Researcher in experimental high pressure science

Ref. No. SU FV-4004-22

at the Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry . Closing date: 30 November 2022.

The Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry (MMK) is one of the largest departments at the Faculty of Sciences at Stockholm University with about 160 employees and 2,000 students. Teaching focuses on analytical, physical and inorganic chemistry. Research at MMK is focussed on developing new materials for a sustainable society, employing green synthesis and sustainable processing routes. We also develop advanced methodologies for chemical analysis and structural characterisation, including analytical chemistry tools, electron crystallography, different spectroscopic methods and multiscale modelling.

Project description
The position will be associated with the project “In-situ studies of hydrogenation reactions at gigapascal pressures and elucidation of recovery strategies for hydrogen-rich hydrides” supported by the Swedish Research Council. The discovery of high temperature (“high-TC”) superconductivity in highly compressed H2S in 2015 spurred immense activities into hydrogen-rich hydrides, also called superhydrides, which are hydrides with hydrogen contents exceeding conventional valences. Yet, superconducting superhydrides are hitherto only observable at ultrahigh pressures (100 – 200 GPa) and as minute samples, which makes their characterization extremely challenging. Comprehensive studies of the high-TC phenomenon and, importantly, its potential exploitation as useful materials property would require that superhydrides can be retained at ambient pressure and obtained as larger sample quantities.

The project aims at establishing synthesis strategies for quenchable, potentially superconducting, ternary/multinary hydrogen-rich hydrides using large volume press (LVP) multi anvil high pressure methodology. It utilizes large-scale synchrotron facilities, in particular PETRA III/DESY in Hamburg, for monitoring high pressure hydrogenation reactions and the phase and structural behavior of hydrides at high pressure and high temperature conditions up to 20 GPa and 800 °C by in-situ diffraction studies. The workplace for this position is located at the beamline P61B at PETRA III. The activities of this beamline concern experimental research in geosciences and materials science at extreme pressure and temperature conditions using LVP methodology and in-situ X-ray diffraction and radiography techniques.

Main responsibilities

• Lead instrumental development activities for the investigation of solid-gas/fluid reactions at high pressures at P61B.
• Design and perform in situ and off-line high-pressure experiments at P61B.
• Write proposals for beam time also for LVP beamlines at other synchrotron facilities.
• Assist in user services at P61B and guide PhD students involved in the project in their experiments.

Qualification requirements
Researchers are appointed primarily for purposes of research and must hold a Swedish doctoral degree or an equivalent degree from another country.

Assessment criteria
In the appointment process, special attention will be given to

In addition, we expect candidates to be proficient in oral and written English in order to interact and communicate effectively with all project members as well as to publish internationally. Excellent collaborative skills are required.

Terms of employment
This is a full-time, indefinite-term position with a six-month trial period. Start date 2023-01-01 or as per agreement.

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

Contact
Further information about the position can be obtained from Professor Ulrich Häussermann, telephone: +46 8 16 23 90, [email protected] .

Union representatives
Ingrid Lander (Saco-S), telephone: +46 708 16 26 64, [email protected] , Alejandra Pizarro Carrasco (Fackförbundet ST/Lärarförbundet), telephone: +46 8 16 34 89, [email protected] , and [email protected] (SEKO).

Application
Apply for the 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 job 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 publications
• Research proposal (no more than 3 pages) describing:
  – why you are interested in the field/project described in the advertisement
  – why and how you wish to complete the project
  – what makes you suitable for the project in question
• Copy of PhD diploma
• Letters of recommendation (no more than 3 files)
• Publications in support of your application (no more than 3 files).

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.

URL to this page
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