PhD student in Materials Chemistry (MSCA COFUND project PRISMAS)

at the Department of Material and Environmental Chemistry. Closing date: 31 October 2023.

Stockholm University was founded in 1870 and is repeatedly ranked among the world’s top 100 universities. The University has around 30 500 students, 1400 PhD students, and more than 5 700 staff. Stockholm University is rooted in the principle of offering knowledge and education for a sustainable world.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

PRISMAS – PhD Research and Innovation in Synchrotron Methods and Applications in Sweden – is a new doctoral network training the next generation of 40 leading synchrotron experts, co-funded by the Horizon Europe MSCA COFUND Programme.

Project description
The research project is focused on fundamental research devoted to identifying the key mechanistic steps during the electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction on transition metal nitrides such as CrN in order to develop a rational understanding. In particular, we aim to monitor the oxidation state of chromium and the potential oxygen formation on the surface during the electrochemical NRR reaction. This will be achieved by using in situ ambient-pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (APXPS), X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) spectroscopy at MAX IV. This instrumental platform, once set up, will be extended further to the hydrocarbon synthesis from e.g. CO₂.

The MSCA COFUND project PRISMAS offers you outstanding opportunities as well as a stimulating and inspiring surrounding for performing cutting-edge research. Supporting your mobility, it creates perfect conditions for strengthening your international network.

The training implies a secondment of 3-12 months at MAX IV  laboratory  in Lund, Sweden. Additional secondments and/or short stays may be arranged in agreement with the supervisor of the research project. Moreover, you will attend international conferences, participate in periodical project meetings and training schools as well as in specialised courses at different universities to complement your knowledge.  A certain amount of travelling is foreseen in relation to these activities.

Qualification requirements
To comply with the mobility rule of the MSCA COFUND programme, you are eligible if you have not resided in Sweden for more than 12 during the period 2020-10-30 to 2023-10-31 for work or studies as main occupation.

By the employment date (before 01/03/2024) you must have completed courses of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits are from second-cycle courses, have been awarded a Master´s degree or have acquired largely equivalent knowledge in some other way, in Sweden or abroad.

In addition to the criteria abovementioned, you must have fulfilled a second cycle education in a relevant field, such as chemistry, materials science, or physics.

You are eligible for the PRISMAS programme, if you are a doctoral candidate, i.e., are not already in possession of a doctoral degree.

In order to meet the specific entry requirements, the general syllabus for doctoral studies in the field of Chemistry is valid.

The qualification requirements must be met by the deadline for applications.

Selection
The selection among the eligible candidates will be based on their capacity to benefit from the training. The following criteria will be used to assess this capacity: the candidates’ documented knowledge in a relevant field of research, written and oral proficiency in both Swedish and English, the capacity for analytical thinking, the ability to collaborate, as well as creativity, initiative, and independence.

The assessment will be based on previous experience and grades, the quality of the degree project, references, relevant experience, interviews, and the candidate’s written motivation for seeking the position.

Admission Regulations for Doctoral Studies at Stockholm University are available at: www.su.se/rules and regulations.

Terms of employment
Only a person who will be or has already been admitted to a third-cycle programme may be appointed to a doctoral studentship.

The position is a fixed term position for four years at 100 per cent of full time and foreseen to start on 01/03/2024.

The holders of these positions have a primary obligation to successfully fulfil their postgraduate (third cycle) education ending with a doctoral degree (PhD). A position as PhD Student can contain some limited teaching or other departmental work at the Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry. The maximum amount of such work is 20 %.

The term of the initial contract may not exceed one year. The employment may be extended for a maximum of two years at a time. However, the total period of employment may not exceed the equivalent of four years of full-time study.

Doctoral students should primarily devote themselves to their own education, but may engage in teaching, research, and administration corresponding to a maximum of 20 % of a full-time position.

Please note that admission decisions cannot be appealed.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Contact
For more detailed information on the position or the research project, please contact: Professor Jiayin Yuan, jiayin.yuan@mmk.su.se.

If you have questions on the selection process, please contact: prismas@maxiv.lu.se.

For questions on the employment conditions and the university, please contact: Head of the Department, Professor Niklas Hedin, niklas.hedin@mmk.su.se.

Union representatives
See the complete advertisment.

Application
Apply for the PhD student position at Stockholm University’s recruitment system. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.

OBS! You find the complete advertisement at Stockhom University website, www.su.se/english/about-the-university/work-at-su/available-jobs, under PhD positions.

The documents should be uploaded (pdf) in the job application portal. Exam certificates and other documents on paper should be scanned or photographed before being uploaded.

The application will be evaluated based on scientific excellence, the adequacy of your career plan and your thesis project as well as your research experience.

Details on the novel, unique and common selection process for all the PRISMAS positions can be found here: How to apply – MAX IV (lu.se)

The instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position.

You are welcome to apply!

Stockholm University contributes to the development of sustainable democratic society through knowledge, enlightenment and the pursuit of truth.