PhD student in Energy Materials Physics

Published: 2022-10-17

Uppsala University is a comprehensive research-intensive university with a strong international standing. Our ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a long-term difference in society. Our most important assets are all the individuals whose curiosity and dedication make Uppsala University one of Sweden’s most exciting workplaces. Uppsala University has over 54,000 students, more than 7,500 employees and a turnover of around SEK 8 billion.

PhD student in Energy Materials Physics with specialization on corrosion resistant materials

The research conducted at the Department of Physics and Astronomy encompasses a wide range of physics topics, distributed over ten divisions. The department is located in the Ångström laboratory and employs nearly 400 people, 125 of whom are doctoral students. It offers a broad physics curriculum to undergraduate and graduate students, participation in nationally and internationally leading projects for researchers, and opportunities for partnership with industry and various outreach activities.

The division of X-ray Photon Science is world-leading in the use of advanced spectroscopy methods. This puts us in the forefront in atomic-level studies of atoms, molecules and condensed matter. This division includes the research programme Condensed Matter Physics of Energy Materials, with a special focus on development of materials, surfaces and interfaces of interest for different energy applications, and therefore also the development of a sustainable society. We are a diverse and collaborating research group that shares the same general goal of unraveling the mechanisms that take place in complex systems such as photovoltaics, batteries, fuel cells, and catalysis.

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at Uppsala University

Project description
Materials found in a harsh environment, including materials exposed to outdoor weather, or materials found in electrochemical devices such as batteries or fuel cells are subject to corrosion. Corrosion is a common process that leads to material degradation and therefore there are both economic and environmental benefits of increased corrosion resistance. In this project, corrosion processes of new materials will be studied at an atomic level. A fundamental understanding of how corrosion is initiated and develops can be used to tune the material composition in order to increase the stability and corrosion resistance further.

Duties
The PhD student will work with, and develop, energy materials. An important aspect of this work will be the use and development of methods that combine photoelectron spectroscopy with electrochemistry to study corrosion while it is happening, i.e., in-situ. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), hard x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES) and ambient pressure x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (AP-XPS) both at synchrotron radiation facilities as well as in-house are central in this project for studying the chemical composition of the surface and in the bulk of new materials. This will be combined with electrochemical measurements, both in-situ and ex-situ. The PhD student will develop models to increase the corrosion resistance and will also have the possibility to take part in the development of new materials. The PhD student will work in an interdisciplinary environment including both physics and chemistry.

Requirements
The applicant should have a degree in Physics, Materials science or another relevant subject. Fluency in both spoken and written English is a prerequisite. 

Additional qualifications
The candidate should be highly motivated to pursue experimental x-ray-based research in an active team with interest to immerse oneself into physics aspects as well as advanced sample preparation aspects.

Experience in photoelectron spectroscopy, electrochemical methods and other material analysis methods (e.g., electron microscopy) will be considered a merit. Experience of work at synchrotron facilities will also be a merit.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicants experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research at the department.

Other
The application should consist of a letter describing research interests and relevant experiences (maximum 2 A4 pages), list of published scientific works (if any), Curriculum Vitae (CV, 2 A4 pages), copies of degree certificates and grades. We also welcome contacts to reference persons and/or attach letters of recommendation.

Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University’s rules and guidelines .

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date as agreed. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact: Rebecka Lindblad, [email protected].

Please submit your application by November 21 2022,UFV-PA 2022/3751.

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Submit your application through Uppsala University’s recruitment system.

Placement:
Department of Physics and Astronomy

Type of employment:
Full time
, Temporary position longer than 6 months

Pay: Fixed salary

Number of positions: 1

Working hours: 100%

Town: Uppsala

County: Uppsala län

Country: Sweden

Union representative:
ST/TCO
[email protected]
Seko Universitetsklubben
[email protected]
Saco-rådet
[email protected]

Number of reference: UFV-PA 2022/3751

Last application date: 2022-11-21

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