About this role
Information about the Research Project We are looking for a highly motivated student to join our research group at Chalmers. The successful candidate will have a Master degree in Chemistry, Physics, Physical Chemistry, Materials Science, or equivalent with a focus on polymer science and technology. Previous experience with the chemistry and physics of organic semiconductors is preferred. High-voltage direct-current (HVDC) cables are a critical component of tomorrow’s power grids that seamlessly integrate renewable sources of energy. The insulation of HVDC cables is composed of crosslinked low-density polyethylene. Driven by the search for sustainable energy solutions, concepts that improve the ability of the insulation to withstand high electrical fields and, ultimately, the power transmission efficiency are in high demand. Your project will focus on the development of new materials concepts that permit to adjust the electrical and thermal conductivity of HVDC polyethylene insulation. You will prepare new formulations, containing organic semiconductors and where necessary graphene or carbon nanotubes, and then carry out a detailed characterisation of the dielectric properties of your materials in order to develop a fundamental understanding of underlying structure-property relationships. Processing of polymer blends and composites will be key to achieving an optimal performance. You will first explore small-scale compounding, followed by upscaling to larger volume extruders. The ultimate goal will be to develop scaleable solutions that are readily applicable to established production schemes for power cables. Information about the Research Group The Müller Research Group focuses on the physical chemistry and materials science of organic semiconductors, polymer blends and composites, and develops new plastic materials for energy technologies ranging from organic solar cells and thermoelectrics to power cables. All research is conducted in co-operation with other universities/institutes and/or industry. Presently, the Müller Research Group consists of 1 Professor, 4 Postdocs, 8 PhD students and several Master students. For more information visit our homepage at: http://www.chalmers.se/en/staff/Pages/Christian-Müller.aspx Major responsibilities The majority of your working time is devoted to your own research studies including processing and nanostructure characterisation of polyethylene insulation materials as well as electrical and thermal measurements. As a PhD student you are expected to develop your own ideas and communicate scientific results orally as well as in writing. In addition, the position will normally include 5% departmental work, mostly teaching duties. Position summary The employment is limited to a maximum of four years full-time research studies. Qualifications The successful candidate will have a Master degree in Chemistry, Physics, Physical Chemistry, Materials Science, or equivalent with a focus on polymer science and technology. Previous experience with the chemistry and physics of organic semiconductors is preferred. Further, practical experience with processing of polymers from solution and melt is preferred. Previous exposure to materials characterisation tools such as thermal analysis (DSC, TGA), X-ray diffraction (WAXS, SAXS), optical microscopy, AFM, SEM, TEM, rheology, DMA, tensile testing as well as electrical and/or thermal conductivity measurement techniques is a merit. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the work, the candidate is expected to have excellent collaboration skills. A very good capability of communicating scientific results in English, both orally and in writing is required. Application procedure The application should be marked with Ref 20180506 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as pdf-files, as below: CV: (Please name the document: CV, Family name, Ref. number) • CV • Other, for example previous employments or leadership qualifications and positions of trust. • Two references that we can contact. Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number) • 1-3 pages where you introduce yourself and present your qualifications. • Previous research fields and main research results. • Future goals and research focus. Are there any specific projects and research issues you are primarily interested in? Other documents: • Copies of bachelor and/or master’s thesis. • Attested copies and transcripts of completed education, grades and other certificates, eg. TOEFL test results. Please use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form. The files may be compressed (zipped). Application deadline: 26 November, 2018 For questions, please contact: Christian Müller, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering; [email protected] ; +46 31 772 2790