Postdoctoral position in Surface Physics with Focus on Electron-stimulated CO2 Adsorption

Organisation/Company

Uppsala universitet

Department

Uppsala University, Department of Materials Science and Engineering

Research Field

Chemistry
Physics

Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)

Country

Sweden

Application Deadline

8 Apr 2024 – 21:59 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Full-time

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering aims to be an environment for successful and valuable research and education with a focus on materials science solutions for important societal challenges. Our department is an exciting workplace with research in a broad technology-related area, from basic research to large-scale applied research, and close contacts with students through the department’s involvement in civil engineering, bachelor’s and master’s programs. Our research and teaching is conducted within seven divisions with different research focus.

The Division of Solid State Physics is part of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Ångström Laboratory. At the division, we do both basic and application-oriented research that is related to energy and environmental aspects as well as life science via our different research areas. Most commonly, we investigate physical and chemical properties of nanomaterials and compounds whether it will be used as coatings for smart windows, gas sensors, photocatalytic coatings, spintronics and biomagnetic applications or to create new magnetic materials for environmentally friendly energy technologies. The research area on catalytic and optical materials for green nanotechnologies is lead by professor Lars Österlund.

Project description
The purpose of the project is to study NO2 and CO2 adsorption processes on metal oxide surfaces and to investigate how these processes can be tailored for proton-coupled electron transfer reactions for direct reduction of CO2 at oxide surfaces. The project is based on preliminary data and calculations demonstrating a hitherto unexplored electron-stimulated CO2 adsorption mechanism whereby adsorption takes place on locally reduced cation sites.

Specifically, we will employ UHV-Infrared Reflection Absorption Spectroscopy (IRRAS) to quantify and generalize the reaction mechanism with advanced infrared surface spectroscopy techniques, and temperature programmed desorption (TPD) under various experimental conditions ranging (vacuum to atmosphere; single crystals to nanoparticles).

In collaboration with a quantum chemical group we will also use DFT calculation methods for charge corrections of potential energy and interface charge transfer, as well as calculate adsorbate structures and vibrational spectra with methods developed within the research group.

Work duties
The work duties in this projects are of experimental character and involves surface science work employing IRRAS and TPD. Complementary XPS is also part of the work. A large part of the work tasks involves experimental work to set up and characterize advanced angle-resolved, polarization modulated UHV-IRRAS. Complementary XPS is also included and may be performed at synchrotron light facilities. Additional quantum chemical calculations can be part of the work, and depends on the applicants’ background.

In addition to research, some participation in the supervision of doctoral students, master’s students and project students, as well as communication of research results through scientific articles in well-established scientific journals and presentations at international conferences, are also included as important aspects of the employment. Some participation in teaching may also be included. You are also expected to contribute to applications for external research funds.

Qualification requirements
For employment on a postdoctoral position you must have PhD or a foreign degree equivalent to a PhD degree. The degree needs to be obtained by the time of the decision of employment. Those who have obtained a PhD degree 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.

For this position, a PhD degree in physics or chemical physics, or an equivalent degree in a related field, is required.

We also  require documented knowledge and experience of surface characterization techniques, especially surface spectroscopy, such as IR, IRRAS and XPS.

We require very good written and oral knowledge of English, as well as very good skills in writing scientific publications.

Additional qualifications
Experience in surface physics, vacuum technology, quantum chemical calculations is a merit.

Personal qualities, such as the ability to lead and run projects while being able to interact with other researchers are very important. You must be purposeful, structured and able to work effectively both individually and in a group.

Instruction for application
Your application should contain
1) A short letter describing yourself, your goals and why you want to take this a postdoc position.
2) CV (max 2 pages)
3) Copy of the PhD, master’s degree (or equivalent) and course grades
4) Names and contact information (e-mail and telephone) to two reference persons who have agreed to act as reference for you. 
5) Copies (or drafts thereof) of thesis work and other documents, such as publications, which you wish to invoke

During the application period, we will continuously read application documents and call for interviews.

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position of 2 years according to central collective agreement. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date 1 April 2024 or as agreed upon. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position please contact: Professor Lars Österlund, 0702-562425, [email protected]

Please submit your application no later than 8 April 2024, UFV-PA 2024/662.

Are you considering moving to Sweden to work at Uppsala University? Find out more about what it´s like to work and live in Sweden.

Requirements

Research Field

Chemistry

Education Level

PhD or equivalent

Research Field

Physics

Education Level

PhD or equivalent

Research Field

Chemistry

Years of Research Experience

1 – 4

Research Field

Physics

Years of Research Experience

1 – 4

Additional Information
Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

1

Company/Institute

Uppsala universitet

Country

Sweden

City

Uppsala

Geofield

Where to apply

Website

https://uu.varbi.com/en/what:job/jobID:708183/type:job/where:39/apply:1

Contact

City

Uppsala

Website

http://www.uu.se/en/about-uu/join-us/jobs/

STATUS: EXPIRED