Doctoral student in polymer technology with a focus on polymer chemistry and ion-conducting membrane materials

Description of the workplace

Within the Centre for Analysis and Synthesis (https://www.cas.lu.se/) at the Department of Chemistry, we conduct both fundamental and applied research to advance a more sustainable future. Our research focuses on health, materials for energy applications, green chemistry and environmental chemistry. We have core competencies in molecular design and synthesis, synthesis of organic and inorganic materials, chemical analysis and structure and morphology analysis, both in solution and solid state. We teach in the core subjects of general, analytical, inorganic, materials, polymer and organic chemistry  ̶  from undergraduate to doctoral level.

The doctoral position is connected to Professor Patric Jannasch's research group (https://portal.research.lu.se/en/persons/patric-jannasch), which carries out research in the field of polymeric materials for energy and sustainability, for example, within the research centre ”PUSH” (https://www.kth.se/push).

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.

More about being a doctoral student at LTH on lth.se. https://www.lth.se/english/study-at-lth/phd-studies/

Project description

Our future energy system requires efficient and environmentally friendly electrolyzers, fuel cells and batteries based on hydrogen as a renewable energy carrier. In these electrochemical systems, ion-conducting polymers and electrolyte membranes are central materials and components. In this PhD project, you will focus on developing new concepts for ion-conducting polymer membranes, which includes molecular design and synthesis of monomers and polymers, as well as studies of the next generation of membrane materials. Your main goal will be to develop new synthesis strategies and new knowledge on how to tailor polymers to effectively combine high ionic conductivity with chemical stability and mechanical strength. Your focus is therefore on the synthesis of new materials and the experimental work includes organic synthesis of monomers, polymerizations, polymer characterization, production of ionic membrane materials, and analysis of electrochemical, mechanical, and thermal properties. The project is carried out in collaboration with both national and international universities and research institutes. The position will involve a limited number of trips to participate in various meetings and research activities.

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:

• Research within your project
• Collaboration with academic partners
• Supervision of Master students
• Limited administration coupled to the tasks listed above
• Limited responsibility for some of the equipment in the research group
• The duties 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

Additional requirements

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

• good ability to cooperate, and an ability to work in a structured and creative manner
• good 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:

• Desirable education is a master's degree in chemistry with a focus on organic chemistry or polymer chemistry at advanced level
• Practical experience with organic synthesis
• Practical experience with polymerizations and/or functionalization of polymers
• Experience with ionic polymers and membranes

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 at LTH 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.