PhD-student in Wood and Bionanocomposites

Luleå University of Technology is in strong growth with world-leading competence in several research areas. We shape the future through innovative education and ground-breaking research results, and based on the Arctic region, we create global social benefit. Our scientific and artistic research and education are conducted in close collaboration with international, national and regional companies, public actors and leading universities. Luleå University of Technology has a total turnover of SEK 1.9 billion per year. We currently have 1,840 employees and 17,670 students.

In the coming years, multi-billion investments will be made in large projects in Northern Sweden to create a fossil-free society both nationally and globally. Luleå University of Technology is involved in several of these cutting-edge research projects and in the societal transformation that they entail. We offer a broad range of courses and study programmes to match the skills in demand. We hope that you will help us to build the sustainable companies and societies of the future.

The Division of Materials Science at Luleå University of Technology has a PhD-student position available in the research on sustainable carbon nanomaterials with hierarchical pore structure and large surface area and test these as electrodes for energy storage applications.

We have demonstrated that bio-based novel nanomaterials such as cellulose nanofibers and graphitic carbon has a great potential to be used in composite materials and in future energy storage applications such as electrodes for super capacitors and batteries. However, we know that the raw material source can influence the final properties as well as material processing and these need to be developed and better understood.

Subject description
Wood and Bionanocomposites covers the development of energy-efficient manufacturing processes of eco-friendly composite materials and products based on various biofibers in nano- and micrometer scale.

More information about the subject is found here .

Project description
We want to expand our successful work in the field of biobased nanomaterials and try to increase our fundamental understanding of biobased carbon nanomaterials and their use as electrodes for energy storage. Advanced characterization techniques such as microscopy (SEM, AFM) microtomography, Raman spectroscopy, synchrotron, mechanical testing, thermal-, electrochemical properties, as well as theoretical modelling of structure and electron flow within the electrode are used to study the material structure and properties.

The announced PhD project is funded by Swedish Research Council (VR). We can offer well-equipped laboratory facilities for performing research and good academic network in Sweden and abroad.

Duties
As a PhD student you are expected to perform both experimental and theoretical work within your research studies as well as communicate your results at national and international conferences and in scientific journals. Most of your working time will be devoted to your own research studies. In addition, you can try the teacher role as supervisor for project students. As a PhD student, gives you a fantastic opportunity to be involved in a challenging development project and create experiences and skills in the field of materials science, process-structure- property relations. In this project the focus is on development of nanostructured carbon and its use as electrode materials, but you will also be involved in theoretical modelling of the structure and electrolyte flow in collaboration with Applied Physics and Flow Mechanics.

Qualifications
To be eligible for employment you must have an MSc degree in materials science, materials chemistry, polymer engineering, polymer chemistry or an equivalent degree.

The project is experimental in nature and experience in some of the following methodologies is highly desirable:

• Processing: experience in electrospinning or in ice-templating are an advantage
• Analysis techniques: x-ray analysis, different microscopy techniques (scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy) mechanical testing including analysing results, and electrochemical testing are an advantage.

Great interest for carbon nanomaterials and their characterisation is of importance.

We are looking for highly motivated and enthusiastic candidates, capable of conducting state-of-the-art research and who can work independently as well as in teams. The candidate must have good oral and written communication skills and be fluent in English.

For the evaluation of candidates, special emphasis is put on the following:

• Knowledge and skills relevant for the project
• Quality of MSc thesis
• Personal skills relevant for research

 For further information about a specific subject see General syllabus for the Board of the faculty of science and technology .

Further information
Fulltime fixed-term employment for four years. Departmental duties (such as teaching) up to maximum 20 % of fulltime studies may be added. Location is Luleå, Sweden.

For further information, please contact Professor Kristiina Oksman, +46 920 49 3371 or +46 70 358 53 71, [email protected]

Union representatives:
SACO-S Kjell Johansson +(0)920-49 1529 [email protected]  and OFR-S Lars Frisk, (+46)920-49 1792 [email protected]

In case of different interpretations of the English and Swedish versions of this announcement, the Swedish version takes precedence.

Application
We prefer that you apply for this position by clicking on the apply button below. The application should include a CV, personal letter and copies of verified MSc diploma and courses and their grades. Your application, including the diploma, must be written in English or Swedish. Mark your application with the reference number below.

Closing date for applications: January 2 2024
Reference number: 5703-2023

URL to this pagehttps://www.ltu.se/ltu/Lediga-jobb?l=en&rmpage=job&rmjob=7706&rmlang=UK