Postdoctoral Fellow in X-ray photoemission spectroscopy

Department of Physics at Stockholm University is one of the largest departments within the Faculty of Science and supports a broad range of basic research in experimental and theoretical physics. It has about 250 employees, of which 95 are PhD students. Many have been internationally recruited. The Department is part of the AlbaNova University Center, which apart from the Department of Physics 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.

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Project description

We have a postdoctoral fellow opening for a candidate to work with Prof. Martin Beye to further develop the X-ray photoemission spectroscopy instrument POLARIS. The instrument is located at the synchrotron radiation facility PETRA III in Hamburg. It enables to study surface reactions at high temperatures and at pressures currently up to 1 bar, depending on the gas composition. Concepts exist to enable studies at even higher pressures that, within this project, should get implemented and applied to relevant scientific studies in this project.

Furthermore, the project should also work towards integrating a pulsed optical laser that allows to trigger chemical reactions that can then be followed with POLARIS at ambient pressures. This development also requires an upgrade of the detector system in POLARIS, but will enable following the reaction dynamics for example in the Haber-Bosch process at close to industrially relevant conditions. The candidate will thus combine operando X-ray spectroscopy with transient studies in order to observe reaction intermediates and follow their evolution under reaction conditions. This project aims to enable the acquisition of basic atomistic knowledge around a suite of fundamental reactions, often using hydrogenation reactions to produce energy carriers or chemical feedstock materials from CO2  – a reaction that will become more and more important for societies that strive for sustainable future.

Main responsibilities

The candidate will realize the upgrades to the POLARIS instrumentation based on developed concepts and then apply them to scientific questions. The latter entails to prepare, coordinate and conduct beamtime experiments at PETRA III, analyze the data set, and write manuscripts. The candidate will be involved in a collaborative team focusing on X-ray spectroscopic characterization of catalysis and other phenomena.

Qualification requirements

In order to qualify for a Postdoctoral position, applicants are required to hold a Swedish doctoral degree or an equivalent relevant degree from another country. The degree must have been completed no later than when the employment decision is made.

Assessment criteria

It is considered an advantage if the doctoral degree or an equivalent degree was completed no more than three years prior to the application deadline. Under special circumstances, an older degree may also be an advantage. Special circumstances 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 or with pulsed lasers on surfaces is an asset. The position will be placed at Stockholm University, but the individual will need to travel to beamtimes, mainly at PETRA III 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 Prof. Martin Beye, phone: +46 8 5537 8705, 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.