Karlstad University / Faculty of Health, Science and Technology / Department of Engineering and Physics

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Karlstad University has a total of approximately 1,400 employees and 17,300 students spread across two inspiring campus environments in Karlstad and Arvika.
 
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Background

The Department of Engineering Science and Physics at the Faculty of Health, Science and Technology is looking for a project assistant research in physics, to participate in a multidisciplinary research projects on organic materials for energy generation and storage. The department has a strong research profile in the field of materials for solar energy applications. The research group, where the project assistant will be active, focuses on the development of theoretical methodologies to investigate molecular and new materials for solar energy conversion, having a broad international network of collaborations. Additionally, the department offer an environment with strong experimental activities and the project has access to outstanding high-performance computing facilities through the Swedish National Infrastructure for Computing.

Duties

The main duties are to conduct research on the fundamental properties of organic energy materials for applications on solar energy conversion into both electricity (photovoltaic devices) and chemical energy (solar fuels). In more specific terms, the project aims at the in-depth investigation of structure-properties relationships regarding charge photo-generation, charge transport and optical properties. The photo- and electro-chemical stability of the organic materials will also be investigated. The project is partially funded by the Swedish Energy Agency. The work involves planning and conducting atomic scale modelling, using first-principles theory, and molecular dynamics simulations. The target systems will range from molecular models to solid state compounds. The candidate is also expected to communicate results and participate in the project meetings with the other national and international partners. The knowledge of some experimental tools is also relevant in order to enabling the development of joint theoretical-experimental studies. Participation in the writing of publications and conference contributions is also included in the tasks.

Qualifications

We are looking for a theoretical physicist highly experienced in studies related to organic materials for energy generation and storage, desirably with an additional experimental experience in the topic. The applicant must have a degree at advanced level in physics or physics engineering, or equivalent. A doctoral degree is a strong merit. The applicant shall have documented knowledge and skills in first-principles methods for the description of electronic structure of both conjugated polymers and small-molecules candidate materials to be applied as active layer in organic photovoltaic devices and organic photocatalytic hydrogen production. The knowledge of theoretical methods to calculate XPS spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction to determine the crystal structure of the material are needed. Excellent knowledge of English, in speech and writing, is also a requirement. We attach great importance to the applicant's personal qualities, such as good collaborative ability, ability to work independently, good organizational ability, accuracy, and excellent communication skills. The ability to establish new collaborations and manage the existing ones is a prerequisite.

Terms

The position is a fixed-term, full time position for 12 months. A prolongation may be possible. The starting date for the position is 1 October 2020 or by agreement.

Application

The application should include well documented qualifications. Applicants are responsible for submitting a complete application in accordance with the advertisement and for ensuring that the documentation allows for objective and qualitative assessments. A complete application should be submitted no later than the application deadline.

The application should include:

  • Cover letter briefly describing the applicant’s qualifications in relation to the duties of the position
  • CV
  • Copies of relevant employer’s certificates, degree certificates, and letters of recommendation
  • Information on language skills
  • Contact information to at least two references, one of which is a manager
  • Other documents that the applicant wishes to refer to

Submit your application via the University’s web-based recruitment tool.

Application deadline: 21 August, 2020

Reference number: REK2020/174

We look forward to your application!

 

Karlstad University has chosen advertising channels for this recruitment and decline any contacts from advertising or recruitment agencies.

Type of employment Temporary position
Contract type Full time
First day of employment October 1, 2020 or by agreement
Salary Monthly
Number of positions 1
Full-time equivalent 100%
City Karlstad
County Värmlands län
Country Sweden
Reference number REK2020/174
Contact
  • Lars Johansson, prefekt, +46 54 700 1677 lars.johansson@kau.se
Union representative
  • Thomas Bragefors, SACO, 054-700 1714
  • Denita Gustavsson, OFR, 054-700 1434
  • Tony Ingemarsson, Lärarförbundet, 054 700 1404
Published 29.Jul.2020
Last application date 21.Aug.2020 11:59 PM CEST

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