PhD student in Materials Science with focus on Simulations and modelling of mixed ionic-electronic conducting polymers

We are seeking a PhD student for an exciting research project focused on computational studies of conducting polymers aimed at advanced applications in energy transition and bioelectronics. Join our dynamic, world-class research team and contribute to pioneering developments in cutting-edge technologies for a sustainable future!

Your work assignments

Mixed ionic-electronic conducting polymers (MIECPs) are a class of materials that exhibit both electronic and ionic conductivity. These materials combine the conductivity of traditional electronic conductors (such as metals or doped semiconductors) with the ability to transport ions within their structure. This simultaneous electronic and ionic conductivity is essential in a wide range of devices, including batteries, fuel cells, supercapacitors, sensors, and actuators, where both electron and ion charge transport are needed for device functionality and performance. The use of conducting polymers as mixed ionic-electronic conductors is particularly crucial in bioelectronics applications, as MIECPs are soft, flexible, and biocompatible, enabling interaction with biological systems without causing adverse effects. At the same time, they enable seamless communication between electronic devices (which rely on electron transport) and biological systems (which utilize ion transport).

While these materials are already emerging in commercial applications, their widespread use remains limited by an incomplete fundamental understanding of their material properties, including morphology, ion and electron transport and injection, and electrochemical doping processes. The overall purpose of the present project is therefore to provide multiscale computational design and quantitative predictive models of MIECPs to answer the most important fundamental questions about their material properties that remain poorly or entirely unexplored. This will include calculating the density of states (DOS) and intrinsic capacitance of MIECPs and performing machine learning-assisted multiscale modeling of electron and ion transport in these materials.

The present research project will be performed in collaboration with the experimental groups where the obtained theoretical results will help to understand and guide the material and device design for better and enhanced performance, and, vice versa, the input from the experiment will provide the essential motivation for the theory.

As a doctoral 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

You have graduated at Master’s level in material science, applied physics, materials chemistry, or in related fields with a strong background in computational chemistry/physics or completed courses with a minimum of 240 credits, at least 60 of which must be in advanced courses in the above fields.  Alternatively, you have gained essentially corresponding knowledge in another way.

Computer and programing/scripting skills, and experience in molecular dynamics simulations are desirable, but not a requirement. You should be strongly self-motivated, show a keen interest in science and fundamental research and be willing to work in a team. Good communications skills and proficiency in spoken and written English are required. Great emphasis will be placed on personal qualities and suitability.

Your workplace

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 27,000 students and 4,000 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 http://www.liu.se

The Laboratory of Organic Electronics (LOE) belongs to the Department of Science and Technology and is renowned for its world-leading research on electronic and optical devices based on organic materials. Its primary theme involves the coupling of ions and electrons as signal carriers for applications in organic bioelectronics, printed electronics, organic energy and electrochemical devices, and nanooptics. Currently, the research staff of the Laboratory includes about 150 researchers (professors, senior and junior scientists and PhD students), see http://liu.se/loe for detail.

You will be part of the Theory and Modelling in Organic Electronics group, led by Prof. Igor Zozoulenko, https://liu.se/en/research/laboratory-of-organic-electronics/theory-and-modeling-for-organic-electronics, which is part of LOE. Our research focuses on the simulation and modeling of electronic, optical, structural, and transport properties of conducting polymers, biopolymers (nanocellulose and lignin), zeolites, and composites. We also model related devices, such as organic electrochemical transistors, flow batteries, electrochemical cells, and more.

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 spring 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 our 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 Deccember 27, 2024.

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

Please include in the application:

• Motivation letter (1-2 pages)
• Curriculum Vitae (max 2 pages), including reference names and publication list (if applicable)
• Copy of M.Sc. and bachelor´s degree and all corresponding transcripts (list of courses) taken during bachelor´s and M.Sc. studies.