Postdoc position in physical chemistry with focus on low band-gap environmentally friendly quantum dots for thermophotovoltaic heat engines

Published: 2023-02-16

Uppsala University is a comprehensive research-intensive university with a strong international standing. Our ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a long-term difference in society. Our most important assets are all the individuals whose curiosity and dedication make Uppsala University one of Sweden’s most exciting workplaces. Uppsala University has over 54,000 students, more than 7,500 employees and a turnover of around SEK 8 billion.

The Department of Chemistry - Ångström conducts research and education in the chemistry field. The department has more than 250 employees and has a turnover of 250 million SEK. At the department's six programs, we conduct very successful research of a high international standard. We have a large number of externally funded research projects, often with international cooperation and we see continued good growth in our subject area. The department has education assignments in engineering programs and master's programs. More information is available on our website . 

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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

The postdoc will be part of Erik Johansson´s research group in the physical chemistry program. 

Work duties

This project includes design and preparation of new low band-gap quantum dots based on environmentally friendly materials for conversion of heat radiation to electricity.  Thermophotovoltaic heat engines will then be prepared based on the new quantum dots. The research project also includes use of advanced spectroscopy and other methods in order to characterize the quantum dots and to understand and control the conversion process from absorbing heat radiation, separation of charges and conduction of these charges to the contacts in the thermophotovoltaic heat engine.  

The research will be performed in collaboration with several researchers and research groups in Sweden and internationally. Specifically, the collaboration involves material chemists for the design of the new materials, physicists for advanced spectroscopic measurements and theoretical chemists for comparison to calculations on the quantum dots, which will be very important.

All early-stage researchers recruited into the WISE program will be a part of the WISE 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.

Requirements

PhD degree in Physical Chemistry or Chemistry, or Physics. The degree needs to be obtained by the time of the decision of employment. Those who have obtained a PhD degree within three years prior to the application deadline are primarily considered for the employment. The starting point of the three-year frame period is the application deadline. Due to special circumstances, the degree may have been obtained earlier. The three-year period can be extended due to circumstances such as sick leave, parental leave, duties in labour unions, etc.

The assessment of applications is based primarily on the applicant's ability to conduct independent research based on scientific skill. Greater importance is attached to the quality of individual scientific work, than to the amount of publications. A high level of written and spoken English as well as the ability to work in a team is required.

Experience in quantum dot preparation and characterization or quantum dot photovoltaic device preparation and characterization will be an advantage.

Desirable qualifications

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position of 2 years according to central collective agreement. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date 1st of May or as agreed. Placement: Physical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry-Ångström

For further information about the position please contact: Erik Johansson, [email protected] 

Please submit your application by 15 March 2023, UFV-PA 2023/634.

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Submit your application through Uppsala University's recruitment system.

Placement: Department of Chemistry - Ångström Laboratory

Type of employment: Full time , Temporary position

Pay: Fixed salary

Number of positions: 1

Working hours: 100%

Town: Uppsala

County: Uppsala län

Country: Sweden

Union representative: Seko Universitetsklubben [email protected]
ST/TCO [email protected]
Saco-rådet [email protected]

Number of reference: UFV-PA 2023/634

Last application date: 2023-03-15

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