Postdoc position, Oxyhydrides for Catalytic CO2 utilization and Selective Hydrogenations

Information about the research project
This research project aligns with the contemporary movement towards greener processes for production of chemicals. The overall aim is to establish correlations between synthesis and structure of oxyhydride materials as well as their catalytic function for hydrogenation of CO2 into useful oxygenates and chemoselective hydrogenation of hydrocarbons. The project is organised as a twin post-doctoral project, i.e., two postdoc positions with close connection.

The first position is focused on synthesis and characterization of oxyhydrides, and determination of catalytic properties. You will outline synthesis protocols for preparation of systematically varied material compositions, carry out basic characterization of general physicochemical properties, and test their catalytic function(s) using chemical flow-reactors. In addition, in situ and operando infrared spectroscopy will be used to understand their catalytic function(s) in detail.

The second position is focused on exploring hydrogen dynamics of the synthesised materials. You will investigate the nature and local structure and hydride-ion dynamics using neutron scattering techniques (in particular, inelastic and quasielastic neutron scattering).

Information about the research environment
The first position is within the research group of Prof. Per-Anders Carlsson at the division of Applied Chemistry, Chalmers. The research at Applied Chemistry is broad covering Applied Surface Chemistry, Biopolymer Technology, Pharmaceutical Technology and Polymer Chemistry and Electronics. The Carlsson research group adopts a physical inorganic chemistry approach to materials and surface science. The common activities include aspects on materials synthesis and evaluation combined with advanced operando characterisation for understanding and control of atomic scale processes in functional materials such as catalysts. The Carlsson group is active in the interdisciplinary research centre Competence Centre for Catalysis located at Chalmers, which collects experimental and theoretical expertise in catalysis.

The second position is within the research group of Prof. Maths Karlsson at the division of Energy and Materials, Chalmers. The Karlsson group focuses on studies of local structure and dynamics in functional - mostly energy related - materials, such as proton and hydride-ion conductors, inorganic phosphors, and metal halide perovskites, with a view towards their application in energy technologies such as fuel cells, batteries, solar cells, and light emitting diodes, to name a few. The unifying theme is to develop an understanding for how local structure and dynamics correlate with the functional/macroscopic properties of the materials (such as ionic conductivity, or luminescence etc.). The primary tools to this end involve the use of techniques at large-scale neutron and photon sources around the world.

Information about the department
The department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering is the largest department at Chalmers with research ranging from the most fundamental level to a level close to application in industry and society. The research activities reach from DNA-research and biomaterials to high temperature corrosion, catalysis and recycling. The Department is also heavily committed to teaching at the undergraduate, graduate, as well as postgraduate level in these areas.

Health, natural resources, sustainable energy and materials are some of our lead words and our vision is “Through curiosity and knowledge towards a sustainable world”.

We have approximately 300 employees, divided into four research dvisions and one administrative division. We are situated at campus Johanneberg in the middle of Gothenburg.

Major responsibilities
Your main responsibility is to drive the project and feed in your perspective. You are also expected to participate in X-ray and neutron experiments at international large-scale research facilities.

Qualifications
The candidate should have Doctors degree (or similar) in Chemistry, Physics or Materials Science before employment preferably at latest in second half of 2023.

The successful candidates should have:

(1) PhD in Chemistry, Physics or Material Science.
(2) Good communication skills in written and spoken English
(3) Able to work independently and take responsibility for progress and quality of the project
(4) Knowledge in inorganic synthesis, materials characterization and heterogeneous catalysis is meritorious.
(5) Experience from experiments at large-scale facilities is meritorius.

Contract terms
This postdoc position is a full-time temporary employment for two years.

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
The application should be marked with Ref 20230585 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

CV: (Please name the document as: CV, Surname, Ref. number) including:
• CV, include complete list of publications
• Previous teaching and pedagogical experiences
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous research fields and main research results
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Attested copies of completed education, grades and other certificates.

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.

Application deadline: 2023-11-22

 
For questions, please contact:
Professor Per-Anders Carlsson/Dept. Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers,
per-anders.carlsson@chalmers.se, +46-31-772 2924

Professor Maths Karlsson/Dept. Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers,
maths.karlsson@chalmers.se, +46-31-772 6770

*** 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 six Areas of Advance; Energy, Health Engineering, Information and Communication Technology, Materials Science, 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!