Postdoctoral position in Condenced matter physics of energy materials - 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 nine divisions. The department is located in the Ångström laboratory and employs nearly 400 people, 100 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. Read more on www.physics.uu.se

The division of X-ray Photon Science is world-leading in the use of advanced spectroscopy methods. This puts us in the forefront in atomic-level studies of atoms, molecules and condensed matter. This division includes the research programme Condensed Matter Physics of Energy Materials, with a special focus on studies and development of materials, surfaces and interfaces of interest for different energy applications, and therefore also the development of a sustainable society. We are a diverse and collaborating research group that shares the same general goal of unraveling and controlling the mechanisms that take place in complex systems related to photovoltaics, batteries, fuel cells, and catalysis. The position is placed at the research program Condensed Matter Physics of Energy but the work will be in clos collaboration with the Division of Solid State Physics at the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. This division has a long tradition of research into functional materials for energy and environment-related applications, including pioneering work in electrochromism, thermochromism, photochromism, photocatalysis and solar fuel research. A significant part of the research work will consist of studies on functional oxides for catalytic applications, within the framework of funded VR, FORMAS, and STEM projects.

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Duties

The successful candidate for this postdoctoral position will have the opportunity to study various catalytic materials, e.g. low-dimensional materials, using X-ray-based methodologies such as photoemission spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and complementary techniques. Within the position, you will also have the opportunity to learn to fabricate materials using different methods and to characterize their catalytic functionality. The candidate will be part of a international research group that shares the common goal of understanding the function of such new and challenging energy materials and developing their performance.

Specific tasks include:

• Using experimental results to understand the physics that limit the efficiency of energy materials.
• Investigating the geometric structure and electronic structure of new Ni-based low-dimensional catalytic particles and heterostructures, as well as their interfaces, using X-ray based and Raman spectroscopic methods, as well as additional functional characterization tools. The latter involves the integration of ion-based analysis tools and electrochemical measurements.
• Using the newfound knowledge to provide design rules and develop systems for new efficient catalytic materials, including hydrogen production.
• International collaboration, specifically with India.
• Writing scientific reports and papers and leading a portion of the experimental activities.

Requirements

PhD degree in physics or materials science or a foreign degree equivalent to a PhD degree in physics or materials science. The degree needs to be obtained by the time of the decision of employment. Those who have obtained a PhD degree three years prior to the application deadline are primarily considered for the employment. The starting point of the three-year frame period is the application deadline. Due to special circumstances, the degree may have been obtained earlier. The three-year period can be extended due to circumstances such as sick leave, parental leave, duties in labour unions, etc. 

Additional qualifications

When assessing expertise, special consideration will be given to the following research merits: spectroscopic experience in the field as described above, with a specific emphasis on experience in working with photoemission spectroscopy using synchrotron light, both with respect to experimental measurements and subsequent data analysis. Research experience in low-dimensional materials and electron dynamics is particularly valuable. Additionally, possessing the ability to lead spectroscopy investigations and having a broad experience of international research and collaborations are highly desirable.

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position of 2 years according to central collective agreement. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date as agreed. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact: Tomas Edvnisson, tomas.edvinsson@angstrom.uu.se, Håkan Rensmo hakan.rensmo@physics.uu.se.

Please submit your application by 31 July  2023, UFV-PA 2023/2660

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