PhD in Physical Chemistry or Chemical Physics - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Department of Chemistry - Ångström conducts research and education in the chemistry field. The department has more than 200 employees and has a turnover of 200 million SEK. At the department's six programs, we conduct very successful research of a high international standard. We have a large number of externally funded research projects, often with international cooperation and we see continued good growth in our subject area. The department has education assignments in engineering and civil engineering programs and master's programs. More information is available on our website.

Subject description/research project: The third industrial revolution (digital revolution) makes use of a platform called the Internet of Things (IoT). The news is filled with emerging applications from fancy wearables to lifesaving medical devices. IoT hardware has two common features, an Internet connection and a smart sensor. Markets predict deployment of hundreds of billions of smart sensors over the next decade. Sensors connectivity to the cloud is already complex but their sustainable deployment is equally an enthusing research challenge. This project aims to develop a novel solar cell construct, one that does not require a compromise between aesthetics and performance, radically different from competitive technologies.

The hosting research group conducts fundamental studies of plasmonic structures for the solar application, namely artificial photosynthesis and solar cells. This project will be focused on the development of highly customizable solar cells with plasmonic nanoparticles as light absorbers, aimed at powering devices with environmental light (indoor and outdoor). The project is centred on the fundamental understanding of light absorbing and charge carrier formation on plasmonic but there are also some applied aspects to it, as described below. The project involves experimental work using ultrafast and synchrotron spectroscopy, materials synthesis and testing, and device manufacturing and integration into IoT sensors and other smart things. For more information, please contact the group leader Dr Jacinto Sá (jacinto.sa@kemi.uu.se).

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 can also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

The doctoral student must be able to design, plan and execute the experimental work, critically analyse and discuss the results, and present their work orally at scientific conferences and written in the form of papers in peer-reviewed journals. The doctoral student must participate in all the mandatory group activities (as example: laboratory cleaning; safety training; instrumentation training and group meetings) as well as the activities related to the Physical Chemistry program and the Department of Chemistry-Ångström (as example: participation in seminars, guest lectures and the Consortium of Artificial Photosynthesis meetings; fire and other mandatory safety trainings; journal club; annual PhD conference; outreach and science popularization activities such as SciFest; non-academic activities such as student representation at departmental board). The doctoral student must also complete a minimum of 40 course credits.

Admission requirements: A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if he or she:

• 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.

Requirements:

• Degree or equivalent as above in Chemistry, Physics and/or Materials, with a strong component on physical chemistry/chemical physics and materials.
• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through his or her experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme. 

Additional requirements:

• Knowledge in the synthesis of metallic nanoparticles
• Solar cells manufacturing and testing
• Knowledge about ultrafast and steady-state spectroscopy (optical and X-ray)
• Basic knowledge of electrochemistry
• Knowledge about sustainability, renewable energy, internet of things (IoTs) platform and sharing economy (third industrial revolution). 

Terms of employment: The rules about PhD students are found in the Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 5 §§1-7 and the university's rules and guidelines.

Application procedure: The application should include a statement of research interest, CV, certificates of exams, degrees and grades, a copy of Master thesis, published article or relevant materials, if available. Also, contact information of at least two reference persons should be included.

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.

Pay: According to the local agreement (Local collective agreement for doctoral students and students).

Starting: 2019-07-01 or as otherwise agreed.

Type of employment: Temporary position for four years

Working hours: 100%

For further information about the position, please contact:
(Jacinto Sá +46703022448, jacinto.sa@kemi.uu.se)

You are welcome to submit your application no later than 2019-04-30, UFV-PA 2019/848