Applications are invited for a PhD fellowship/scholarship at Graduate School of Natural Sciences, Aarhus University, Denmark, within the Chemistry programme. The positions are available from February 2022 or later.
Title:
Ionic Liquids as Smart Materials for Assembly of Solid Materials (2 PhD scholarships)
Research area and project description:
The overarching aim of the research project is to explore ionic liquids (ILs) for the guided assembly of solids (assembly-by-design). The project is located at the interface of solid state chemistry, crystallography and ionic liquids, organic and hybrid materials. With the challenges of a growing and aging society and the emergence of new diseases, the need for improved access to medical drugs, agrochemicals and food additives becomes more and more pressing. Many of these materials, however, occur in different solid assemblies (forms, polymorphs) although they have the same molecular structure. Each of the solid forms has different properties – a prominent example is chocolate, or rather cocoa butter.[1,2] To date six different forms are known, of which only one gives the good chocolate taste and sensation. Unfortunately, it is not the most stable form. For that reason, sophisticated crystallization schemes have to be applied. The current project aims at revolutionizing crystallization in that task-specific ionic liquids, i.e. room temperature molten organic salts are used as crystallization media. It is expected that this will allow for a simple and robust access to (thermodynamically) unstable solid forms. Through careful engineering and supramolecular interactions, it may be even possible to get to new forms!
The goal of this PhD project is to investigate ionic liquids as crystallization media for a wide set of food additives, agrochemicals, medical drugs and other relevant materials. Tasks are developing and investigating crystallization techniques, monitoring and analysis of the crystallization process and the solid by means of X-ray and neutron diffraction, and ultimately identification of parameters that are key to the formation of a specific solid assembly. The project will take advantage of the latest possibilities offered by large-scale facilities for neutron and synchrotron X-ray scattering at DESY (Hamburg), MLZ (Munich), MAXIV (Lund), ESRF (Grenoble) as well as PSI (Switzerland) as well as new and custom-made equipment at the Department of Chemistry, Aarhus University.
The PhD candidate will manage a wide range of state-of-the-art synthesis and characterization techniques and become an expert in materials structure and properties. She/he will work in an inspired international environment and have opportunities of international research stays as well as attending international conferences. The candidate will benefit from strong international collaborations and work and network with top scholars around the world.
For more background of this PhD project, please visit: www.mudring.org and nat.au.dk/en/about-the-faculty/news/show/artikel/the-endless-possibilities-of-impossible-salt/
References:
- https://www.compoundchem.com/2014/04/19/the-polymorphs-of-chocolate/
- https://www.chemistryviews.org/details/ezine/808827/Chocolate__The_Noblest_Polymorphism_II.html
Qualifications and specific competences:
Applicants to the PhD position should have a relevant Master’s degree, or in the process of gaining a Master’s degree, in chemistry, materials science, physics, or related fields. The candidate should have strong interest in hands-on experiments, materials synthesis, and data analysis. Some background or experience with (neutron or x-rays) scattering techniques would be appreciated. Experiences of working with amorphous materials, liquids, and thermodynamic properties are a bonus. She/he 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 English fluently.
Place of employment and place of work:
The place of employment is Aarhus University, and the place of work is Department of Chemistry, Langelandsgade 140, Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus C.
Contacts:
Applicants seeking further information for this project are invited to contact:
Professor Anja-Verena Mudring, anja-verena.mudring@chem.au.dk
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 “Chemistry”.
2) Fill in the following information:
- Personal information
- Academic background
- Admission
- Financing (if any)
- Study: In the dropdown menu you must choose the project: “Ionic Liquids as Smart Materials for Assembly of Solid Materials (ILSMAS)”
- 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.
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.