PhD fellowship in Inorganic Chemistry

Department of Chemistry, Section for Inorganic Chemistry invites applicants for a PhD fellowship in Quantum Materials Discovery and chemical modification of low dimensional magnets.

Start date is 01.12.2024 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The project

The PhD project targets the discovery, functionalization and understanding of new quantum materials, with especial emphasis on magnetic materials with low dimensionality. The successful candidate will focus on the synthesis of complex solid state compounds by combining crystal growth (e.g. chemical vapor transport and optical floating zone techniques) and soft chemistry methods. The project will also involve a detailed structural and electronic characterization using scattering and spectroscopic techniques, and the measurement of the physical properties. The ultimate goal is to establish structure-property relationships in materials that exhibit novel magnetic and electronic behaviors, as a platform for the realization of new quantum phenomena.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for candidates within the fields of solid state chemistry, condensed matter physics and materials chemistry. Applicants can have a background in synthetic solid state chemistry, crystal growth and materials characterization (e.g., using X ray and electron diffraction and microscopy). Experience in physical property measurements (magnetization and electrical transport) is an advantage. We are searching for self-motivated students interested in developing an interdisciplinary profile, and in conducting forefront fundamental research at the international level. The candidate will also be involved in the development of innovative preparative chemistry procedures for the research project.

Our group and research- and what do we offer?

The successful candidate will join the group of Assistant Professor Sara López Paz, as part of the Inorganic Section at the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. We are located in Copenhagen. We are a young group working at the interface between solid state chemistry and condensed matter physics, searching for new materials with potential application in quantum technologies and energy conversion devices. The project is funded by the Novo Nordisk Foundation and our research facilities include modern laboratories for crystal growth, materials characterization and physical properties measurements equipment.

We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in a dynamic and international research environment. The exploration of the expected complex quantum states will require state of the art characterization tools, that in the frame of this project will be accessed through our extended collaboration network as part of the Q-Mat lighthouse https://www.q-mat.nbi.ku.dk/about-q-mat/ and working closely with several European large scale facilities. For further information about the position please contact Assistant Professor Sara López Paz.

1. Co-Supervisor is Assistant Professor Sara López Paz, [email protected], Direct Phone: +4593565321
2. Principal Supervisor is Professor Jesper Bendix, Department of Chemistry

The PhD programme

A three year full-time study within the framework of the regular PhD programme (5+3 scheme), if you already have an education equivalent to a relevant Danish master’s degree.

Qualifications needed
To be eligible for the regular PhD programme, you must have completed a degree programme, equivalent to a Danish master’s degree (180 ECTS/3 FTE BSc + 120 ECTS/2 FTE MSc) related to the subject area of the project, e.g. Chemistry or Physics. For information of eligibility of completed programmes, see General assessments for specific countries and Assessment database.

Terms of employment in the regular programme
Employment as PhD fellow is full time and for maximum 3 years.

Employment is conditional upon your successful enrolment as a PhD student at the PhD School at the Faculty of SCIENCE, University of Copenhagen. This requires submission and acceptance of an application for the specific project formulated by the applicant.

Terms of appointment and payment accord to the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and The Danish Confederation of Professional Associations on Academics in the State. The position is covered by the Protocol on Job Structure.

Responsibilities and tasks in the PhD programme

• Carry through an independent research project under supervision

• Complete PhD courses corresponding to approx. 30 ECTS / ½ FTE
• Participate in active research environments, including a stay at another research institution, preferably abroad
• Teaching and knowledge dissemination activities
• Write scientific papers aimed at high-impact journals
• Write and defend a PhD thesis on the basis of your project

We are looking for the following qualifications:

• Professional qualifications relevant to the PhD project
• Relevant publications
• Relevant work experience
• Other relevant professional activities
• Curious mind-set with a strong interest in materials discovery, synthesis and characterization of solid state compounds with exotic quantum behaviours.
• Good language skills. Excellent English skills, written and spoken are required.

Application and Assessment Procedure

Your application including all attachments must be in English and submitted electronically by clicking APPLY NOW below.

Please include:

1. Motivated letter of application (max. one page)
2. Your motivation for applying for the specific PhD project
3. Curriculum vitae including information about your education, experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position
4. Original diplomas for Bachelor of Science or Master of Science and transcript of records in the original language, including an authorized English translation if issued in another language than English or Danish. If not completed, a certified/signed copy of a recent transcript of records or a written statement from the institution or supervisor is accepted.
5. Publication list (if possible)
6. Reference letters (if available)

Application deadline:

The deadline for applications is 30 August 2024, 23:59 GMT +2.

We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.

The further process
After deadline, a number of applicants will be selected for academic assessment by an unbiased expert assessor. You are notified, whether you will be passed for assessment.

The assessor will assess the qualifications and experience of the shortlisted applicants with respect to the above mentioned research area, techniques, skills and other requirements. The assessor will conclude whether each applicant is qualified and, if so, for which of the two models. The assessed applicants will have the opportunity to comment on their assessment. You can read about the recruitment process at http://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/.



Interviews with selected candidates are expected to be held in week 39 [23-27 September 2024]

Questions
For specific information about the PhD fellowship, please contact the principal supervisor.

General information about PhD study at the Faculty of SCIENCE is available at the PhD School’s website: https://www.science.ku.dk/phd/.

The University of Copenhagen wishes to reflect the surrounding community and invites all regardless of personal background to apply for the position.