PhD student in physical chemistry with focus on quantum dots for thermophotovoltaic energy conversion and energy storage

Published: 2023-03-09

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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 . (https://kemi.uu.se/angstrom/?languageId=1 ).

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

Subject description

Quantum dots promises very high efficiencies for conversion of heat to electricity and interesting new phenomena related to quantum size effects.

In this PhD project quantum dots that absorb heat radiation will be synthesized and investigated in detail. Based on the quantum dots we will then prepare thermophotovoltaic devices based on a thin layer of quantum dots between two suitable charge extraction layers for conversion of heat to electricity. These devices will be studied with a range of electrical and optical methods, and advanced methods based on X-rays. We will in this project also investigate the possibility to use these thermophotovoltaic devices in energy storage, where stored heat will be converted to electricity.

The research will be performed in collaboration with several researchers and research groups in Sweden and internationally. Specifically, the collaboration involves 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.

Duties

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

Requirements
To meet the entry requirements for doctoral studies, you must

• have been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• have satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or have acquired essentially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.
• have very good oral and written proficiency in English.

The applicant is expected to have a Master degree in Chemistry, or Materials Science, or Physics with a physical chemistry component.

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.

Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University's rules and guidelines .

About the employment
The employment is atemporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. Scope of employment 100 %.Starting date as agreed. Placement: Uppsala.

For further information about the position, please contact: Erik Johansson, erik.johansson@kemi.uu.se

Please submit your application by April 3, 2023, UFV-PA 2023/516.

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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: ST/TCO tco@fackorg.uu.se
Seko Universitetsklubben seko@uadm.uu.se
Saco-rådet saco@uadm.uu.se

Number of reference: UFV-PA 2023/516

Last application date: 2023-04-03