PhD student in Physics - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

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 PhD position is placed at the Department of Physics and Astronomy, in the Division of Molecular and Condensed Matter Physics. The research within the division is based on experimental studies of the electronic structure using x-ray-based spectroscopy

Duties/Project description: We are looking for a highly motivated and ambitious PhD student with good experimental skills and a strong interest in x-ray spectroscopy of molecular systems. The aim of the PhD project is to elucidate the coupling of electronic, spin and nuclear coordinates in the photoinduced dynamics of metal complexes with x-ray spectroscopy. Ultrashort x-ray pulses from lab-based sources, synchrotron radiation sources and from x-ray free-electron lasers will be used to probe chemical interactions and dynamics in metal complexes in the gas phase and in solution. This work will be performed in close collaboration with theory groups developing new tools for the description of metal-ligand bonding from first principles. The fundamental knowledge acquired in this project can be used for understanding photosynthesis and it can be used in the development of energy applications or applications in environmental science.

The project will be carried out in the group of Prof. Philippe Wernet, who recently joined the Division of Molecular and Condensed Matter Physics. Research will be carried out using femtosecond laser spectroscopy at Uppsala University combined with experiments at synchrotron radiation facilities and x-ray free-electron lasers.

The position as a PhD student is limited to four years of full-time studies, consisting of research and coursework. There may be other duties at the department, related to teaching and administration.

Requirements: The applicant should have a Master’s degree in Physics, or equivalent, with a strong background in x-ray spectroscopic methods and molecular physics. Prior experience with experiments using ultrashort x-ray pulses is an advantage. Fluency in both written and spoken English is an absolute prerequisite.

The application, in English, should include a personal letter carefully explaining scientific interests and motivation for pursuing a PhD degree, a CV as well as a verified list of course grades. If available, a Master’s thesis can be included. Two letters of recommendation should be included in the application.

Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University's rules and guidelines http://regler.uu.se/?languageId=1.

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.
 
Starting date: 1 November 2019, or as otherwise agreed.

Type of employment: Temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7.

Scope of employment: 100 %

For further information about the position please contact: Professor Philippe Wernet; philippe.wernet@physics.uu.se.

Please submit your application by 15 September 2019, UFV-PA 2019/2509.

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.