Doctoral student in Materials Chemistry: In situ LC-TEM & Operando Electrochemistry

Description of the workplace

This position will be part of the Inorganic Nanomaterials research group (https://www.cas.lu.se/research/inorganic-chemistry/inorganic-nanomaterials-group/#/?page=13) 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 structural analysis and characterization, with applications spanning nanomaterials, energy storage, and catalysis.

Subject description

The focus of the project is to investigate and understand the fundamental processes related to charging and discharging batteries. Specifically, the project involves probing the charge storage/release processes occurring during the operation of a battery – from the very beginning to the ultimate end – via an in situ and in operando approach. The project aims to utilize the in situ capabilities available through liquid cell transmission electron microscopy (LC-TEM) to understand and visualize the operando electrochemical processes occurring in a battery.

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%).

The PhD project involves both the synthesis and structural characterization of cathode and anode battery materials. With the recent addition of LC-TEM capabilities at CAS, the PhD student will play a key role in developing this technique. Responsibilities include planning and conducting experiments, using multiple characterisation techniques, as well as analyzing and interpreting data.

Specific work duties may include:

• Develop in situ operando electrochemical LC-TEM as a standalone method.
• Study and analyze the formation of the solid-electrolyte interface (SEI).
• Monitor dynamic charge intercalation processes during electrochemical energy storage.

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 Materials 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
• Hands-on experience in the structural characterisation of inorganic materials using techniques such as x-ray diffraction, and/or electron microscopy.
• Experience with (physical) electrochemical characterization of materials.

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 where prior experience is a merit:

• Vibrational spectroscopy and other spectroscopic techniques.
• Method development and validation.
• Inorganic materials synthesis and processing.
• Battery materials.

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!