PhD student in multimodal characterization of magnetic nanomaterials with X-ray and ferromagnetic resonance (MSCA COFUND project PRISMAS) - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Admission to PhD education in the subject Engineering Sciences with specialisation in Solid State Physics (MSCA COFUND project PRISMAS)

at the Division of Solid State Physics, Department of Materials Science, Ångström Laboratory.

At the division, we do both basic and application-oriented research that is related to energy and environmental aspects as well as life science via our different research areas. Most commonly, we investigate physical and chemical properties of nanomaterials and compounds whether it will be used as coatings for smart windows, gas sensors, photocatalytic coatings, spintronics and biomagnetic applications or to create new magnetic materials for environmentally friendly energy technologies.

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at Uppsala University

PRISMAS - PhD Research and Innovation in Synchrotron Methods and Applications in Sweden – is a new doctoral network training the next generation of 40 leading synchrotron experts and is co-funded by the Horizon Europe MSCA COFUND Programme.

As a PRISMAS PhD student, you have the chance to conduct cutting-edge research in your field, taking advantage of state of the art tools that will lead to attractive future job opportunities in academia or industry. Moreover, you are part of designing the future of synchrotron technology and instrumentation and using these to tackle some of the most significant global challenges the world faces today while acquiring interdisciplinary and intersectoral knowledge. Being part of the PRISMAS programme gives you the one-of-a-kind experience in form of a secondment at the world´s first 4th generation synchrotron, MAX IV in Lund, Sweden.

With a tailored training programme, including courses to build scientific and technical competence as well as strengthen transferrable skills, PRISMAS provides you with the skills, knowledge and competence needed to successfully achieve your doctoral degree. The MSCA COFUND project PRISMAS offers you outstanding opportunities as well as a stimulating and inspiring surrounding for performing cutting-edge research. By supporting your mobility, it creates perfect conditions for strengthening your international network.

Project description
In this project we exploit the enormous potential at the synchrotron MAX IV in Lund to study magnetic battery materials. We study the connection between magnetic properties of nanoparticles under ion insertion with a number of probes at different length scales. We do this by studying the connection between changes in the crystal structure (WAXS), particle morphology (SAXS) and magnetic properties (ferromagnetic resonance or x-ray dichroism) using a multimodal approach when the ions are inserted/removed electrochemically. Within the project, we develop a specially formed battery half-cell that allow us measuring the dis/charging the battery as we measure all other probes simultaneously. The project is co-financed av Horizon Europe MSCA COFUND and Uppsala University.

Read more about our groups and research here

Work duties
The main duties for a doctoral student 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 training implies a secondment of 3-12 months at MAX IV laboratory in Lund, Sweden. Additional secondments and/or short stays may be arranged in agreement with the supervisor of the research project. Moreover, you will attend international conferences, participate in periodical project meetings and training schools as well as in specialized courses at different universities to complement your knowledge.  A certain amount of travelling is foreseen in relation to these activities.

You work in a team with participation from Uppsala, Lund and Cologne that focuses on correlating the atomistic (diffraction) and mesoscopic (low-angle scattering) structure of battery components with their functional magnetic properties. The tasks include synthesis of high-quality nanoparticles, in-operando characterization of the battery materials with magnetometry and in-operando structure determination of the materials using X-ray and neutron scattering. A number of experiments are to be carried out in various research facilities, mainly in Lund but also in Europe or around the world. – in projects as well as within PRISMAS. Shorter or slightly longer stays.

Qualifications requirements
You must have fulfilled a second cycle education in a relevant field, such as MSc in Physics, Materials Science, Chemistry or corresponding degree within related research field. We require basic knowledge and skills in X-ray scattering and good written and oral communication skills in English.

To comply with the mobility rule of the MSCA COFUND programme, you are eligible if you have not resided in Sweden for more than 12 months during the period 2020-10-30 to 2023-10-31 for work or studies as main occupation.

You must have completed courses of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits are from second-cycle courses, have been awarded a Master´s degree or have acquired largely equivalent knowledge in some other way, in Sweden or abroad. For the one who have completed at least 240 higher education credits to be considered eligible at Uppsala University, the 60 credits from second-cycle courses an independent project of at least 15 credits should be included.

You are eligible for the PRISMAS programme if you qualify for a doctoral candidacy, i.e., are not already in possession of a doctoral degree.

Additional qualifications
Knowledge and skills in programming with Python or data analysis with Jupyter notebooks, SAXS, magnetic materials or electrochemical testing of batteries are meriting.

Personal qualities, such as the ability to manage and run scientific projects and to simultaneously interact with other researchers are very important. The applicant needs to be determined, structured and able to work effectively both individually and in groups. The work involves some travelling mainly to Lund but also in Europe, so you should be prepared to travel in an efficient and financially appropriate way.

Instructions for applying
The application should consist of:

• CV in Europass format
• A two-page cover letter, justifying your interest in the position and how it matches your qualifications as well as the prioritization in case of applying to several PRISMAS positions.
• at least one reference letter
• an evidence of English 3 proficiency (minimum B2 level)
• Copy of academic records (including marks for all coursework) with a transcript of diploma in English,
• and any other document to which you would like to draw attention (details of referees, letters of recommendation, etc.)

All documents should be uploaded (pdf) in the job application portal. Exam certificates and other documents on paper should be scanned or photographed before being uploaded. In regard to incomplete applications (especially if lacking the abovementioned documents), the PRISMAS Management reserves the right to exclude them in the selection process, without any additional notification to the applicant. 

The application shall be written in English.

The application will be evaluated based on scientific excellence, the adequacy of your career plan and your thesis project as well as your research experience.

Details on the novel, unique and common selection process for all the PRISMAS positions can be found here: How to apply – MAX IV

Uppsala University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We regard gender equality and diversity as a strength and an asset.

About the employment
Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University's rules and guidelines.

The employment is a temporary position for four years at 100% of full time according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. The position is foreseen to start on 01/03/2024. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position or research project, please contact: Associate professor Germán Salazar Alvarez, german.salazar.alvarez@angstrom.uu.se or Associate professor Tapati Sarkar tapati.sarkar@angstrom.uu.se

If you have questions on the selection process, please contact: prismas@maxiv.lu.se

Please submit your application no later than 31 October 2023, UFV-PA 2023/2709

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