistry with focus on TEM - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description of the workplace

This position will be part of the Inorganic Nanomaterials research group (www.kilu.lu.se/cas/research/nanomaterials/) 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 aim of this project is to study the fundamental crystal growth processes of functional inorganic materials at the nanoscale using in-situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The project will utilize a customized TEM integrated with a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) system equipped with gas sources suitable for growth of semiconductor materials. The focus will be on designing novel functional nanostructures with particular emphasis on sustainability and novel properties, for instance in catalysis or magnetism. Real-time analysis will be used to understand the processes governing nucleation, selection of crystal structure, and growth of heterostructure materials.

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 student will conduct experiments in the in-situ TEM involving the development of novel crystalline materials, and understanding how they form. You 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:

• Good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Good knowledge of transmission electron microscopy, including substantial hands-on experience working with this type of instrument.
• Knowledge of important topics in solid state or materials chemistry is required, such as crystal structure, crystal growth, 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:

• Prior coursework on advanced electron microscopy.
• Practical experience with a vapor phase crystal growth techniques such as CVD.
• 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 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!