Postdoc position in spectroscopy of phosphors for solid state lighting

Department of Applied Physics at Chalmers - home of the Graphene Flagship
Stimulated by major needs and challenges in science and a sustainable society, the ambition of the department of Applied 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. We address a wide array of experimental, computational, methodological and theoretical challenges, from fundamental physics research, through the development of new materials such as graphene to direct industrial projects generating new inventions. We have a strong learning commitment on all levels from undergraduate to PhD studies where physics meet engineering.

The department is the major part of Gothenburg Physics Centre – a collaboration between five departments at Chalmers and Gothenburg University.

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Information about the research/the project/the division
The postdoc will be part of the Division of Condensed Matter Physics at the Department of Applied Physics of Chalmers. Our research, at the interface between physics and materials science, focuses on structure-dynamics relationships in energy relevant oxides, with the aim to develop an understanding of the coupling between the materials' functional properties to their atomic-scale structure and dynamics. The primary tools to this end involve the use of optical spectroscopy and neutron and x-ray scattering techniques, available in-house and/or at large-scale free electron laser facilities, synchrotrons, and neutron sources, often combined with theoretical modelling in collaboration with research colleagues.

Major responsibilities
Your major responsibility as postdoc is to perform your own research in a research group. The position also includes teaching on undergraduate and master's levels as well as supervising master's and/or PhD students to a certain extent. Another important aspect involves collaboration within academia and with society at large. The position is meritorious for future research duties within academia as well as industry/the public sector.

Position summary
For the present position, we are seeking a person to a new project focused on the investigation of structure-property relations in phosphorescent oxides for possible application in white light emitting diode (LED) technology. Depending on the interest/expertise of the candidate, special focus is laid on either (i) local structural investigations using optical spectroscopy and x-ray scattering (e.g. XAFS), or on (ii) time-resolved (pump and probe) spectroscopy and diffraction. The overall aim is to develop a thorough understanding of the coupling between the materials' optical performance, such as quantum efficiency, thermal quenching, and colour rendering index, and their atomic-scale structure and dynamics. The acquired new information will be used as feedback into materials synthesis programs in order to optimize the requirements stated above. Ultimately, these so optimized phosphors will be tested in LED prototypes emitting in the ultraviolet or blue region. The work will be conducted in collaboration with research groups, both at Chalmers and in other countries. For the present project, we have an especially strong collaboration with the University of Verona (via Professor Marco Bettinelli). The project is funded by the Swedish Research Council Formas, as well as by Chalmers Materials Science Area of Advance. The position is for a maximum of 2 years.

Qualifications
We are seeking a person with a doctorate degree in an area of direct relevance for the project. A strong background in any or several of the following areas is considered important: (i) XAFS, (ii) pump-probe optical spectroscopy and/or diffraction, (iii) inorganic phosphors.

To qualify for the position of postdoc, you must have a doctoral degree. The degree should generally not be older than three years. You are expected to be somewhat accustomed to teaching, and to demonstrate good potential within research and education.

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 20150272 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically via CHalmers webpage.


Application deadline: 2015-08-16

For questions, please contact:
Assistant professor Maths Karlsson
Division of Condensed Matter Physics, 
E-mail: maths.karlsson@chalmers.se
Phone: +46 31 772 8038



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