PhD position in studying hydrogen in amorphous materials - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Researchers at the Department of Physics and Astronomy, situated in the Ångström Laboratory, conduct world-class research and education. The department is the second largest at Uppsala University with more than 300 employees and 10 different divisions. For more information, visit http://physics.uu.se/. The project will be jointly carried out within the Division of Materials Physics and the Division of Materials Theory, where we cover a wide range of topics within condensed matter physics: see http://www.physics.uu.se/research/materials-physics+/ and   http://www.physics.uu.se/research/materials-theory/. Thus, the candidate will benefit from working in an exceptionally diverse environment and will have ample opportunities to interact and collaborate with leading theoretical and experimental groups.

Project description:

Climate change and competitiveness are key policy drivers for Sweden and Europe, with a commitment to zero net emission of greenhouse gases by 2045. The hydrogen economy will become part of the solution whereby hydrogen is extracted with renewable energy from water and subsequently stored for later use. When the energy is needed, the stored hydrogen is combined with oxygen from the atmosphere in a fuel cell, which results in a pollution free and sustainable energy mobility.

Several grand challenges remain within the fields of hydrogen production, purification, and storage throughout the vertical chain, from basic research to industrial commercialisation. The PhD project will address these challenges by exploring new amorphous metallic systems to create hydrogen superhighways and robust roadblocks.

The project involves a combined experimental and theoretical screening method for finding new amorphous metals with unique properties. We will develop and use combinatorial thin film techniques to create composition gradients on a chip, and screen the whole phase diagram of amorphous metal hydrides for potential candidate materials using optical techniques.

The PhD project is to blend two research fields: (i) creation of new amorphous metals and exploring their properties with neutron and optical scattering, and (ii) numerical simulations to predict, understand, and screen new candidates.

This project will help to improve our understanding of amorphous solids and will establish a bridge to connect their properties to those of crystals. Additional novel, unexpected phenomena should emerge due to the new interplay between structural order and physical properties.

The ultimate goal of the PhD studies is not only to open and study a new research field but also to explore the frontiers of the possible applications of the new materials.

Requirements: The applicant should have a MSc degree in Physics or equivalent. Courses or other experience in one or more of the following areas are considered a merit: neutron or x-ray scattering, thin film synthesis, computational physics, density functional theory, and lattice dynamics. Since the candidate will carry out experimental neutron scattering as well as numerical simulations, the applicant should have an interest in both experimental and computational physics. Personal qualities such as dedication, motivation, initiative and independence are valuable. Very good skills in spoken and written English are required.

How to apply: The application should include a letter of intent that explains general research interests, specific interests in the announced PhD project, and what unique skill set the applicant can contribute with to the success of the project, especially past experiences regarding the topics listed above as being of great importance for this position. The application should include a CV, a copy of the Master's thesis (or a draft thereof) and any other relevant documents. Furthermore, contact details for at least two letters of references should be provided.

Rules governing Ph.D. candidates are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala university's rules and guidelines http://regler.uu.se

Uppsala University strives to be an inclusive workplace that promotes equal opportunities and attracts qualified candidates who can contribute to the University’s excellence and diversity. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and from people of all backgrounds.

Salary: According to local agreement for PhD students and teaching assistants.
 
Starting date: 01-09-2019, temporary position ending 31-08-2023.

Type of position: Full time position.

For further information about the position please contact 

Gunnar Pálsson (gunnar.palsson@physics.uu.se)

Ralph Scheicher (ralph.scheicher@physics.uu.se)

Please submit your application by 1 May 2019, UFV-PA 2019/580.

Are you considering moving to Sweden to work at Uppsala University? If so, you will find a lot of information about working and living in Sweden at www.uu.se/joinus. You are also welcome to contact International Faculty and Staff Services at ifss@uadm.uu.se.