PhD student position in Materials Physics

Information about the the project

The PhD student will be part of the young, expanding, group of Asst. Prof. M. Karlsson at the Division of Condensed Matter Physics at the Department of Applied Physics of Chalmers. Our research, at the interface between physics and materials science, focuses on structure-dynamics relationships in energy relevant oxides, with the aim to develop an understanding of the coupling between the materials' functional properties to their atomic-scale structure and dynamics. The primary tools to this end involve the use of light scattering and absorption techniques, and neutron scattering techniques, available in-house and/or at large-scale free electron lasers, synchrotrons, and neutron sources, often combined with theoretical modeling in collaboration with research colleagues.

Major responsibilities
The student will participate in projects focused on studies of structure-dynamics relationships in hydrogenous, energy relevant, oxides, with a particular emphasis on the key fundamental aspects of hydrogen dynamics - stretching from vibrational motions to long-range diffusion as well as from protic to hydridic species. The materials are of relevance for several of tomorrow's next-generation energy technologies, such as solid oxide fuel cells based on proton conducting electrolytes, as one example. The primary tools to this end will involve the use of neutron scattering techniques, complemented by optical vibrational spectroscopy (including pump-probe methods), available in-house and at international large-scale neutron and free-electron laser facilities. The work will be conducted in collaboration with other research groups at Chalmers, as well as with colleagues at other universities in Sweden and in other countries. The position will support science programs funded by the Swedish Research Council.

Your major responsibilities are to pursue your own doctoral studies. You are expected to develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing, both in Swedish and in English. The position generally also includes teaching on Chalmers' undergraduate level or performing other duties corresponding to 20 per cent of working hours.

Position summary
Full-time temporary employment. The employment is composed of a maximum full-time four-year doctoral programme and a maximum one year of department duties, including teaching, equivalent to a maximum of 20 % of the total working time. The employment is thus limited to a total of five years. The employment is tied to successful progress of doctoral studies, evaluated at one and three years.

Qualifications
MSc degree in Physics or a related discipline. The position requires good communication skills in written and spoken English. Applicants who do not have English or a Scandinavian language as their mother tongue need to provide documentation of  good communication skills in English, typically evidenced by an English language test, for example TOEFL 550 (paper-based)/TOEFL 213 (computer-based), and exemplified during the interview process prior to admission.

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

Application deadline: 2015-04-20

For questions, please contact:
Assistant Professor Maths Karlsson
E-mail: maths.karlsson@chalmers.se
Phone: +46 31 772 80 38

*** 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 eight Areas of Advance; Built Environment, Energy, Information & Communication Technology, Life Science, Materials Science, Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, 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!