PhD student position on synthesis of conjugated materials

This is about our lives and natural resources, about energy, materials recycling and materials development. With our focus on sustainable development we work with research and education of the highest quality for smarter materials and smarter processes, for improved health and a better environment.

We have approximately 300 employees, divided into four research divisions and one administrative unit. We are situated at campus Johanneberg.

Our department is characterized by inspiring world-leading research, in an environment of personal development and creation of new knowledge.



Information about the research group
The research group "Polymer Chemistry and Electronics" leading by Dr. Ergang Wang at the Department of Chemistry and Chemcial Engineering has a focus on the synthesis and characterization of conjugated materials including polymers, small molecules and Graphene-like materials for applications in organic solar cells, organic field effect transistors (OFETs), organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) and photodetectors. We also have broad interest in thermoelectrics, supercapacitors and ferroelectrics. We have close collaboration with Prof. Olle Inganäs at Linköping University, where the devices will be made to evaluate the performance of our materials. We have well equipped labs for synthesis and materials characterizations.

Major responsibilities
Your major responsibilities as PhD student is to pursue your own doctoral studies. You are expected to develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing in English. You have the obligation in teaching assistance (5%).

Description:
Last years the development of organic electronics has been significant and, as an example, the best performances of polymer solar cells on a laboratory scale are now at the same level as amorphous silicon solar cells. One key for high performance of organic electronics is the development of organic materials with desired properties, which is the focus of this project.

One aim with this project is to synthesize active materials that will allow the preparation of efficient polymer solar cells. The materials can naturally also be used for other types of devices such as OFETs, OLEDs and thermoelectrics after minor modifications.

Multi-step organic synthesis will be used to develop conjugated polymers and Graphene-like materials, therefore, experience in organic synthesis or polymer synthesis are required. Interdisciplinary research experience in organic electronics and related fields is highly appreciated.

To be successful during your PhD you need, beyond demanded education and experience, to be highly motivated, creative and with an ambition to both collaborate and work on your own.

Position summary
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of four years full time PhD study.

Qualifications
To qualify as a PhD student, you must have

• a master's level degree corresponding to at least 240 higher education credits in a relevant field.
• experience in organic synthesis.
• experience of using material characterization tools such as MALDI-TOF, DSC, TGA, NMR, FTIR, GC and UV-Vis absorption.

The position requires excellent English skills, both verbal and written. 

Chalmers continuously strives to be an attractive employer. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20150456 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically via Chalmers webpage.


Application deadline: 1 March 2016. As the position is already available, we will interview continuously during the advertising period. Therefore, please submit your application as early as possible.

For questions, please contact:
Assistant Prof. Ergang Wang,
Applied Chemistry,
ergang@chalmers.se,
+46317723410 

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. *** 
   



Chalmers University of Technology conducts research and education in engineering sciences, architecture, technology-related mathematical sciences, natural and nautical sciences, working in close collaboration with industry and society. The strategy for scientific excellence focuses on our eight Areas of Advance; Built Environment, Energy, Information & Communication Technology, Life Science, Materials Science, Nanoscience & Nanotechnology, Production and Transport. The aim is to make an active contribution to a sustainable future using the basic sciences as a foundation and innovation and entrepreneurship as the central driving forces. Chalmers has around 11,000 students and 3,000 employees. New knowledge and improved technology have characterised Chalmers since its foundation in 1829, completely in accordance with the will of William Chalmers and his motto: Avancez!