PhD student position in energy related materials physics

Do you want to perform basic research on materials for next-generation energy technologies, using the latest methods at international large-scale photon and neutron sources. Then apply for this exciting PhD student position!

Information about the project
Hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites (HOIPs) exhibit light absorbing and emitting properties, due to electronic excitations, and have attracted enormous attention in the last decade, mostly due to their easy fabrication and huge promise for use in solar cells and light emitting diodes. However, a low stability towards heat and moisture are a big hindrance for using these materials in practical devices. The search for more robust HOIPs has recently shifted the focus to two-dimensional (2D) systems, but the underlying mechanisms of the electronic excitations remain unclear. The overriding aim of this PhD project is to provide a crucial contribution to this problem by unlocking new fundamental understanding of the coupling between atomic-scale structure and dynamics, and electronic excitations in 2D HOIPs. Special emphasis is laid on the investigation of local structure and dynamics by neutron scattering techniques.

Besides being of considerable fundamental interest, the achieved new materials insight will be used for developing design criteria for new, efficient HOIPs, with a view towards their application in next-generation solar cell and light emitting diode technologies.

The project is based on a collaboration between the research groups of assoc. prof. M. Karlsson, Chalmers University of Technology, and prof. Feng Gao at Linköping University. The project is part of the National Graduate School in Neutron Scattering, SwedNess, which aims at strengthening Sweden's long-term competence and competitiveness within the area of neutron science by providing its students with research training and a foundation for networking, especially in view of the new opportunities for research that will be given by the European Spallation Source in Lund (www.europeanspallationsource.se). The student will not only perform neutron scattering experiments on a regular basis, but will as well spend a longer stay (3-6 months) at a relevant neutron scattering facility. The main facilities that will be used in the project are the Institut Laue-Langevin (France), ISIS Neutron Facility (U.K.), NIST Center for Neutron Research and Spallation Neutron Source (U.S), and Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex (Japan). For more information about SwedNess, please visit www.swedness.se.

Major responsibilities
As a PhD student, you will receive a plethora of archetypical and novel 2D HOIP samples from the collaborating group at Linköping University. Key structural and dynamical properties of these samples will be investigated using an array of neutron scattering techniques, with an emphasis on advanced neutron spectroscopy methods, available at international large-scale facilities. The neutron scattering experiments will be complemented by other types of studies at Chalmers (e.g., vibrational spectroscopy, and measurements of light absorption and emission spectra) and may also include complementary investigations using instrumentation at international large-scale photon sources. The experimental data will be analyzed and the results of the research will be communicated in the form of research articles, and through presentations at national and international conferences. 

The position generally also includes teaching on Chalmers' undergraduate level or performing other duties corresponding to about 10 per cent of working hours.

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

Qualifications
To qualify as a PhD student, you must have a Master's level degree corresponding to at least 240 higher education credits in a relevant field (Physics, Chemistry, or Materials Science), or you expect to complete your MSc education at the latest in spring 2021. To be successful, you have to be highly motivated, self-propelled and have a high analytical ability.

As the student will spend a significant period of time at international large-scale facilities (several experiments a year) and attend international conferences, it is important that he/she has a very flexible approach towards traveling and working hours. The position also requires sound verbal and written communication skills in English.

Chalmers continuously strives to be an attractive employer. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Our offer to you
Chalmers offers a cultivating and inspiring working environment in the dynamic city of Gothenburg.
Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.

Application procedure
To apply, please go to this webpage

Application deadline: 28 February, 2021

For questions, please contact:
Assoc. Prof. Maths Karlsson, Energy and Materials, maths.karlsson@chalmers.se 
Prof. Feng Gao, feng.gao@liu.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. ***