Post-doctoral researcher - Characterization of quasicrystals at high pressures - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Department of Earth Sciences is one of the most complete such academic departments in Europe. Our research focuses on subjects that range from the Earth’s core to the atmosphere, on scales from submicroscopic structures in minerals to the formation of mountains and oceans. We have teaching at undergraduate and graduate levels. Our courses offer a wide range within the geoscience area and several of the department's programs have received the highest rating in evaluations by the Swedish National Agency for Higher Education (Högskoleverket) and the Swedish Higher Education Authority (Universitetskanslersämbetet). For more information, please visit: www.geo.uu.se or www.facebook.com/geouppsalauniversity/.

The position is placed at the Department of Earth Sciences which has six programs engaged in a collaborative research of high international standard. The high-pressure mineralogy group performs experimental studies on minerals and materials at extreme conditions of pressures and temperatures, pursuing interdisciplinary projects across research fields of mineralogy and materials science.

Project description:
The announced position is tied to the project: “Functional Quasicrystals? - Harnessing the complexity of aperiodic intermetallic compounds” supported by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation. The discovery of aperiodic order in quasicrystals (QCs) implied a paradigm shift in crystallography that altered our fundamental view on ordered matter and redefined the concept of crystalline order. Although there has been considerable progress in determining and understanding the atomic structures of QCs, a most decisive question still remains to be answered: Do QCs exhibit distinct (and perhaps novel) electronic and magnetic properties that are introduced by the quasiperiodicity of the structure? Answering this question and identifying these properties will help transforming QCs from being merely crystallographic curiosities to functional materials. The project aims at a conclusive and unambiguous characterization of the fundamental correlations between aperiodic atomic structure and physical properties in QCs.

Duties: 
The successful candidate will be involved in the characterization of novel quasicrystal approximants and quasicrystals, applying magnetic, electric and heat capacity measurements under high pressure, at ambient and low temperatures and in magnetic fields.

The activities will be carried out in a close collaboration with the Departments of Chemistry and Engineering Sciences with specialization in Solid State Physics, Uppsala University, as well as with co-workers from Stockholm University and the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm (KTH).

The work tasks include design, preparation and measurements of miniature samples in a diamond anvil cell. The work duties can also include teaching and other departmental duties (maximum 20%).

Requirements:
The requirement for this position is a PhD in in either Physics, Chemistry, Earth or Materials Sciences. The applicant needs to master the diamond anvil cell technique. 

We are looking for a self-driven researcher with practical skills to develop a reliable sample preparation and measurement methodologies using available microstructural technologies (e.g. FIB technique). We expect the candidate to be proficient in oral and written English in order to interact and communicate effectively with all employees as well as to publish internationally. Excellent collaborative skills are required.

To be eligible for a position as Post-doc, the applicant must hold a PhD or equivalent. The applicants PhD degree must have been obtained no more than three years prior to the application date. The PhD can be older than three years if there are special circumstances. Such special circumstances can be periods of sick leave, parental leave etc, which are deducted from the three-year period.

Additional qualifications:
An experience from cryogenic as well as transport measurements (electrical, thermal) is an advantage.

Application:
Application should include a description of research interests and experience, including a motivation for applying for this position, a CV, copies of exams, degrees and grades, a copy of Ph.D. thesis (or a draft thereof), relevant publications, and other relevant documents. At least two letter of recommendation and contact information to reference persons should accompany applications, as well as earliest feasible starting date of employment.

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. As there are more men than women in the category of postdoc within our faculty, women are especially encouraged to apply for this position. 

Salary: Individual salary.
 
Starting date: As soon as possible, upon agreement.

Type of employment: Temporary position of two years according to central collective agreement.

Scope of employment: 100%.

For further information about the position please contact:
Peter Lazor, Professor. E-mail: peter.lazor@geo.uu.se.

Please submit your application by 15 april 2019, UFV-PA 2019/585.

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.

In the event of any disagreement between the English and the Swedish versions of this announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.