Doctoral student in polymer chemistry with a focus on alkaline electrolysis membranes for hydrogen production (PA2023/141)

The energy system of the future requires efficient environmentally friendly electrolysers, fuel cells and batteries based on hydrogen as a renewable energy carrier. In these electrochemical systems, ion-conducting polymers and electrolyte membranes are central materials and components. This PhD project is focused on developing a new concept for ion-conducting polymer membranes for alkaline membrane electrolysers for the production of hydrogen. The project includes organic synthesis and studies of the next generation of these membrane materials. The main goal is to develop new synthesis strategies and new knowledge on how to tailor polymers to effectively combine high ionic conductivity with mechanical and chemical/alkaline stability. With an emphasis on the synthesis of new materials, the experimental work includes organic synthesis of new monomers, molecular characterization and polymerization, polymer characterization, production of functional membrane materials, and analysis of electrochemical, mechanical strength and thermal properties with a focus on chemical stability and proton conduction. The project is carried out together with Swedish and European partners and will involve a limited number of trips to attend meetings, conferences and research activities.

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties will include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

This recruitment is connected to the Wallenberg Initiative Materials Science for Sustainability (WISE, wise-materials.org). WISE, funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, is the largest-ever investment in materials science in Sweden and will encompass major efforts at Sweden’s foremost universities over the course of 10 years. The vision is a sustainable future through materials science.

Read more: https://wise-materials.org

All early-stage researchers recruited into the WISE program will be a part of the WISE Graduate School (https://wise-materials.org/research/graduate-school/), an ambitious nationwide program of seminars, courses, research visits, and other activities to promote a strong multi-disciplinary and international network between PhD students, postdocs, researchers, and industry.

A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if the applicant:

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third cycle studies in Polymer Technology if the applicant has passed the degree at the advanced level.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.

Selection for third-cycle studies is based on the student’s potential to profit from such studies. The assessment of potential is made primarily on the basis of academic results from the first and second cycle. Special attention is paid to the following:

Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of study. An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems. Written and oral communication skills Other experience relevant to the third-cycle studies, e.g. professional experience.

Other assessment criteria

• Desirable education is a Master of Science in Chemistry with specialization in organic or polymer chemistry at the advanced level.
• Experience in organic synthesis and characterization of monomers and / or polymers, especially ionic polymers and polycondensation, is a merit.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through his or her experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

Only those admitted to third cycle studies may be appointed to a doctoral studentship. Third cycle studies at LTH consist of full-time studies for 4 years. A doctoral studentship is a fixed-term employment of a maximum of 5 years (including 20% departmental duties). Doctoral studentships are regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), chapter 5, 1-7 §§.

Applications shall be written in English and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, degree certificate or equivalent, at least 2 letters of recommendation and other documents you wish to be considered (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.)