Postdoctoral position in Solid State Physics - Theoretical modelling of catalyst materials - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Temporary full-time employment for two years starting 2021-04-01 or by agreement

The Department of Solid State Physics (FTF) is part of the Department of Materials Science at the Ångström Laboratory. The research is related to energy and environmental issues as well as to life sciences applications in our various research areas. Preferably, we investigate the physical and chemical properties of nanomaterials and new materials that can be utilized as thin film for smart windows, solar cells, gas sensors, spin electronics and biomagnetic applications, as well as catalytic and photocatalytic coatings to create new applications in green energy technology.

Project description: The project is about developing and studying new materials for efficient catalysis of ammonia. Here, both materials for reducing nitrogen for the production of ammonia and materials for electrolyzing ammonia to obtain electricity in a fuel cell will be studied. Special focus will be on 3- and 4-element systems as well as high entropy alloys and their phase transformations. The work in the project offers an opportunity for scientific collaborations with world-leading groups in both fundamental and applied research in electrocatalysis. In addition, there is also strong support from a stakeholder group of European companies interested in this area. The project is funded by a new H2020 Project.

Work duties: The tasks are primarily about applying density functional theory (DFT) for theoretical description of multi-element systems and using linear-response DFT to analyze the theoretical vibrational energies of precipitated metal oxides and metal nitrides on the surface of the catalysts in comparison with experimental spectra from Raman spectroscopy. The work also includes developing models for amorphous / pseudo-amorphous systems and some modeling with thermodynamic methods. The group has previous experience of calculations of amorphous systems and access to calculation time at both local clusters and national supercomputer centers will be provided.

Qualification requirements:  To qualify for an employment as a postdoctor you must have a PhD degree or a foreign degree equivalent to a PhD degree.  The PhD degree must have been obtained no more than three years prior to the application deadline. The three year period can be extended due to circumstances such as sick leave, parental leave, duties in labour unions, etc.

This position requires a doctoral degree in physics, materials chemistry, or physical chemistry with previous good experience of DFT.

We require very good oral and written proficiency in English.

We require the ability to work focused, structured and with foresight, both individually and in groups, and to be able to collaborate in a transdisciplinary environment with colleagues both within and outside the department.

Additional qualifications: It is an advantage with a background in calculations of solid catalytic materials and/or previous experience of response calculations with DFT.

Instructions for application: Your application must contain:

• An introductory letter describing you, your understanding of the task, and motivating why you are appropriate for this position. (Max 2 pages)

• CV (max 2 pages)

• Copies of your PhD exam, course grades and other relevant credits

• A list of publications

• Copies of your three most relevant publications
• Names and contact details (address, e-mail address and telephone number) of at least two reference persons.

Salary: Individual salary.

Starting date: 2021-04-01 or as otherwise agreed

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

Scope of employment: 100 %

For further information about the position please contact: Professor Tomas Edvinsson (tomas.edvinsson@angstrom.uu.se)

Information about the Solid State Physics Division is available at: https://materialvetenskap.uu.se/research/solid-state-physics+/

Please submit your application by 11 February 2021, UFV-PA 2021/150

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