PhD in chemistry with specialization in inorganic chemistry - 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: Quasicrystals are materials that, unlike ordinary crystals, lack periodicity in three dimensions. Their unusual structures can also give rise to unusual properties that are largely unexplored. Structural analysis of quasicrystals benefits from the presence of structurally related compounds; so-called approximants, which locally have similar atomic structure to the quasi-crystals. As new quasicrystals and approximants are discovered, new properties are also found; recently, magnetic long-range order has for the first time been discovered among approximants and one of the aims of the project is to find also magnetic quasi-crystals to finally answer the question "are there unique properties that can be associated with the unique structures of quasicrystals?" The overall goal of the project is to produce complex metallic alloys and to map the relationship between their crystalline structures and specific properties.

Work duties: The doctoral student will synthesize alloys from metallic melts and, through various diffraction methods, study the chemical and structural order at the unit cell level in complex alloys, which include approximants and quasicrystals. The methods involve high temperature synthesis, as well as single crystal diffraction and powder diffraction with both X-rays and neutrons. The magnetic measurements mainly involve magnetization, susceptibility measurements and neutron studies in order to characterize magnetic properties, order and phase transitions. Measurements will be made at large-scale synchrotron and neutron facilities and locally in the lab.

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%).

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 or physics.
• 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: We are looking for you who has a master's degree in chemistry or physics with good experience in synthetic inorganic chemistry, and an interest in basic research of crystalline structures and magnetic properties. Previous experience of diffraction methods is an advantage. You are innovative and ready to stretch the traditional subject boundaries of research.

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 local agreement (Local collective agreement for doctoral students and students).

Starting: 2019-09-01 or as otherwise agreed.

Type of employment: Temporary position for four years.

Working hours: 100%.

For further information about the position, please Contact Ass.Prof. Cesar Pay Gómez, e-mail: cesar.paygomez@kemi.uu.se.

You are welcome to submit your application no later than 2019-06-03, UFV-PA 2019/1383.