PhD student in Materials Chemistry

at the Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry. Closing date: 3 November 2023.

The Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry (MMK) is, with about 160 employees, one of the largest departments at the Faculty of Natural sciences at Stockholm University. A significant part of the teaching activities is at the undergraduate level with courses in General, Physical, Inorganic, and Analytical Chemistry. The teaching at the graduate level focuses on the master programs in Sustainable Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry.

Research activities of MMK focus primarily on materials, and include different classes such as ceramics, glasses, self-assembled, porous materials, and soft matter. The projects often encompass synthesis, and characterization by X-ray, neutron diffraction, electron microscopy, solid-state NMR, and computer modelling of materials with a potential for various applications. Research activities in the area of Analytical Chemistry focus on developing advanced analytical techniques for studies of organic compounds and biomolecules.

Project description
Project title: Nanoporous ionic separators for Na-ion batteries

Supervisors: Prof. Jiayin Yuan (main supervisor); Dr. Miao Zhang (co-supervisor)

The position will synthesize functional nanoporous separators for Na-ion batteries by controlled wet-chemical method ( J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2013, 135 (15), 5549–5552), focusing on facile and up-scalable preparation. The resulting separators will exploit electrostatic complexation between a cationic poly (ionic liquid) and a polyacid-based polyanion. A comprehensive and in-depth analysis of the structure-property relationship will be conducted with respect to wettability, and the impact of porosity, morphology and tortuosity on the effective conductivity in the presence of liquid electrolyte. The best performing separators will be up-scaled to produce quantities sufficient for their implementation in Na-ion pouch cells.

The ideal applicant is proactive and equipped with a problem-solving mindset. The ambition to conduct interdisciplinary research at the broad breadth of materials chemistry is an asset. Candidates with a solid foundation in materials chemistry, chemical engineering, polymer chemistry, battery oepration and materials, and/or membrane science specialisation are encouraged to apply. The applicant should have a good knowledge of English, both orally and in writing.

Qualification requirements
In order to meet the general entry requirements, the applicant must have completed a second-cycle degree, completed courses equivalent to at least 240 higher education credits, of which 60 credits must be in the second cycle, or have otherwise acquired equivalent knowledge in Sweden or elsewhere.

In order to meet the specific entry requirements, the general syllabus for doctoral studies in the field of Chemistry is valid. Those studies should include at least one specialized course or a thesis in the research subject. In order to facilitate the evaluation of merits and suitability for the PhD studies your curriculum vitae (CV) should contain information about the extent and focus of the academic studies. The quantity (as part of an academic year) and the quality mark of courses in chemistry and physics are of particular interest. Please, state titles of undergraduate theses and project works. You will find the general study plan at the Department´s website for doctoral studies.

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 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 information, please contact the PI Jiayin Yuan, jiayin.yuan@mmk.su.se. For general information about the Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, please contact the Head of the Department, Prof. Niklas Hedin, niklas.hedin@mmk.su.se.

Union representatives
Ingrid Lander (Saco-S), telephone: +46 708 16 26 64, saco@saco.su.se, Alejandra Pizarro Carrasco (Fackförbundet ST/OFR), telephone: +46 8 16 34 89, alejandra@st.su.se, seko@seko.su.se (SEKO), and PhD student representative, doktorandombud@sus.su.se.

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.

Please include the following information with your application

• • Your contact details and personal data

• • Your highest degree

• • Your language skills

• Contact details for 2–3 references

and, in addition, please include the following documents

• • Cover letter

• • CV – degrees and other completed courses, work experience and a list of degree projects/theses

• • Project proposal/Research proposal describing:
    – why you are interested in the field/project described in the advertisement
    – what makes you suitable for the project in question

• • Degree certificates and grades confirming that you meet the general and specific entry requirements (no more than 6 files)

• • Letters of recommendation (no more than 6 files)

• Degree projects/theses (no more than 6 files).

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

You are welcome to apply!

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