PhD student in Materials Chemistry

Ref. No. SU FV-3924-22

at the Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry . Closing date: 15 November 2022.

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: 3D electron crystallography for development of novel functional nanoporous materials.

Supervision: Prof. Xiaodong Zou (main supervisor), Dr. Hongyi Xu (assistant  supervisor).

Nanoporous materials such as zeolites and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are excellent selective adsorbents and catalysts because of their uniform pore structures at molecular dimensions. Electron crystallography has unique advantages in studying the structures of porous crystals that are too small for conventional X-ray diffraction. Recent developments of electron diffraction-based methods have revolutionalized structural characterization of nanocrystals, from inorganic and hybrid materials, pharmaceuticals to proteins. Prof. Zou’s group has been developing new electron crystallographic methods, and is internationally leading in electron crystallography and porous materials. The PhD project aims to make phase analysis and structure determination by electron diffraction fully automated with high-throughput, high-resolution, and high-accuracy. The main tasks are developing methods, algorithms, and software for data collection and analysis, and/or optimizing sample preparation and experimental protocols, depending on the candidate’s background. The methods will be applied for studying structure-property relationships of novel metal-organic frameworks and zeolites. The results will be used for design and synthesis of new nanoporous materials with improved performances.

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. You will find the general study plan on 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.
The student will be part of a large group and in close collaboration with researchers from academia and industry. She/he should have a strong collaborative and communication skill, be self-motivated and able to work as part of a team. The applicant should also have excellent skills in the English language, both written and spoken. Knowledge on TEM/STEM, crystallography, programming, machine learning, or nanoporous materials is an advantage. The candidate should have a Master or equivalent degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Materials Sciences. For more information see Zou’s homepage: https://www.su.se/english/profiles/xzou .

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 ([email protected] ). For general information about the Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, please contact the Head of the Department, Professor Niklas Hedin, [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] , [email protected]  (SEKO), and PhD student representative, [email protected] .

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!

Stockholm University contributes to the development of sustainable democratic society through knowledge, enlightenment and the pursuit of truth.

URL to this page
https://www.su.se/english/about-the-university/work-at-su/available-jobs/phd-student-positions-1.507588?rmpage=job&rmjob=19257&rmlang=UK