Postdoctoral fellow in X-ray spectroscopy

Department of Physics is one of the biggest departments within the Faculty of Science and supports a broad range of fundamental experimental and theoretical physics research. It has about 250 employees, of which 95 are Ph.D. students. Many have been internationally recruited. The Department is part of the AlbaNova University Center which houses the Department of Astronomy, the Physics Departments at the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH), and the Nordic Institute for Theoretical Physics (Nordita).You can read more about us here: Department of Physics

The Department of Physics and Stockholm University is affiliated with Stockholm Dual Career Network (SDCN) that supports ex-pat partners with professional events, career-related advice, and building a social network in their new hometown. You can read more here: www.sdcn.se/.

Project description

We have an immediate postdoctoral fellow opening for an individual to work with Prof. Martin Beye to study the mechanism of the Haber-Bosch process with X-ray photoemission spectroscopy under various experimental conditions closest possible to industrial parameters. The Candidate will combine operando X-ray spectroscopy with transient techniques (switching pressure or gas compositions, voltages in an electrochemical setup, create electron-hole pairs through laser excitation) in order to observe reaction intermediates and identify changes in catalyst composition and species formed on its surface under reaction conditions. This project aims to deliver basic atomistic knowledge that leads to a more sustainable Haber-Bosch process to produce ammonia as a potential future energy carrier in a process that is less energy intensive and does not require natural gas.

This recruitment is connected to the Wallenberg Initiative Materials Science for Sustainability (WISE), wise-materials.org. 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: https://wise-materials.org.

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 Ph.D. students, postdocs, researchers, and industry.

Main responsibilities

The candidate will prepare the experimental set-ups, conduct experiments, coordinate and conduct beamtimes at synchrotrons and X-ray free-electron lasers, analyze potentially large data sets, and write manuscripts. The candidate will be involved in large collaboration teams.

Qualification requirements

Postdoctoral positions are appointed primarily for purposes of research. Applicants are expected to hold a Swedish doctoral degree or an equivalent degree from another country.

Assessment criteria

The degree must have been completed at latest before the employment decision is made, but no more than three years before the closing date. An older degree may be acceptable under special circumstances. Special reasons refer to sick leave, parental leave, elected positions in trade unions, service in the total defense, or other similar circumstances as well as clinical attachment or service/assignments relevant to the subject area.

A suitable background is a Ph.D. in physics, physical chemistry or nanoscience with experience in X-ray spectroscopy, preferably focusing on condensed phase studies and/or pump-probe spectroscopy. Experience from synchrotrons and free-electron lasers is a strong asset. The position will be placed at Stockholm University, but the individual will occasionally travel to PETRA III or the European XFEL in Hamburg.

In the appointment process, special attention will be given to research skills. The applicant will be selected based on documented experimental knowledge relevant to the study area, scientific instrumentations and methods, analytical skills, personal motivation, and teamwork skills. Well-developed English language skills are required. We seek motivated candidates with a talent for instrument development, programming, and science.

About the employment

The position involves full-time employment for a minimum of two years and a maximum of three years, with the possibility of extension under special circumstances. Start date as per agreement.

We offer

With us, you will experience the dynamic interaction between higher education and research that makes Stockholm University an exciting and creative environment. You will work in an international environment and get favourable conditions. The university is located in the National City Park with good transport links to the city.

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

Contact

Further information about the position can be obtained from Professor, Martin Beye, phone: +46 8 553 787 05, martin.beye@fysik.su.se.

Application

Apply for the 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.