PhD researcher “track the twin” doctoral network on the use of “low-dose electron microscopy techniques for atomically precise characterisation of single quantum dots"

Department: Department of Physics
Regime Full-time

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The Electron Microscopy for Materials Science group (EMAT) at the Faculty of Science is looking for a PhD researcher to join the “track the twin” doctoral network on the use of “low-dose electron microscopy techniques for atomically precise characterisation of single quantum dots”, under the supervision of Prof. Sandra Van Aert  and Prof. Sara Bals.

The Track The Twin Horizon Europe MSCA Doctoral Network: Quantum dots (QDs) exemplify the successful transfer of innovative nanomaterials from a lab-scale invention to a technology that offers better and more power-efficient electronic devices, or makes buildings generate renewable energy. Such implementations, however, keep QDs under permanent loading, such as constant illumination, elevated temperature or exposure to environmental agents. Efforts to make QDs resilient against loading induced ageing and loss of performance are time-consuming and costly.

Track The Twin addresses this problem through a research and training program aimed at creating and using QD digital twins (QDDTs). Focused on the case of QDs under illumination, this goal creates an exceptionally rich environment for research training of doctoral candidates (DCs) in nanomaterials. Research topics range from the latest methods of synthesis, structure analysis and time-resolved spectroscopy – from infrared to x-ray – to computational materials science. DCs will join forces to reach the common goal of demonstrating loading-resilient QDs synthesized according to best QD structures as predicted by the QDDTs.

To facilitate such a collaborative endeavor, all DCs will be trained to use and co-develop a common data platform and they will be permanently exposed to the diversity of environments needed to implement together a QDDT. Moreover, thanks to the deep collaboration between word-leading academic beneficiaries and start-up companies in nanomaterials and computational chemistry, scientific training is complemented by extensive transferrable skills training.

EMAT is one of the leading electron microscopy centers in the world and has a vast expertise in both fundamental and applied electron microscopy. EMAT has several state of the art electron microscopes including three aberration corrected, high end ThermoFisher Scientific-Titan instruments, a dual beam FIB, an environmental SEM. More about us at our webpage .

Position

• You will work actively on the preparation of a PhD thesis.
  Determination of atomically precise structures of single quantum dots
  • Use scanning transmission electron microscopy methods to determine the atomically precise structure of single core/shell QDs. Specific objectives include: determine conditions for STEM imaging of core/shell QDs without e-beam damage; realize 2D quantification of structure and composition from 4D STEM data; obtain the atomic structure of GEN1 QDs by 3D modelling of the atomic structure using molecular dynamics structure relaxation and alignment with other structure analysis methods; confirm envisaged structure changes in forward-engineered QDs using the developed methodology of STEM imaging, 3D modelling and method alignment.
• You will publish scientific articles related to the research project.
• You will carry out a limited number of teaching and research support tasks for EMAT.

Profile

• You hold a Master’s degree with background in e.g. physics, applied physics, or materials science.
• You can demonstrate excellent study results.
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
• You are enthusiastic and greatly interested in electron microscopy.
• You can submit outstanding academic results.
• You are highly motivated, quality-oriented, conscientious, creative and cooperative.
• You have affinity with experimental work and show good practical skills.
• You are greatly interested in the quantitative analysis of electron microscopy data.
• Only applications in line with the MSCA mobility rules are eligible, meaning that researchers can't have resided in Belgium for more than 12 months in the three years prior to the date of recruitment.

What we offer

• A doctoral scholarship for a period of 1 year. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed for another 3 years.
• The planned start date is December 1st , 2024.
• An exciting project in which we will aim to go beyond the state-of-the-art.
• A stimulating, high tech, and multidisciplinary research environment.
• A laboratory equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation, including 3 aberration corrected TEM instruments.
• The ability to participate in international workshops and conferences.
• A competitive salary, suiting the complexity of the research. Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts  for doctoral scholarship holders.
• You will receive ecocheques, Internet-connectivity allowance, and a bicycle allowance or a full reimbursement of public transport costs for commuting.
• You will do most of your work at Campus Groenenborger in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
• Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here .

Want to apply?

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform until Monday, September 2, 2024. Click on the 'Apply' button, complete the online application form and be sure to include the following attachments:
  • a motivation letter,
  • your academic CV (including previous work, programming skills, publications, …),
  • a list and grades of the courses from that you took during your studies (Bachelor and Master)
  • a summary of your Master’s thesis
  • a weblink to a short video introducing yourself,
  • contact info of 2 professional referees.
• If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions  or send an email to [email protected] . More detailed information on the research topic can be obtained from Prof. Dr. Sara Bals, [email protected] .

The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award  for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity  and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.