PhD student position in synthesis of conjugated materials for ener

Information about the research and the department
The research group "Polymer Chemistry and Electronics" leading by Prof. Ergang Wang at the Department of Chemistry and Chemicial Engineering has a focus on the synthesis and characterization of conjugated materials including polymers, small molecules and Graphene-like materials for applications in supercapacitors, organic solar cells, organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) and photodetectors. More information can be found from our homepage.

About the project:
This recruitment is connected to the Wallenberg Initiative Materials Science for Sustainability (WISE, wise-materials.org). 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. 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.

Conjugated polymers are very promising in different applications, however, most of them can only be processed in toxic organic solvents. In this project, our aim is to fabricate high-performance organic electronic devices with minimized carbon footprint in open-air using the most green solvent, water-alcohol mixtures at low cost, which can significantly contribute to a sustainable future and, therefore, can replace the current electronics that are energy-consuming to fabricate and difficult to recycle. The focus is on the design and synthesis of conjugated materials and 2D materials for organic solar cells and supercapacitors as well as other applications in organic electronics. The PhD student will be trained in design, synthesis and characterisation of conjugated polymers and 2D materials. The design includes molecular modelling and insight into feasible synthetic reactions. Characterisation includes for example techniques such as NMR, IR, TGA, DSC, UV-Vis-NIR-absorption, MALDI-TOF, and molecular weight determination of polymers using SEC. This project will be conducted in connection to partners with complementary competence in Sweden. 

Note:
Bachelor and Master theses are highly appreciated to upload even if it is not written in English.
Only applications submitted via the online system will be considered.
You will be contacted only if you are selected for further interview.
A well motivated personal letter is required for the submission.

Major responsibilities
Your major responsibilities as a PhD student is to pursue your own doctoral studies and accomplish projects. You are expected to develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing in English. In addition, 10 percent of your time will be dedicated to departmental duties, especially teaching on the undergraduate level.

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 such as chemistry and materials science. If you have experience in organic synthesis, polymer synthesis or materials characterization, this is seen as meritorious. To be succesful you also need to be highly motivated, have a problem solving attitude and enjoy working closely together with others in a large project rather than on your own in an single project

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 procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20220708 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: February 28, 2023

For questions, please contact:
Prof. Ergang Wang, Applied Chemistry,
Email: ergang@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!