PhD in ultra-stable COFs for battery membrane technologies

Exciting PhD opportunity in Organic Materials Chemistry! Want to use your synthesis and analysis skills to help in the development of renewable energy technologies? We are seeking a motivated and creative PhD researcher to join our cutting-edge project aimed at developing ultra-stable covalent organic framework ion-transport membranes. These materials will be developed for a range of ion separation applications including redox-flow battery membranes. Help develop the next generation of porous, highly conductive membranes to replace PFAs! 

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 Research School https://wise-materials.org/research-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.

Your work assignments

This role will involve the synthesis of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) as well as post-synthetic modification to increase stability. You will also undertake characterisation of the materials crystallinity, porosity and ion transport properties along with testing of chemical and morphological stability.

Research Duties

• Synthesis of COF monomers
• Synthesis of COFs and post-synthetic modification
• Characterisation of COF morphology using PXRD and sorption
• Development of membrane forming techniques at various scales
• Characterisation of membrane ion-transport properties 

General Responsibilities

• Recording and analysis of data
• Learning new synthetic, analytical or characterisation techniques
• Presentation of data at meetings and conferences
• Manuscript preperation and writing
• Literature monitoring and review
• Collaboration with other group members and external partners
• Practice of high laboratory safety standards and contribution to lab maintenance

As a PhD student, you devote most of your time to doctoral studies and the research projects of which you are part. Your work may also include teaching or other departmental duties, up to a maximum of 20% of full-time.

Your qualifications

We are looking for a candidate who is:

• Academically Strong: Has graduated at Master’s level in chemistry, materials science or nanoscience, or has completed courses with a minimum of 240 credits, at least 60 of which must be in advanced courses in chemistry.  Alternatively, you have gained essentially corresponding knowledge in another way. Evidence will be sought of a deep understanding of the applicant's degree subject.
• Technically Proficient: Synthetic organic chemistry experience is highly desirable. Knowledge or experience of covalent organic frameworks / membrane characterisation / analysis of porous or crystalline materials is a plus.
• Self-Motivated: Is an enthusiastic, organised, self-starter. Willing to learn new techniques or concepts and apply them in an interdisciplinary research environment
• Detail-Oriented: Has strong attention to detail, the ability to keep comprehensive laboratory records and a committed to producing high-quality work.
• Collaborative: Capable of working effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team. Can operate supportively in a laboratory environment and take part in joint projects through co-operation and the exchange of information and skills.
• Excellent Communicator: Has strong verbal, visual presentation, and written communication skills in English.

Great emphasis will be placed on personal qualities and suitability.

Your workplace

Join us at the Laboratory of Organic Electronics (LOE) at Linköping University, a world-renowned center for groundbreaking research in solar energy devices, bioelectronics, printed electronics, and nanooptics using organic materials. Our innovative work focuses on the dynamic coupling of ion and electron movement. Our research topics include synthesis, material science, theory and modelling, device physics, nanotechnology, biotechnology, and system design. Our activities span the range from basic research to commercialization. At LOE, you’ll be part of a vibrant community of over 150 researchers, including professors, senior and junior scientists, fellow postdocs and PhD students. Our collaborative environment is multidisciplinary, fostering creativity and innovation. http://liu.se/loe Our campus is located in central Norrköping, a small but vibrant city with a rich industrial heritage within easy reach of the beautiful forests and lakes of Östergötland. 

You will work within the Functional π-Materials group, led by Assistant Professor Catherine Aitchison. The team develops innovative new materials for various energy production and storage applications. We focus on conjugated organic materials and are interested in synthesising and studying materials with self-assembled microstructures that aid in function.

Linköping University (LiU) conducts world-leading, cross-disciplinary research in fields that include materials science, IT and life science technology. LiU is one of the largest universities in Sweden and today has 40,000 students and 4,500 employees. The students are among the most desirable in the labour market and international rankings consistently place LiU as a leading global university. Read more at www.liu.se

The employment

When taking up the post, you will be admitted to the program for doctoral studies. More information about the doctoral studies at each faculty is available at Doctoral studies at Linköping University

The employment has a duration of four years’ full-time equivalent. You will initially be employed for a period of one year. The employment will subsequently be renewed for periods of maximum duration two years, depending on your progress through the study plan. The employment may be extended up to a maximum of five years, based on the amount of teaching and departmental duties you have carried out. Further extensions can be granted in special circumstances.

Starting date - early 2025 or by agreement.

Salary and employment benefits

The salary of PhD students is determined according to a locally negotiated salary progression. Starting salary for PhDs are 33 900 SEK/month. 

More information about employment benefits at Linköping University is available here.

Union representatives

Information about union representatives, see Help for applicants.

Application procedure

Apply for the position by clicking the “Apply” button below. Your application must reach Linköping University no later than December 2, 2024.

Applications and documents received after the date above will not be considered. 

In the application portal CV and cover letter must be added as attachments. In the cover letter you must clearly state why you are interested in this position and how your qualifications fit the position description.