PhD student in Energy Materials Physics with specialization on corrosion resistant materials

The Department of Physics and Astronomy's research spans 10 departments and a broad spectrum of physics-related disciplines. The department of X-ray Photon Science is a global leader in the application of cutting-edge spectroscopic techniques. This places us at the forefront of research on atoms, molecules, and condensed matter at the atomic level. This division contains the Condensed Matter Physics of Energy Materials research programme, which has a particular focus on the production of materials, surfaces, and interfaces of interest for various energy applications and, consequently, the development of a sustainable society. We are a multiethnic and collaborative research team with the common objective of elucidating the mechanisms that operate in intricate systems including photovoltaics, batteries, fuel cells, and catalysis.

PhD Project description

Materials found in a harsh environment, including materials exposed to outdoor weather, or materials found in electrochemical devices such as batteries or fuel cells are subject to corrosion. Corrosion is a common process that leads to material degradation and therefore there are both economic and environmental benefits of increased corrosion resistance. In this project, corrosion processes of new materials will be studied at an atomic level. A fundamental understanding of how corrosion is initiated and develops can be used to tune the material composition in order to increase the stability and corrosion resistance further.

Duties
The PhD student will work with, and develop, energy materials. An important aspect of this work will be the use and development of methods that combine photoelectron spectroscopy with electrochemistry to study corrosion while it is happening, i.e., in-situ. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), hard x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES) and ambient pressure x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (AP-XPS) both at synchrotron radiation facilities as well as in-house are central in this project for studying the chemical composition of the surface and in the bulk of new materials. This will be combined with electrochemical measurements, both in-situ and ex-situ. The PhD student will develop models to increase the corrosion resistance and will also have the possibility to take part in the development of new materials. The PhD student will work in an interdisciplinary environment including both physics and chemistry.

Requirements
The applicant should have a degree in Physics, Materials science or another relevant subject. Fluency in both spoken and written English is a prerequisite. 

Additional qualifications
The candidate should be highly motivated to pursue experimental x-ray-based research in an active team with interest to immerse oneself into physics aspects as well as advanced sample preparation aspects.

Experience in photoelectron spectroscopy, electrochemical methods and other material analysis methods (e.g., electron microscopy) will be considered a merit. Experience of work at synchrotron facilities will also be a merit.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicants experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research at the department.

Other
The application should consist of a letter describing research interests and relevant experiences (maximum 2 A4 pages), list of published scientific works (if any), Curriculum Vitae (CV, 2 A4 pages), copies of degree certificates and grades. We also welcome contacts to reference persons and/or attach letters of recommendation.

For further information about the position, please contact: Rebecka Lindblad, rebecka.lindblad@physics.uu.se.

Please submit your application by November 21 2022, UFV-PA 2022/3751.

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