Applications are invited for a PhD fellowship/scholarship at Graduate School of Natural Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark, within the Nanoscience programme. The position is available from February 2022 or later.

Title:
Re-advertisement: Developing new electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction based methodologies for studies of disordered materials

Research area and project description:
Materials scientists are constantly tailoring novel materials to meet the increasing demands in society. Composite, mesostructured, and disordered materials with progressively complex and often hierarchical structures are being realized. This calls for development of characterization approaches able to reveal the nature of these materials across several length scales. Various types of X-ray diffraction experiments provide important information about the average structure, composition, and nature of most samples with minimal risk of changing the sample during sample preparation. However, the atomic models of the average structure lack critical insights into local symmetries, nano-scale structural and chemical heterogeneity, and various types of extended defects. Novel electron microscopy-based techniques have unique potential to access such information across multiple length scales, but results are often hard to interpret, less statistically significant and sample preparation may alter samples. In the DISORDER group we are interested in developing new tools to study the numerous materials that reside at the border between order and disorder to establish currently lacking connection between structure, properties, and synthesis in these types of materials.

This project is aimed at establishing new ways to extend the virtues of modern transmission electron microscopy (such as 4D-STEM) methods for studies of disordered materials. Specifically, this means increasing the statistical significance of the approaches and combining results from them with state-of-the-art X-ray diffraction investigations in novel ways. The project will involve the use of tools from big data science and machine learning to build more complete approaches for the studies of complex materials-systems. Important materials science questions will be addressed during the process of method development, including studies to reveal the degree of disorder in high entropy alloy nanoparticles and semi-amorphous graphitic nitride as well as the role of local symmetry during the crystallization of ZrO2 from an amorphous solid precursor. The project entails both experimental components (electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction experiments), as well as the development of new computational (mainly python based) tools for data analysis.

The PhD candidate will manage a wide range of state-of-the-art characterization techniques and become an expert in materials structure and properties as well as building skills in handling, analysing, and correlating large amounts of data. The candidate will work in an inspired international environment and have opportunities of international research stays at world leading electron microscopy facilities as well as attending international conferences. The candidate will benefit from strong international collaborations (Australia, Norway, and the UK) and work and network with top scholars from around the world.

The DISORDER group is newly formed. Consequently, the PhD candidate will join a young, thriving, and exciting research environment where we make use of modern project management tools and approaches to perform research at the frontiers of material science.

Qualifications and specific competences:
Applicants to the PhD position should either have a relevant Master’s degree, or currently be in the process of gaining a Master degree, in chemistry, materials science, physics, or related fields. The candidate is expected to have strong interest in structural characterization of materials, electron microscopy and data analysis. Documented experience within X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy and/or big data analysis will count in favour of the applicant. Experiences of working with amorphous materials or highly disordered materials are considered a bonus. The candidate should have a high degree of motivation and can work independently. Good communication skills and teamwork spirit are required. The candidate should be able to speak and write fluent English.All highly motivated candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background. Equal consideration will be given to all qualified applicants independent of their gender identity, race, and cultural background. We see diversity as a strength.

Place of employment and place of work:
The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Gustav Wieds Vej 14, DK-8000 Aarhus C., Denmark. 

iNANO, Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (www.inano.au.dk), was established in 2002 and at present is a major research and education center based at Aarhus University hosting 60 senior scientists, ~100 PostDocs and ~100 PhD students. The center combines expertise and faculty from Physics, Chemistry, Molecular biology and Medicine to carry out world class interdisciplinary research in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology. The center gives access to a broad range of infrastructure, tools and expertise including clean-room facilities. With a 5 year undergraduate nanotechnology programme and nanoscience graduate programme (www.inanoschool.au.dk) the center provides a full educational environment. In addition to the large base of basic research, the center has a large number of ongoing industrial projects and partnerships.

Contacts:
Applicants seeking further information for this project are invited to contact:
Assistant Professor Espen Drath Bøjesen – espen.bojesen@inano.au.dk

More info:https://inano.au.dk/about/research-groups/espen-drath-boejesen/

Application procedures

Before you apply, please read the application guide thoroughly. You can find the guide here.

How to apply:

1)      Find the application form:
Go to https://phd.nat.au.dk/for-applicants/apply-here/ – Note, the online application system opens on 1 September 2021.
Choose November 2021 Call with deadline 1 November 2021 at noon (11.59 AM CET).
You will be directed to the call, and must choose the programme “Nanoscience”.

2)      Fill in the following information:

• Personal information
• Academic background
• Admission
• Financing (if any)
• Study: In the dropdown menu you must choose the project: “Re-advertisement: Developing new electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction based methodologies for studies of disordered materials (RDnemX)”
• Source (how you found out about the call)

Next to some of the information fields you will find a number. Click on the number to get further directions on how to fill in the information field/what information is needed.

3)      Application attachments:
Please be aware that you cannot submit the application if one or several of these documents have not been uploaded.

If you wish to upload more than one document under each section, you must scan/merge all documents into one large PDF file and upload this. Please note that we reserve the right to remove scientific papers, large reports, theses and the like. Instead you can indicate a URL where the information is available.

All information in the application must be in English or Danish, preferably English. A certified English translation is required for documents written in languages other than English or one of the Scandinavian languages (i.e. Norwegian, Swedish or Danish) languages.

As a minimum, all applications must include (pdf-files only, max. 20 MB, and no zip):
One reference (template for references)

• Curriculum vitae,
• Motivation (max. 1 page)
• Transcripts, grade point averages (weighted and unweighted), and diploma(s) for both Bachelor’s and Master’s degree. If the original documents are not in English or one of the Scandinavian languages (i.e. Norwegian, Swedish or Danish) then copies of the original documents as well as a certified English translation must be attached.
• Project description (½-4 pages). For technical reasons, you must upload a project description. When – as here – you apply for a specific project, please simply copy the project description above, and upload it as a PDF in the application. If you wish to, you can indicate an URL where further information can be found. Please note that we reserve the right to remove scientific papers, large reports, theses and the like.
• Documentation of language skills if required.

After submission of the application, you will receive a confirmation e-mail with an application ID, you should use for reference if needed.

The graduate school reserves the right to verify the authenticity of your educational diploma and transcripts:

• Request additional information to verify an application.
• Reject the application if it is proven, or if the University has reasonable belief, that the information provided is false or if the applicant refuses to provide the requested information, whether or not an offer has already been made. 
• For further information on applying, assessment procedures, etc. please see the GSNS Application Guide.

Please note:

• The programme committee may request further information or invite the applicant to attend an interview.
• The project will only be initiated if final funding (from the graduate school/the faculty) is secured.

All interested candidates are encouraged to apply, regardless of their personal background. Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants.