Postdoctoral position in computational electrochemistry

Department of 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 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 four departments at Chalmers and Gothenburg University.

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Information about the division
The main theme at Chemical Physics is to develop sustainable energy systems by using heterogeneous catalysis for alternative fuel production, emission control, energy storage, and fuel cells. The research is interdisciplinary with strong connections between fundamental and applied sience. Chemical Physics is a dynamic and international environment that strives for scientific excellence through teamwork. The activity within heterogeneous catalysis is a part of the national Competence Centre for Catalysis at Chalmers.

The theoretical activities at Chemical Physics focus on electronic structure calculations within the density functional theory together with mean-field modeling and Monte-Carlo simulations for reaction kinetics. By linking quantum mechanical calculations with kinetic modeling it is possible to bridge both length and time scales. Theoretical spectroscopy is used together with experimental observations to unravel fundamental reaction mechanisms and processes.

The post-doc will work in the Röntgen-Ångström Cluster "In-situ High Energy X-Ray Diffraction from Electrochemical Interfaces" including groups from Sweden and Germany. The objective of the project is to correlate atomic scale information on stability of electrochemically active liquid/solid interfaces under potential control with their electrochemical performance for controlled oxygen and chlorine evolution reactions (OER and CER), the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and corrosion. The theoretical part of the project will be conducted in close collaboration with the experimental collaborators. The main aim is to provide theoretical atomistic insight concerning surface stability during typical operating conditions together with reaction landscapes for the targeted reactions. The theoretical treatment will be based on electronic structure calculations using the density functional theory.

Major responsibilities
Your major responsibility as postdoc is to perform your own research in the research group. The position also includes interaction with master and PhD students. The position is qualifying for future research within academia as well as industry and the public sector.

Position summary
Full-time temporary employment. The position is a post-doc position of 1 year with the possibility of 1 year extension.

Qualifications
The candidate should have a PhD degree in computational Physics, Chemistry or Materials Science and have documented experience from density functional theory calculations. Skills in scripting and programming are mandatory and experience from simulations of electrochemical processes is adventageous. The candidate has to be able to work independently and have good skills in communicating scientific results in written and spoken English.

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



Application deadline: 5 June 2016

For questions, please contact:
Professor Henrik Grönbeck, henrik.gronbeck@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 eight Areas of Advance; Built Environment, Energy, Information & Communication Technology, Life Science, Materials Science, Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, 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!