PhD student in inorganic chemistry for new barocaloric materials

The Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry (MMK) is, with about 160 employees, one of the largest departments at the Faculty of Natural sciences at Stockholm University. A significant part of the teaching activities is at the undergraduate level with courses in General, Physical, Inorganic, and Analytical Chemistry. The teaching at the graduate level focuses on the master programs in Sustainable Chemistry and Analytical Chemistry. Research activities of MMK focus primarily on materials, and include different classes such as ceramics, glasses, self-assembled, porous materials, and soft matter. The projects often encompass synthesis, and characterization by X-ray, neutron diffraction, electron microscopy, solid-state NMR, and computer modelling of materials with a potential for various applications. Research activities in the area of Analytical Chemistry focus on developing advanced analytical techniques for studies of organic compounds and biomolecules. More information about us, please visit: the Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry.

Starting January 2025 the Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry and the Department of Organic Chemistry will merge in to the Department of Chemistry. It will then be one of the largest departments at the Faculty of Natural sciences at Stockholm University with about 200 employees.

Project description

Project title: New barocaloric materials

Supervisors: Dr. Hanna Boström (main supervisor); Dr. Ken Inge (co-supervisor)

Within the next century, the energy demand for cooling applications is predicted to increase dramatically. As current refrigeration techniques rely on the use of ozone-depleting gases with substantial global warming potential, the need for more environmentally friendly systems is urgent. The barocaloric effect exploits phase transitions in solid-state materials to achieve an entropy change that can be used for cooling. As a result, there is no need for harmful gases and higher efficiencies might be possible. The barocaloric effect is potentially present in any material with solid–solid phase transitions, yet a very small fraction of systems has been explored in this context.

This project will investigate a range of material to determine whether the barocaloric effect is present and try to establish structure–property relationships. Initially, the candidate will synthesise a number of inorganic systems, including ionic plastic crystals and coordination polymers, and characterise their structures and phase transitions. Ample use will be made of single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction as well as differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). High-pressure DSC and diffraction will also be used. At the end of the project, the candidate will have gained valuable experience in synthesis, material characterisation, and thermodynamic measurements.

This recruitment is connected to the Wallenberg Initiative Materials Science for Sustainability. WISE, funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, is the largest-ever investment in materials science in Sweden and will encompass major efforts at Sweden’s foremost universities over the course of 10 years. The vision is a sustainable future through materials science. Read more here.

All early-stage researchers recruited into the WISE program will be a part of the WISE Graduate School, an ambitious nationwide program of seminars, courses, research visits, and other activities to promote a strong multi-disciplinary and international network between PhD students, postdocs, researchers, and industry.

Candidates of all gender identities, ethnicities, nationalities, (dis)abilities, sexual orientations, and religions are encouraged to apply.

Qualification requirements

In order to be admitted to postgraduate education, the applicant must have the general and specific entry requirements. The qualification requirements must be met by the deadline for applications.

You meet general entry requirements if you have completed a second-cycle degree, or completed courses equivalent to at least 240 higher education credits, of which 60 credits must be in the second cycle, or have otherwise acquired equivalent knowledge in Sweden or elsewhere.

Specific entry requirements are described in the general syllabus for doctoral studies in the field of Chemistry.

Selection

The selection among the eligible candidates will be based on their capacity to benefit from the training. The following criteria will be used to assess this capacity:

documented knowledge in a relevant field of research
capacity for analytical and creative thinking
initiative
independence
ability to collaborate
written and oral proficiency in English.

The ideal applicant is motivated, organised, and has a problem-solving mindset and the ability to work both independently and in a team. Experience of and interest in solid-state inorganic and physical chemistry, crystallography, and/or caloric materials is desirable.

Admission Regulations for Doctoral Studies at Stockholm University.

About the post

We offer a fixed-term employment as a doctoral student according to Chapter 5 of the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100). The period of employment may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education for four years. As a doctoral student, you should primarily devote yourself to your own doctoral education, but the employment may include work with education, research and administration to a limited extent (maximum 20 %).

A new employment as a doctoral student is for a maximum of one year, the employment is then renewed for a maximum of two years at a time.

Stockholm University strives to be a workplace free from discrimination and with equal opportunities for all.

Contact

For more information, please contact the PI Hanna Boström, hanna.bostrom@mmk.su.se. For general information about the Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, please contact the Head of the Department, Prof. Niklas Hedin, niklas.hedin@mmk.su.se.

Application

Apply for the PhD student position at Stockholm University's recruitment system. Attach a personal letter and CV as well as the attachments requested in the application form. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the job advertisement, and that it is submitted before the deadline.

The instructions for applicants are available at: How to apply for a position.

You are welcome to apply!