Two PhD Student Positions in Catalysis

The Competence Centre for Catalysis (KCK) is since 1995 a successful interdisciplinary research centre within catalysis at Chalmers. KCK is funded by the Swedish Energy Agency, Chalmers and the member companies; AB Volvo, ECAPS AB, Haldor Topsøe A/S, Scania CV AB, Volvo Car Corporation AB and Wärtsilä Finland Oy. The activity at KCK is focused on three main areas of research namely i) catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides (NOx) under lean conditions, ii) catalytic oxidation at low temperatures and iii) catalytic techniques for sustainable energy systems. The activity at KCK is closely integrated with the four research groups at Chalmers at the Departments of Applied Physics, and Chemistry and Chemical Engineering. KCK comprises 15 senior researchers, and 25 PhD students and postdocs with equal distribution between male and females.

The PhD student positions are part of a new large research project involving research groups from Chalmers and Lund University, where methanol synthesis from methane or carbon dioxide will be studied experimentally and by theory. Methanol is an energy carrier highly relevant for future energy systems and the selected model systems are reactions that put outstanding demands on the catalytic materials as a detailed control of active sites is required to enable high selectivity to the desired reaction product. The aim of the project is to develop a new methodology to advance the understanding of key-processes in heterogeneous catalysis. The PhD positions concerns catalyst synthesis, kinetic measurements and in situ characterization to identify catalytic systems with high potential for the target reactions. The project integrates the complementary expertise within the participating research groups at Chalmers and Lund University to focus on the challenges with high selectivity for methanol when synthesized from methane or carbon dioxide. Given the unique constellation of the participants, the project has the potential for breakthrough research within this area. 

Major responsibilities
The PhD positions involve research, own courses and teaching. The research project involves: synthesis of new catalysts, experimental studies for activity and selectivity analysis, catalyst characterisation, interaction with the other partners in the project; literature studies and communication in written as well as orally.

The doctoral studies includes own courses (60 hec) whereof 10 hec in generic skills.

The teaching (about 5%) is mainly carried out as assistant in laboratory work at undergraduate level and supervision of master thesis students.

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

Qualifications
M.Sc. degree or similar in Chemistry, Physics or Materials Science corresponding to at least 240 higher education credits. Experience in material synthesis is meritorious. To be succesful in this position, you need to be quality-conscious with an innovative way of thinking. A problem-solving attitude and great ability to work in teams are also qualifying for the position.

The undergraduates are normally taught in Swedish, although the graduate level teaching is in English. The project also involves international collaborations and thus fluent English is required. Applicants who do not have Swedish as native language should be able to teach in Swedish after two years of employment.?Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

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 20160197 and written in English.


To submit your application, please go to: Vacancies

Application deadline: June 4, 2016

For questions, please contact:
Professor Magnus Skoglundh, Applied Chemistry/Competence Centre for Catalysis, e-mail: skoglund@chalmers.se, Phone: +46-31-772 2974

Associate Professor Per-Anders Carlsson/Competence Centre for Catalysis, e-mail per-anders.carlsson@chalmers.se, Phone: +46-31-772 2924

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



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