PhD position in nanomaterials self-assembly

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This PhD position is associated with the Wallenberg Wood Science Center (WWSC), which is a research center including groups from three major universities in Sweden (KTH, Chalmers and Linköping University). The vision of WWSC is that the forest can offer sustainable bio-based alternatives to fossil-based materials. As a PhD member in WWSC, you will become part of the WWSC academy, which is a graduate student school. In this academy, you will learn about research on renewable materials from wood. During the academy, students will connect with each other and with industry to nurture future collaborations. Read more at WWSC.

Self-assembly (spontaneous organization of small components into organized structures) to make new materials from wood has enormous potential. In the newly (2024) started Catalysis and Self-Assembly group at Linköping University, we develop self-assembly strategies to make new materials from wood-based nanoscale building blocks. Using these materials, we then explore applications in areas ranging from printed electronics to thermal insulation.

We are now looking for a PhD student to join our group and WWSC. 

Your work assignments

Your research in the Catalysis and Self-Assembly group, and WWSC, will focus on self-assembly of wood-based nanomaterials to make renewable functional materials.

Questions that may be explored during your PhD include:

• How should, for example, cellulose nanofibers or graphene derivatives be hierarchically structured for their application (e.g., in an insulating foam, or in an organic electronic device)?
• What chemical functionalization should be applied to the nanoscale components to achieve self-assembly into the desired hierarchical structures?

Examples of work that you may conduct during your PhD:

• Chemical functionalization of nanomaterials
• Exploration of nanomaterials self-assembly during screen-printing to make organic electronic devices.
• Exploration of nanomaterials self-assembly during freeze-casting to make insulation materials.
• Structural characterization of your self-assembled materials (e.g., by atomic force microscopy or electron microscopy).
• Characterization of the functional properties (e.g., thermal, or electrical conductivity) of your self-assembled materials.

Your PhD work will be crucial for the broader development of self-assembly strategies that are pursued in our group, and in WWSC. This broader development will be done in a highly multidisciplinary team of chemists, physicists, and material scientists.

As a PhD student, you devote most of your time to doctoral studies and to your research projects. Your work may also include teaching or other departmental duties, up to a maximum of 20% of full-time.

Your qualifications

By the start date, you have graduated with a BSc or MSc (minimum 4 years, corresponding to 240 ECTS credits) in chemistry, chemical engineering, physics, material science, or another relevant field.

For this position, most merit is given to completed courses in chemistry, with excellent grades. In addition, excellent communication skills in written and spoken English is a requirement.

Merit is also given to experience of laboratory work and materials characterization (demonstrated through coursework, MSc project, or published papers).

Furthermore, the suitable candidate should be highly self-motivated and show profound interest in fundamental research. Great emphasis will also be placed on personal qualities and suitability.

Your workplace

This PhD position is based at the Laboratory of Organic Electronics (LOE), belonging to the Department of Science and Technology, at the university’s Norrköping Campus. LOE is renowned for its world-leading research on organic electroactive materials, with applications ranging from printed electronics to catalysis. Currently, the research staff at LOE includes about 150 researchers (professors, senior and junior scientists, and PhD students). Read more at www.liu.se/loe.

At LOE, you will be part of the newly (2024) started Catalysis and Self-Assembly group, led by Assistant Professor Alexander Holm. Research in the group focus on fundamental and applied aspects of self-assembly to make sustainable materials. Information about our research can be found here: Catalysis and Self-Assembly, CATSA . Information about Alexander Holm can be found here.

The employment

When taking up the post, you will be admitted to the program for doctoral studies. More information about the doctoral studies at each faculty is available at Doctoral studies at Linköping University.

The employment has a duration of four years’ full-time equivalent. You will initially be employed for a period of one year. The employment will subsequently be renewed for periods of maximum duration two years, depending on your progress through the study plan. The employment may be extended up to a maximum of five years, based on the amount of teaching and departmental duties you have carried out. Further extensions can be granted in special circumstances.

Starting date

Autumn 2024, or by agreement.

Salary and employment benefits

The salary of PhD students is determined according to a locally negotiated salary progression. The starting salary is 32 800 SEK per month before tax. The salary then increases to 33 800 SEK after completing 30 %, and to 36 500 SEK after completing 60% of the PhD degree program.

As an employee of Linköping University, you are entitled to the following benefits:

• Paid vacation (28 workdays per year, corresponding to 5 ½ weeks).
• Free access to the Swedish health-care system (full health-care coverage).
• Paid maternity/paternity leave (up to 390 days per child).
• Accrued pension. During your work-time in Sweden, you accrue income pension, paid by the employer, which is payable also if you leave Sweden.
• More information about employment benefits at Linköping University is available here.

Other benefits include:

• As a PhD student you get student-discounts on many products and services (e.g., public transport).
• Other benefits are also available. A list can be found here.

Union representatives

Information about union representatives, see Help for applicants.

Application procedure

Apply for the position by clicking the “Apply” button below. Your application must reach Linköping University no later than June 10, 2024.

Applications and documents received after the above date will not be considered.

The application should be written in English and include:

1. Cover letter (maximum 1 page): The cover letter should describe what makes you interested in, and suitable for, this particular position.
2. CV (maximum 2 pages): The CV can be formatted according to your own design. It should include at least information on education (degrees including topics, schools/universities, years, and preferably average grades), potential publications (stating all information, including full author lists), any other merits you feel are relevant (skills, awards, etc.).
3. Undergraduate transcripts (i.e. MSc, BSc, or equivalent, in English), with grades.

We welcome applicants with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives - diversity enriches our work and helps us grow. Preserving everybody's equal value, rights and opportunities is a natural part of who we are. Read more about our work with: Equal opportunities.




We look forward to receiving your application!





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