PhD student position in surface physics with focus on fundamental studies of photon-stimulated CO₂ Operando spectroscopy and DFT calculations - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Admittance  to postgraduate studies in the subject Engineering Science with specialization in Solid State Physicis.

Research environment: The Division of Solid State Physics is part of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Uppsala University (https://teknik.uu.se/solid-state-physics). Österlund's research group conducts research on catalytic materials and optical materials, especially thin films and nanoparticles, for environmental and energy applications. The group focuses on operando vibrational spectroscopy (FTIR and Raman), reaction kinetics and optical spectroscopy (dielectric spectroscopy, photoluminescence and spectrophotometry), as well as thin-film material synthesis with physical evaporation sputtering and inert gas vaporization technology.

Research projects and work description: The purpose of the project is to study CO₂ adsorption processes on metal oxide surfaces and to investigate how these processes can be tailored for proton-coupled electron transfer reactions for direct reduction of CO₂ at oxide surfaces. The project is based on preliminary data and calculations demonstrating a hitherto unexplored photo-stimulated CO₂ adsorption mechanism whereby adsorption takes place on the sites of oxidized lattice oxygen surface atoms and a simultaneous reduction of nearby O₂.  Here, we aim to specifically quantify and generalize the reaction mechanism with advanced infrared surface spectroscopy techniques under various experimental conditions ranging from vacuum-based single crystals to ambient pressure nanoparticle systems. We will use DFT calculation methods for charge corrections of potential energy due to interband transitions and interface charge transfer, as well as calculate adsorbate structures and vibrational spectra with methods developed within the research group. The applicant is expected to do experimental studies with operando FTIR spectroscopy and it is desirable that the doctoral student also performs DFT calculation in collaboration with researchers at the Department of Structural Chemistry, Department of Chemistry - Ångström where the co-supervisor is employed.

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%).

Qualification requirements: We are looking for a creative person who is motivated to carry out postgraduate education in the subject area described above, and who has a basic college degree at the master's level or equivalent (e.g. civil engineering degree) specializing in technical physics, physics, chemical physics, theoretical chemistry, or equivalent. Experience in infrared spectroscopy, surface physics, vacuum technology, quantum chemical calculations (especially DFT) is a merit.

Very good written and oral skills in English are required.

Personal qualities, such as the ability to independently manage and run the doctoral project and at the same time be able to interact with other researchers are very important. The applicant must be purposeful and structured and strongly motivated to carry out all the elements of postgraduate education.

Admission requirements: A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programs 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.

Regulations for doctoral students can be found in the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 5, §§ 1-7, and in the 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.

Application Instructions: Your application should contain

1) A short letter describing yourself, your goals and why you want to doctorate.

2) CV (max 2 pages)

3) Copy of the master's degree and course grades from university studies

4) Names and contact details (e-mail and telephone) of 2 reference persons who are competent to assess your professional qualifications.

5) List of possible publications including master's thesis. 

Salary: According to local collective agreement for doctoral students.

Admission: Spring 2020 or by agreement.

Type of employment: Time-limited employment according to HF Chapter 5 §7.

Scope of employment: 100%.

Starting date: Spring 2020 or by agreement.

For further information about the position please contact Professor Lars Österlund, Tel. 0702-562425, e-mail: lars.osterlund@angstrom.uu.se. 

Please submit  your application no later than 23 February 2020, UFV-PA 2020/205.

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.