Project description
A project is available in inorganic materials chemistry with a focus on electroactive surfaces. As a society we are getting quite good at accessing renewable energy, but storage and transport of the harvested energy remains a challenge. Batteries and conductors are two solutions which have changed society in recent decades, and the importance of which was recognised through through a Nobel prize 2019.
The project aims to develop inorganic electroactive surface through the spin coating of water-soluble precursors, such as polyoxometalates. These surfaces can then be used as capacitors and battery electrodes. The properties of the surfaces can then be tuned by varying the conditions and the composition of the the solutions to suit different applications. The investigation principally focuses on the development of the electrochemical properties of doped transition metal oxides of niobium and tantalum.
The project will therefore involve the synthesis of inorganic molecules that can be used in spin coating, characterisation of inorganic surfaces and powders using techniques such as PXRD, spectroscopy and electronmicroscopy, and, most importantly, electrochemical methods.
The project is funded through a grant from the Kempe foundations.
The stipend will cover two years of full-time studies beginning the 1st of September 2023, or according to mutual agreement. The stipend amounts to SEK 336 000 per year, and is covered by the Kempe foundations.
Qualifications
To qualify as a post doctoral scholarship holder, the postdoctoral fellow is required to have completed a doctoral degree or a foreign degree deemed equivalent to a doctoral degree. This qualification requirements must be fulfilled no later than at the time of the decision about scholarship recipient.
Priority should be given to candidates who completed their doctoral degree, according to what is stipulated in the paragraph above, no more than three years prior. If there are special reasons, candidates who completed their doctoral degree prior to that may also be eligible. Special reasons include absence due to illness, parental leave, appointments of trust in trade union organizations, military service, or similar circumstances, as well as clinical practice or other forms of appointment/assignment relevant to the subject area.
You must have a solid foundation in materials chemistry and/or electrohemistry, and be able to demonstrate skills in one or more of the following areas: 1) analytical methods for characterisation of electrochemical properties of inorganic materials, 2) analytical methods for structural and chemical characterisation of inorganic materials, and 3) inorganic synthesis.
You must have a very good command of English, and be able to write scientific manuscripts and reports in English.
You must be able to conduct research independently as well as in a team, be driven and diligent, and enthusiastic about pursuing new science.
Skills in computational modelling using localised basis or planewave density functional methods are desirable, as are programming skills in Python and Matlab.
Application
A full application should include:
Cover letter, in which you briefly highlight your research interests and relevant skills
Curriculum vitae (CV) with publication list,
Verified copy of doctoral degree certificate or documentation that clarifies when the degree of doctor is expected to be obtained,
Verified copies of other diplomas, list of completed academic courses and grades,
Copy of doctoral thesis as a PDF,
Other documents that the applicant wishes to claim.
References will be requested in conjunction with a potential interview.
The application should be written in English (preferably) or Swedish. Your complete application, marked with reference number FS 2.1.6-440-23, should be sent electronically (in PDF format) to medel@diarie.umu.se (with reference number on the subject line). The closing date is 30 April 2023.