PhD student position in Organic Electronics and 3D-Printing

Information about the research project
Imagine a world, in which countless embedded microelectronic components continuously monitor our health and allow us to seamlessly interact with our digital environment. One particularly promising platform for the realisation of this concept is based on wearable electronic textiles. In order for this technology to become truly pervasive, a myriad of devices will have to operate autonomously over an extended period of time without the need for additional maintenance, repair or battery replacement. The goal of our research is to realise textile-based thermoelectric generators, based on plastic semiconductors, that without additional cost can power built-in electronics by harvesting one of the most ubiquitous energy sources available to us: our body heat.

The particular focus of your PhD project will be to develop semiconductor formulations that display both excellent thermoelectric as well as mechanical properties. In addition, you will explore 3D-printing of these materials.

Information about the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
The department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering promotes research and education for sustainable development, for improved health and quality of life.  The department is organised into one administrative unit and four research divisions: (1) Chemistry and Biochemistry, (2) Applied Chemistry, (3) Materials and Energy, and (4) Chemical Engineering. We have approximately 300 employees and are situated at campus Johanneberg.

Our department is characterised by the desire to inspire world-leading research in an environment that encourages personal development and creation of new knowledge.

Information about the research group
The Müller Research Group focuses on processing and characterisation of polymer-based materials. Our research is located at the interface of materials/polymer science and organic electronics. We dedicate our efforts to future renewable energy technologies such as plastic solar cells and thermoelectrics as well as insulation materials for power cables. All research is conducted in co-operation with other universities/institutes and/or industry. Presently, the group consists of 1 Assistant Professor, 5 PhD students and 5 Master students.

For more information visit our homepage at:
http://www.chalmers.se/en/staff/Pages/Christian-Müller.aspx

Major responsibilities
The focus of your project is on the development of new organic semiconductor-based materials that can be used to convert waste heat into electricity.

Key aspects of your work will include:

• processing of organic semiconductor-based materials, including 3D-printing
• chemical and structural characterisation (FTIR, UV-vis, NMR, DSC/TGA, DMA,  AFM, SEM, TEM, etc.)
• thermal and electrical characterisation
• design, construction and evaluation of thermoelectric generators and their use in a practical setting

Position summary
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of 4 years full-time research studies. In addition, the position will normally include 5% departmental work, mainly teaching duties, distributed over the whole time of employment.

Qualifications
To qualify as a PhD student, you must have a master's level degree in Chemistry, Materials Science or equivalent with a focus on Polymer Science and Processing. Additional merits are practical experience with polymer semiconductors, commodity polymers and/or electrical characterisation. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the work, the candidate is expected to have excellent collaboration skills. A good capability of communicating scientific results in English, both orally and in writing is required.

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

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20150153 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically via Chalmers webpage.


Application deadline: May 22, 2015

For questions, please contact:
Christian Müller,
Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, 
Chalmers University of Technology

christian.muller@chalmers.se;
+46 31 772 34 06

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