PhD student position in Surface Physics with Focus on Electron-stimulated CO2 Adsorption in the Department of Materials Science
Uppsala University is a comprehensive research-intensive university with a strong international standing. Our ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a long-term difference in society. Our most important assets are all the individuals whose curiosity and dedication make Uppsala University one of Sweden’s most exciting workplaces. Uppsala University has over 54,000 students, more than 7,500 employees and a turnover of around SEK 8 billion.
Admission to PhD education in the subject Engineering Physics with specialization in Solid State Physics.
Research environment: The Department of Solid State Physics is part of the Department of Materials Science at Uppsala University https://materialvetenskap.uu.se/research/solid-state-physics+/). Österlund’s research group conducts research on catalytic and optical materials for environmental and energy applications. The group focuses on operando vibrational spectroscopy (FTIR and Raman), reaction kinetics and optical spectroscopy (spectrophotometry, photoluminescence, dielectric spectroscopy), as well as material synthesis using physical deposition technology.
Research project: The purpose of the project is to study CO2 adsorption processes on metal oxide surfaces and to investigate how these processes can be tailored for proton-coupled electron transfer reactions for direct reduction of CO2 at oxide surfaces. The project is based on preliminary data and calculations demonstrating a hitherto unexplored electron-stimulated CO2 adsorption mechanism whereby adsorption takes place on locally reduced cation sites. Here, we aim specifically to quantify and generalize the reaction mechanism with advanced infrared surface (IR) spectroscopy techniques and temperature programmed desorption (TPD) under various experimental conditions ranging (vacuum to atmosphere; single crystals to nanoparticles). We will use DFT calculation methods for charge corrections of potential energy and interface charge transfer, as well as calculate adsorbate structures and vibrational spectra with methods developed within the research group.
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 can also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).
The work tasks in the research project of this PhD position involve experimental studies with advanced angle-resolved, polarization modulated UHV-IR spectroscopy, TPD and DFT calculations in collaboration with the Division of Structural Chemistry, Department of Chemistry – Ångström. The weight of experiment and theoretical work can vary in the course of the project.
Qualification requirements: MSc degree in physics, engineering physics, or chemical physics or equivalent education in adjacent areas.
We require very good written and oral skills in English.
Personal qualities, such as the ability to independently manage and run the doctoral project and at the same time be able to interact with other researchers are very important. The applicant must be purposeful and structured and strongly motivated to carry out all the elements of postgraduate education.
Additional qualifications: Experience in surface physics, vacuum technology, quantum chemical calculations (especially DFT) is a merit.
Admission requirements: A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programs if he or she:
- 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.
Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University’s rules and guidelines.
Instruction for application: Your application should contain:
- A short letter describing yourself, your goals and why you want to become a PhD student
- CV (max 2 pages)
- Copy of the master’s degree and course grades
- Names and contact information (e-mail and telephone) to two reference persons who have agreed to act as reference for you.
- Copies (or drafts thereof) of thesis work and other documents, such as publications, which you wish to invoke
Salary: According to local collective agreement for doctoral students.
Starting date: 1 May 2022, or by agreement.
Type of employment: Temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 §7.
Scope of employment: 100%
Placement: Uppsala
For further information about the position please contact: Professor Lars Österlund, Tel. 0702-562425, e-mail: lars.osterlund@angstrom.uu.se.
Please submit your application by 31 March 2022, UFV-PA 2022/126.
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Submit your application through Uppsala University’s recruitment system.
Placement: Department of Materials Science and Engineering
Type of employment: Full time , Temporary position longer than 6 months
Pay: According to local collective agreement
Number of positions: 1
Working hours: 100%
Town: Uppsala
County: Uppsala län
Country: Sweden
Union representative: ST/TCO tco@fackorg.uu.se
Seko Universitetsklubben seko@uadm.uu.se
Saco-rådet saco@uadm.uu.se
Number of reference: UFV-PA 2022/126
Last application date: 2022-03-31