PhD student position in chemistry

Project description
We are seeking a highly motivated PhD student for a chemistry and materials science research project focused on how we can use sunlight to create fuels in a sustainable way. The position will allow you to work in a creative and collaborative environment where you will learn many optical spectroscopic techniques as well as materials synthesis and characterization. You will contribute with new scientific knowlege for an in depth-understanding of the fundamental interactions between light and matter in photocatalytically active systems, thus enabling new solar energy applications. 

Information about the division and the department
The position is placed in Professor Maria Abrahamsson's research group at the division of chemistry and biochemistry at Chalmers University of Technology.

Our research concerns light-matter interactions in molecules and materials that are relevant to solar energy conversion. This means that we study light-induced electron and energy transfer processes and what governs them, using optical spectroscopic and electrochemical techniques. The specific project will address a challenge with photocatalytic reactions, namely how  the electron transfer mechanisms can be controlled and thus how electron transfer rates, yields and selectivity of product formation can be controlled. You will learn how to use steady state and time resolved spectroscopies, including ultrafast laser spectroscopy, and how to analyze the obtained data.

This recruitment is connected to the Wallenberg Initiative Materials Science for Sustainability. WISE, funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, is the largest-ever investment in materials science in Sweden and will encompass major efforts at Sweden’s foremost universities over the course of 10 years. The vision is a sustainable future through materials science.

Major responsibilities
As a PhD student your major responsibility is to carry out research within the above-mentioned project towards your degree as well as mandatory course work. You will work in the lab both to perform experiments and be involved in building new experimental set-ups or modify existing ones. In addition, data analysis, literature studies, and writing of scientific papers and reports are part of your responsibilities. You will work in a team and will therefore be required to collaborate and communicate around project planning, discussion of results and how to present them etc. PhD students are also required to take part in undergraduate teaching.

All early-stage researchers recruited into the WISE program will be a part of the WISE Graduate School, an ambitious nationwide program of seminars, courses, research visits, and other activities to promote a strong multi-disciplinary and international network between PhD students, postdocs, researchers, and industry.

Qualifications
To qualify as a PhD student you must have completed a master degree (or equivalent) in chemistry, physics, materials science or nano science by the time that the position start. In addition, experience from experimental work, for example from master degree project work, internship or similar is necessary, as is proficiency in written and spoken English. Experience in optical spectroscopic techniques, chemical synthesis, and familiarity with complex instrumentation are considered highly relevant merits.

The position requires sound verbal and written communication skills in English. If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

Contract terms
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of five years.

We offer
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg. 
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Chalmers aims to actively improve our gender balance. We work broadly with equality projects, for example the GENIE Initiative on gender equality for excellence. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20230091 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

CV: (Please name the document: CV, Family name, Ref. number)
• CV
• Other, for example previous employments or leadership qualifications and positions of trust.
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous experience of relevance for the position (e.g. education, thesis work and, if applicable, any other research activities)
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Copies of bachelor and/or master’s thesis.
• Attested copies and transcripts of completed education, grades and other certificates, e.g. TOEFL test results.

Please use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. 

Application deadline: 10-03-2023

For questions, please contact:
Professor Maria Abrahamsson
Email: abmaria@chalmers.se

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. *** 
   



Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, technology-related mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our six Areas of Advance; Energy, Health Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, Materials Science, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!