PhD student position in Surface Physics with Focus on Solar Light Activated CO₂ fixation - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Admission to PhD education in the subject Engineering Science with specialization in Solid State Physics

Research environment: The Division of Solid State Physics is part of the Department of Materials Science at Uppsala University https://materialvetenskap.uu.se/research/solid-state-physics+/). Österlund's research group conducts research on catalytic and optical materials for environmental and energy applications. The group focuses on operando vibrational spectroscopy (FTIR and Raman), reaction kinetics and optical spectroscopy (spectrophotometry, photoluminescence, dielectric spectroscopy), as well as material synthesis using physical deposition technology.

Research project: 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 locally reduced cation sites. Here, we aim specifically to quantify and generalize the reaction mechanism with advanced infrared surface spectroscopy techniques under various experimental conditions ranging (vacuum to atmosphere; single crystals to nanoparticles). 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.

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 work tasks in the research project of this PhD position involve experimental studies with operando FTIR spectroscopy and DFT calculations in collaboration with the Division of Structural Chemistry, Department of Chemistry – Ångströmlab. The weight of experiment and theoretical work can vary in the course of the project.

Qualification requirements: MSc degree in technical physics, physics, chemical physics, theoretical chemistry, or equivalent.

We require very good written and oral skills in English.

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.

Additional qualifications: Experience in infrared spectroscopy, surface physics, vacuum technology, quantum chemical calculations (especially DFT) is a merit.

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/.

Instruction for application:

Your application should contain

1) A short letter describing yourself, your goals and why you want to become a PhD student

2) CV (max 2 pages)

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

4) Names and contact information (e-mail and telephone) to two reference persons who have agreed to act as reference for you.

5) Copies (or drafts thereof) of thesis work and other documents , such as publications, which you wish to invoke

Salary: According to local collective agreement for doctoral students

Admission: As soon as possible or by agreement.

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 Lars Österlund, Tel. 0702-562425, e-mail: lars.osterlund@angstrom.uu.se

Please submit your application by 15 January 2021, UFV-PA 2020/4252.

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.