PhD student position in new materials for energy-efficient lighting

We are looking for a highly motivated PhD student, which a background in physics, chemistry or materials science, who will develop new fundamental understanding of, so called, phosphors, for use in next-generation light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The recruitment is connected to the Wallenberg Initiative Materials Science for Sustainability (WISE), which is funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation and is the largest-ever investment in materials science in Sweden. All early-stage researchers recruited into the WISE program will be 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. Read more on https://wise-materials.org.

Information about the research project and the department
The project will be conducted within the research group of Prof. Maths Karlsson at the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden. The group focuses on characterization of structure and dynamics in “functional” materials, with a view towards their implementation in energy-relevant technologies, such as LEDs, solar cells, batteries and fuel cells. The primary tools to this end involve the use and development of techniques at large-scale neutron and photon sources, vibrational spectroscopy, optical techniques, and computer modelling. Almost all of the work is carried out in collaboration with other leading research groups, in Sweden and in many other countries.

About the project
Lighting stands for 16.5% of the world’s electricity consumption. Novel and energy efficient lighting is therefore needed to reduce the impact on the environment originating from this enormous energy consumption. Phosphor-converted LEDs have become mainstream for many lighting applications, but a remaining challenge is the strong reduction of the light emittance upon increasing temperature, known as thermal quenching of luminescence. The overriding goal of this research program will be to develop a fundamental understanding of thermal quenching of luminescence in a promising class of novel phosphor materials, namely halide double perovskites (see e.g., J. Luo et al., Nature 563 (2018) 541). The project is experimental in nature and focuses on physical and optical characterization of halide double perovskites, using a combination of in-house optical techniques, as well as techniques at international large-scale neutron and photon sources around the world, especially the Institut Laue-Langevin (France), ISIS Neutron Source (U.K.), Spallation Neutron Source and NIST Center for Neutron Research (U.S), J-PARC (Japan), Paul-Scherrer Institute (Switzerland), and the Extreme Light Infrastructure Beamlines (Czech Republic).

Major responsibilities
Your major responsibility will be to carry out the PhD project, as described briefly above. You are expected to develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research in a wide context, e.g., through meetings, seminars, national and international conferences, and in the form of informal reports, and peer-reviewed publications. As a PhD student, you will as well take courses corresponding to 60 ECTS and be involved in teaching on the undergraduate level corresponding to about 10% of your time.

Qualifications
To qualify as a PhD student, you must have a master’s level degree corresponding to at least 240 ECTS in a relevant field such as physics, materials science, or chemistry. To be successful, you need to be highly motivated and have high analytical and communication skills. Given the strong international nature of the project, and the collaboration with several research groups and facilities around the world, you also need a flexible approach and enjoy traveling.

Contract terms
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of four years full time PhD study.

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 files


• CV (max 3 pages)
• Personal letter, where you introduce yourself and describe your motivation for applying to the position. Also, describe your previous experience or relevance for the position (e.g., education, thesis work and, if applicable, any other research activities). (max 1 page)
• Attested copies of completed education, grades and other relevant certificates (max 2 pages).

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

Application procedure
Applications will be reviewed continuously and hence the position may be filled before the application deadline. The position will be advertised until the position is filled.

Application deadline: 31 Juli, 2023

For questions, please contact:
Professor Maths Karlsson
Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology

E-mail: maths.karlsson@chalmers.se
Phone: +46 31 772 6770


*** 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!