Postdoctoral position in neutron scattering

Do you want to develop innovative methods for interface science using neutrons? Then apply for this postdoctoral position!

Project description
Interface science plays a key role in many areas of high interest for society. Examples include structural, morphological, and compositional changes, as well as dynamic processes, such as Li ion and proton diffusion in a battery or fuel cell, to name just a few. A critical challenge in this field is to understand the nature of the dynamics at interfaces and in thin films and its effect on materials properties at the atomic scale. Neutron scattering methods can provide such information in bulk materials but are very challenging to apply to thin films and interfaces. Here, the postdoctoral researcher will develop such capabilities for surface sensitive neutron spectroscopy on the time-of-flight spectrometer TOFTOF at the FRM II Neutron Source in Garching (Germany).

The key tasks are to develop tools for a high brilliance transfer from the neutron source to the sample and to minimize the background from the sample and near-sample environment. The methodological developments will enable new science on TOFTOF and, furthermore, be transferable to the CSPEC spectrometer at the next-generation neutron source, the European Spallation Source (ESS), which is under construction in Lund, Sweden. As proof of concept the neutron spectroscopy will be applied to materials relevant for energy research, such as hybrid organic-inorganic solar cells and fuel cell membranes.

The project is conducted in collaboration between the research groups of assoc. prof. Maths Karlsson, Chalmers, prof. Max Wolff, Uppsala University, and Wiebke Lohstroh, FRM II, and funded by Chalmers University of Technology. One of the goals of the project is to strengthen Chalmers' involvement in methodological developments at large-scale neutron sources, especially in view of the new opportunities at ESS.

Major responsibilities
The postdoc will be part of a collaborative project between Chalmers, Uppsala University and the FRM II Neutron Facility at the Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum in Germany. The postdoc will be based at FRM II on a 75% basis. Besides performing cutting-edge research on energy related materials by INS and QENS techniques, he/she will be heavily engaged in the development of techniques to enable the study of dynamics at interfaces and in thin films on TOFTOF. This latter task involves ray-tracing simulations, technical design of near-sample optics and specialized sample holders, virtual experiments, as well as real experiments on films on TOFTOF. Crucially, the technical developments will be transferable to instruments at ESS in Lund, Sweden.

The postdoc will spend around 25% of the time at Chalmers to keep contact to the Swedish university system and to participate in complementary research. The rest of the time (75%) will be spent at FRM II and the willingness to travel is required. The active participation in writing grant applications is expected from the successful candidate.

Contract terms
Full-time temporary employment. The position is for two years and will support science programs funded by Chalmers University of Technology. The position may be extended up to four years, in case more funding will be available.

Qualifications
Applicants must hold a PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science or a similar area of science. The degree should generally not be older than three years. We are looking for a highly motivated, flexible, and mature candidate with good communication skills. Excellent experimental skills are indispensable, as well as very good communication skills, to support users and collaborators. A background in neutron scattering methods and instrumentation is a must. Excellent knowledge of English, written and spoken, is essential.

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
Learn more and apply here: https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/Working-at-Chalmers/Vacancies/Pages/default.aspx?rmpage=job&rmjob=9790

Application deadline: 3 October, 2021