Postdoc in Electrochemistry of thin films at surfaces and interfaces

Would you like scientific freedom, to work in a challenging project and in a creative environment? We are looking for a candidate to drive research on electrochemistry and quality of thin films at surfaces and interfaces. Join us at Chalmers in our quest to develop materials and methods to understand thin film formation in electronics and energy application, including next generation batteries, using state-of-the-art experimental methods.

Project description
The research in this project will use electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to study thin film deposition, in situ and in real time. Thin films, for example Cu, produced with electrochemical deposition on different substrates, with and without addition of specific additives.
In the next phase, the produced films will act as substrate onto which we will investigate the formation of the solid electrolyte interface (SEI) in different battery electrolytes as well as early stages of Li-metal deposition. The EQCM and EIS measurements will be complemented with ex situ microscopy and spectroscopy analysis. The goal of the project is to increase knowledge about thin film deposition and formation of SEI layers in batteries.
The project focuses on understanding thin film formation and developing new tools to monitor the quality and properties of thin films in situ and in real time.

The successful candidate will use nanofabrication and thin film techniques in the MC2 clean room together with electrochemical and chemical methods to fabricate samples. Detailed physical and electrochemical characterization of materials will be carried out ex situ and compared to the in situ results. The project will involve direct collaboration with an industrial partner, BASF and academic partners.

Information about the department
Stimulated by major needs and challenges in science and a sustainable society, the ambition of the Department of Physics is to foster a creative environment for academic research, learning and outreach. We provide a competitive advantage by linking our top-level international and interdisciplinary academic performance in the areas of material science, nanotechnology and energy research with world-leading industrial R&D&I projects.

Major responsibilities
Your major responsibility as a postdoc is to perform research within the project at the divisions of Chemical Physics and Materials Physics at Chalmers University of Technology. Collaboration with theoretical and experimental efforts in the divisions and with collaborating groups at other Universities and within industry is also included in the position.

The position may also include teaching on undergraduate and master's levels as well as supervising master's and/or PhD students to a certain extent. The position is meritorious for future research duties within academia as well as industry/the public sector.

Qualifications
To qualify for the position of postdoc, you must hold a doctoral degree in Physics, Nanotechnology, Material Science or Chemistry awarded no more than three years prior to the application deadline (according to the current agreement with the Swedish Agency for Government Employers).

You also need: 
- Expertise in experimental work in Physics, Nanotechnology Material Science or Chemistry
- Good communication skills in written and spoken English
- Able to work independently as well as in teams and take responsibility for progress and quality of the project.

You are expected to be somewhat accustomed to teaching, and to demonstrate good potential within research and education.

Contract terms
This postdoc position is a full-time temporary employment for two years with the possibility of a one-year extension.

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 20230642 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 as: CV, Surname, Ref. number) including:
• CV, include complete list of publications
• Previous teaching and pedagogical experiences
• 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 research fields and main research results
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Attested copies of completed education, grades and other certificates.

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.

Application deadline: December 17, 2023
 
For questions, please contact:
Associate Professor Björn Wickman
Chemical Physics
Email: bjorn.wickman@chalmers.se
Tel: +46317725179

Professor Aleksandar Matic
Materials Physics
Email: matic@chalmers.se
Tel: +46317725176


*** 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!