PhD Student Position in Time-resolved infrared spectroscopy in catalysis

Project description
This project is focused on developing infrared spectroscopic methods for measurements with high time resolution and is part of our ongoing research direction towards time-resolved methods for characterization of solid materials including nanomaterials when interacting with a fluid. It is also included to build portable set-up for measurements at other laboratories such as synchrotrons. This has direct relevance for R&D of many chemical technologies based on, e.g., heterogeneous catalysis, sensing, and surface functionalisation and protection.

You will  build the experimental set-up, make measurements including validation and develop data evaluation routines. You will use it to study key steps in the catalytic reaction with relevance for environmental and energy-related catalysis. Depending on project progress, you may synthesise your own catalysts and also use a number of complementary techniques as to study catalytic activity and selectivity, and to characterisae the catalyst properties. The purpose would then be to validate and stretch the developed method. The project aligns with the contemprary movement towards greener industrial chemical and energy conversion processes by use of bottom-up research approch.

Information about the research environment
The position is within the research group of Prof. Per-Anders Carlsson at the division of Applied Chemistry, Chalmers. The research at Applied Chemistry is broad covering Applied Surface Chemistry, Biopolymer Technology, Pharmaceutical Technology and Polymer Chemistry and Electronics. The Carlsson reserach group adopts a physical inorganic chemistry approach to materials and surface science. The common activities include aspects on materials synthesis and evaluation combined with advanced operando characterisation for understanding and control of atomic scale processes in functional materials such as catalysts. The Carlsson group is active in the interdisciplinary research centre Competence Centre for Catalysis located at Chalmers, which collects experimental and theoretical expertise in catalysis.

The department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
The department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering is the largest department at Chalmers with research ranging from the most fundamental level to a level close to application in industry and society. The research activities reach from DNA-research and biomaterials to high temperature corrosion, catalysis and recycling. The Department is also heavily committed to teaching at the undergraduate, graduate, as well as postgraduate level in these areas.

Health, natural resources, sustainable energy and materials are some of our lead words and our vision is “Through curiosity and knowledge towards a sustainable world”.

We have approximately 300 employees, divided into four research dIvisions and one administrative division. We are situated at campus Johanneberg in the middle of Gothenburg.

Major responsibilities
Your major responsibilities are to drive the method development project. You are expected to partly support in doctoral student projects mainly through the method development and guiding in experiments. You will also participate in synchrotron experiments and building portable experimental set-ups.

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

Qualifications
You should have Master of Science degree (or similar) in Chemistry, Physics or Electrical Engineering corresponding to at least 240 higher education credits before employment, preferably at latest in second half of April or May 2021.

The successful candidate should have:
(1) Master of Science in Chemistry, Physics or Electrical Engineering.
(2) Good communication skills in written and spoken English
(3) Ability to work independently and take responsibility for progress and quality of the project
(4) Experience in heterogeneous catalysis, signal processing, optical methods, are meritorious.
(5) Experience in computer hardware and programming as well as electronics hardware and control is meritorious.


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: https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/Working-at-Chalmers/Vacancies/Pages/default.aspx?rmpage=job&rmjob=9349

Application deadline: 10 April, 2021