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

Description of the workplace

Research at the Division of Physical Chemistry deals with surface and colloid science with strong links between experiment and theory. This area is approached with a broad perspective ranging from basic considerations of intermolecular interaction and their manifestations in condensed systems to practical consequences in industry and medicine.

Scotti’s Group deals specifically with experimental soft matter, with particular focus on the relationship between the microscopic architecture of soft building blocks, e.g. microgels, and the macroscopic response of a soft material, both in three and two dimensions. These aspects are investigated using scattering and rheology combined with computer simulations.

Being a doctoral student

As a doctoral student, you are both admitted as a student and employed at Lund University.

As a doctoral student, you will be trained in a scientific approach. In short, you will be trained to think critically and analytically, to solve problems independently using the right methods, and to develop an awareness of research ethics. In addition, you will have the opportunity to work on projects, to develop your leadership and pedagogical skills. Throughout your studies, you will be guided by supervisors. Doctoral studies end with a thesis and a doctoral degree.

Subject and project description

During the 4 years of this project, the PhD student will use pNIPAM-based microgels as a model system for soft spheres to investigate the interplay between the ordering and resulting macroscopic properties of the suspensions under flow at the inteface between air and water or oil and water, and the compressibility of individual particles. The student will identify microgels that can produce a response to flow comparable to red blood cells (RBCs) and platelets. Starting from these selected soft synthetic particles, more complex microgels will be developed to realize a prototype of synthetic RBCs and platelets.

Work duties

You will primarily devote yourself to your doctoral programme, which includes participation in research projects as well as third cycle courses, seminars and conferences.

The work duties include:

• Synthesis.
• Rheological characterization.
• Static and dynamic light scatteirng characterization.
• Perform small-angle x-ray and neutron scattering experiments at large scale facilities in Sweden, France, the UK and Switzerland.
• The duties may also include participation in teaching and other departmental work (however, a maximum of 20% of working hours).

Qualifications

To be eligible for admission and employment as a doctoral student, you must fulfil the requirements below.

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 physical chemistry if the applicant has:

• At least 120 credits must consist of chemistry courses, of which at least 30 credits must be a degree project at the advanced level within the chosen specialization or related specializations. The specific qualification may also have been obtained through other equivalent education, which is assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Additional requirements

In order to complete the doctoral programme in question, the following are also required:

• Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study (e.g. experience in synthesising organic and inorganic compounds for bio-relevant applications or determining the phase diagram and the thermodynamic properties of chemical materials).
• Ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
• good written and oral communication skills.
• very good knowledge of English, spoken and written.

Other qualifications

For the doctoral programme in question, the following are considered as other qualifications:

• Successful completion of courses at the bachelor’s or master’s level in relevant areas for the tasks (e.g. Bioinorganic Chemistry, Coordination Chemistry, Biocompatible Materials, Advanced Surface and Colloid Chemistry, etc.).
• Successful completion of courses at the bachelor’s or master’s level focused on the use of computational methods in chemistry.

We offer

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme.

More about working at Lund University on lu.se. https://www.lunduniversity.lu.se/about-university/work-lund-university

About the employment

The employment is a fixed-term employment at full time, starting as agreed. Third cycle studies consist of full-time studies for 4 years. In the case of teaching and other departmental duties, the employment is extended accordingly. Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

More about terms of employment for doctoral students on Lund University’s Staffpages. https://www.staff.lu.se/research-and-education/research-support/doctoral-education/terms-employment-doctoral-students

How to apply

Applications shall be written in English and include:

• CV and a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the doctoral programme/employment and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background.
• Copies of issued study certificates and/or awarded degree certificates. These must confirm that you meet the general and specific admission requirements for the doctoral programme and show that you have the subject knowledge required for the doctoral programme project.
• Other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.

We welcome your application.