PhD position in Experimental Physics

The Department of Physics at Umeå University (https://www.umu.se/en/department-of-physics/) conducts strong research in the areas of condensed matter physics, nanotechnology, photonics and theoretical physics.

The Department of Physics is offering a PhD position for project on graphene-related materials. The project is aimed on developing new graphene-related materials, studies of material’s structure and properties, evaluation of  energy storage in supercapacitors. The position is full time for 4 years with start on January 1, 2025 or by agreement. The deadline to submit application is 1 of October 2024.

Project description
The project is focused on preparation various carbon materials, including graphene related materials,  optimized for application in sorption/separation of lanthanides and actinides. The project aims to prepare materials with high surface area using chemical modification of  porous carbons, graphene and graphene oxide, introducing  different defects and addition of nanoparticles.  Important part of project is aimed on design of environmentally friendly methods for selective sorption of  lanthanides from complex waste mixtures using advanced materials. This research will be a part of collaboration between several research groups working within  EU project MaLaR.  
The candidate will be engaged in synthesis of new materials and characterization of these materials using BET/DFT surface area analysis, DSC, x-ray diffraction, Raman and IR spectroscopy etc. It is also planned to use synchrotron radiation facilities and neutron scattering methods.  

Competence requirements
To be admitted for studies at third-cycle level you are required to have completed a second-cycle level degree or completed course requirements of at least 240 ECTS credits. The recruitment procedure will follow the Higher Education Ordinance (Högskoleförordningen). Prerequisites include 240 ECTS credits (högskolepoäng) of higher education studies, of which 60 should be on an advanced level (Master’s level), or equivalent. In addition to these requirements, 120 ECTS need to be in physics. The requirements do not need to be fulfilled at the time of application but only at the enrollment. Fluency in English is mandatory.

Applicants with master exam in Chemistry, Material Science or Physical Engineering which fulfill this requirement are also welcomed to apply. Competence and experience in experimental research, including material synthesis, material characterization, and spectroscopy, are considered as an advantage. Previous experience of work with lanthanides/actinides, carbon materials (graphene, graphite oxide, carbon nanotubes) and/or experimental evaluation of material’s sorption properties will be considered as an advantage but not obligatory. The applicant should be motivated, dedicated to research with ability to work with mainly experimental assignments both independently and in a research group.

Terms of employment
The employment is expected to result in a doctoral degree and the main assignment for the doctoral student is thus to be part of the research education, which includes participation in the described research project but also to take relevant courses. Teaching and other departmental work (up to a maximum of 20%) can be included. The employment is limited to four years at full time or up to five years if teaching and other departmental work is performed. The salary is fixed according to the established salary level for doctoral students. 

The application
The application should contain:
1.           A cover letter with summary of research interests and motivation (max. 1 page)
2.          Curriculum Vitae.
3.          Certified copies of relevant degree certificate(s) translated to English or Swedish. 
4.          Transcripts with grades, with English or Swedish translation. Note that for international     extra-EU) applicants the grading system should be explained in brief.
5.          Copies of student theses and publications (if any)
6.          Names and contact information of 3 reference persons

You apply via our e-recruitment system Varbi. The deadline for applications is 1 of October 2024.
Log in and apply via the button at the bottom of the page. All documents should be uploaded in pdf format. 

More information
For further information contact Professor Alexander Talyzin alexandr.talyzin@umu.se
Selected candidates will be contacted for on line interviews.  

We look forward to receiving your application!