Postdoc in Surface Science studies of Electrocatalysis on Topological Insulators

Registration website

Applicants are invited to submit their application for a postdoctoral position in experimental surface science and electrochemistry at the Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO) at Aarhus University, Denmark.

 

Starting Date and Period

The position is for 24 months and is available from  1 February2022.

 

Job description

In the project, we ask the question if topological insulators are active and stable in electrocatalytic reactions such as water splitting. To answer this question, we intend to perform a combination of experimental surface science and electrocatalysis studies on a range of planar model systems based on topological insulators and 2D materials.

As a postdoc in the project, you will be expected to develop sample preparation methods, carry out experimental characterization of topological insulators using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and angle-resolve photoemission (ARPES) and measure the electrocatalytic properties using a homebuilt electrochemical cell (Rev. Sci. Instr. 92, 094101 (2021)). The successful candidate will join a research group seeking to understand the fundamental atomic-scale properties of electrocatalytically active materials by surface science studies.  We furthermore expect you to be involved in training and co-supervision activities of students on the master and PhD level.
 

Your profile

Applicants for the postdoc position should hold a recent PhD degree in physics, nanoscience, materials science or an equivalent discipline with a successful and documented scientific record.

We will be looking for a highly motivated candidate with experience in experimental surface physics studies, such as ultra-high vacuum (UHV)-based scanning probe microscopy (STM mainly) and/or angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy. Documentation of technical skills within handling of UHV equipment, synchrotron work or previous experience with surface characterization studies of catalysts will be seen as an advantage. Experience in electrochemistry will be a plus, but is not required.
 

Who we are

The project is carried out in the interfaces and catalysis group by Prof. Jeppe V. Lauritsen at the Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO), Aarhus University. The group commands a range of experimental surface science techniques including a large activity on scanning probe microscopy. The group is also active users of synchrotrons, including the local ASTRID2 light sources at Aarhus University and the nearby MAX-IV facility in Lund, Sweden. The group is also associated with the Center for Integrated Materials Research (iMAT), which integrates a diverse range of basic and applied materials research areas across departments. The work will be carried out in collaboration with groups at the Dept. of Physics and Astronomy, Aarhus University.
 

What we offer

The successful candidate is offered a position in a thriving and inspiring research group that investigates the fundamental properties of a wide range of materials, for use in catalysis and renewable energy. The group has access to several state-of-the-art surface science platforms that enable a strong microscopy and spectroscopy characterization of the materials. The candidate will join a research climate inviting lively, open and critical discussion within and across different fields of research and a working environment with teamwork, close working relations, network activities among young scientists and social activities. The workplace is characterized by professionalism, equality and a healthy work-life balance.
 

Place of Work

The place of work is the Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center (iNANO) at Aarhus University, Gustav Wieds Vej 14, Aarhus, and the area of employment is Aarhus University with related departments. 
 

Contact Information

For further information please contact:  Assoc. Prof Jeppe V. Lauritsen, [email protected], Tel:23382369
 

Deadline

15 November 2021

 

Application procedure

Shortlisting is used. This means that after the deadline for applications – and with the assistance from the assessment committee chairman, and the appointment committee if necessary, – the head of department selects the candidates to be evaluated. All applicants will be notified whether or not their applications have been sent to an expert assessment committee for evaluation. The selected applicants will be informed about the composition of the committee, and each applicant is given the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that concerns him/her self. Once the recruitment process is completed a final letter of rejection is sent to the deselected applicants.

Letter of reference

If you want a referee to upload a letter of reference on your behalf, please state the referee’s contact information when you submit your application. We strongly recommend that you make an agreement with the person in question before you enter the referee’s contact information, and that you ensure that the referee has enough time to write the letter of reference before the application deadline. Unfortunately, it is not possible to ensure that letters of reference received after the application deadline will be taken into consideration.

Formalities and salary range

Natural Sciences refers to the Ministerial Order on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Danish Universities under the Danish Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.

The application must be in English and include a curriculum vitae, degree certificate, a complete list of publications, a statement of future research plans and information about research activities, teaching portfolio and verified information on previous teaching experience (if any). Guidelines for applicants can be found here.

Appointment shall be in accordance with the collective labour agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Further information on qualification requirements and job content may be found in the Memorandum on Job Structure for Academic Staff at Danish Universities.

Salary depends on seniority as agreed between the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Confederation of Professional Associations.

Aarhus University’s ambition is to be an attractive and inspiring workplace for all and to foster a culture in which each individual has opportunities to thrive, achieve and develop. We view equality and diversity as assets, and we welcome all applicants.

Research activities will be evaluated in relation to actual research time. Thus, we encourage applicants to specify periods of leave without research activities, in order to be able to subtract these periods from the span of the scientific career during the evaluation of scientific productivity.

Aarhus University offers a broad variety of services for international researchers and accompanying families, including relocation service and career counselling to expat partners. Read more here. Please find more information about entering and working in Denmark here.

Aarhus University also offers a Junior Researcher Development Programme targeted at career development for postdocs at AU. You can read more about it here.

The application must be submitted via Aarhus University’s recruitment system, which can be accessed under the job advertisement on Aarhus University's website.