Doctoral student in Inorganic Chemistry

Lund University, Faculty of Engineering, LTH, Kemiska institutionen

(LTH)

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world's top 100 universities. The University has around 46 000 students and more than 8 000 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition.

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

Description of the workplace

This position will be part of the Light-Activated Energy Materials (LAEM) group within the Centre for Analysis and Synthesis (CAS) at the Department of Chemistry. We are a highly international unit and strive to maintain gender balance. Research at CAS focuses on inorganic, organic, polymer and materials synthesis, as well as advanced analysis and characterization techniques, with applications across such topics as photovoltaics, energy storage and catalysis.

Subject description

The focus of the research will be on the synthesis and characterization of novel lead-free halide perovskite materials both in the form of thin film and nanocrystals for their green energy applications such as solar cells and photoelectrochemical water splitting. Metal halide perovskites have been recognized as the most promising candidate for a wide range of potential uses in solar energy applications such as solar cells and photocatalysis. To be able to meet the rising challenges in eco-friendly and sustainable production of materials for these applications, novel lead-free halide perovskites must be explored. For this reason, we are aiming to develop synthesis and deepen understanding of lead-free halide perovskites with potential for the fabrication of efficient and stable devices.

The project will also be part of the WISE program (Wallenberg Initiative Material Science for Sustainability), funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg foundation (https: // wise-materials.org/), which will include collaboration with partners within the WISE network.

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 will also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

You will be responsible for designing, planning and carrying out experiments under the direct supervision of your doctoral supervisor, including development of project ideas. Supervision of graduate students may be part of the work duties. You will conduct several specific experimental tasks as follows:

Synthesis of novel lead-free halide perovskites bulk crystals (thin films) in inert atmosphere (e.g., nitrogen-filled glovebox)

Colloidal synthesis of lead-free halide perovskite nanocrystals with Schlenk line system

Fabrication of lead-free perovskite-based solar cells or photoelectrochemical cells

Characterize as-synthesized perovskite materials with diverse microscopy and spectroscopy techniques, e.g., transmission electron microscope (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), absorption spectrometer, fluorometer

Admission requirements

A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if the applicant:

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.

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third cycle studies in Inorganic Chemistry if the applicant has:

at least 30 credits of relevance to the subject area, of which at least 15 credits from the second cycle and a specialised project of at least 15 second-cycle credits in the subject, or

an MSc in Chemical Engineering or Engineering Nanoscience.

Additional requirements:

Good oral and written proficiency in English.

Assessment criteria

Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the student's potential to profit from such studies. The assessment of potential is made primarily on the basis of academic results from the first and second cycle. Special attention is paid to the following:

Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study.

An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.

Written and oral communication skills.

Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience.

Other assessment criteria:

Experience in fabrication of next generation solar cells such as dye sensitized solar cells, organic solar cells and perovskite solar cells.

Experience in synthesis of semiconductor nanocrystals.

Materials characterization skills such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV- visible absorption spectroscopy, SEM etc.

Knowledge in electrochemistry.

Working experience in a chemistry or synthesis lab.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

We offer Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme.

Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee Work at Lund University. https: // www. lunduniversity.lu.se/about- university/work-lund-university

Terms of employment Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Third cycle studies at LTH consist of full-time studies for 4 years. A doctoral studentship is a fixed-term employment of a maximum of 5 years (including 20% departmental duties). Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

How to apply

Applications shall be written in English and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.).

Welcome to apply!

LTH forms the Faculty of Engineering at Lund University, with approximately 9 000 students. The research carried out at LTH is of a high international standard and we are continuously developing our teaching methods and adapting our courses to current needs.

We kindly decline all sales and marketing contacts.

Type of employment Temporary position

First day of employment As soon as possible Salary Monthly salary Number of positions 2 Full-time equivalent 100 City Lund County Skåne län Country Sweden Reference number PA2023/1737 Contact

Maning Liu, [email protected], 046-2228103

Erik Andersson Jardby, [email protected]

Union representative

OFR/ST:Fackförbundet ST:s kansli, 046-2229362

SACO:Saco-s-rådet vid Lunds universitet, [email protected]

Published 15.May.2023 Last application date 05.Jun.2023 11:59 PM CEST

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