Ph.D. position to investigate metal-insulator transitions in solution phase
Research topic
Metal-insulator transitions (MIT) describe a phase-transition originating from quantum properties in a condensed matter system. Upon MIT, transport properties such as the electrical conductivity or the optical reflectivity change by orders of magnitude between values typical for metals or insulators. MIT in solid-state materials is well understood and enables for example to artificially tailor the conductivity of semiconductor materials by doping with impurity atoms which is industrially exploited in the production of micro-chips and micro-electronics – the building blocks of any digital technology.
The offered PhD position is part of a project funded by the Czech Science Foundation with the major aim to understand how MIT in liquids takes place. We are looking for a candidate to conduct experiments using liquid-jet photo-electron spectroscopy to investigate electrolyte-to-liquid-metal transitions in solutions of liquid amonia or amine solutions as well as water. Our results will be combined with quantum chemical calculations of our collaboration partners to gain a detailed microscopic understanding of the MIT process. The broader scope of the project is bringing together the very powerful methods of solid-state physics (offering atomistic descriptions of insulators, semi-conductors and metals) and the concepts of electro-chemistry (describing conductivity of solutions).
The PhD candidate will be involved in lab-based experiments as well as synchrotron beamtimes while a large part will be dedicated to data-analysis and simulations.
General requirements
Master/Diploma degree in physics, chemistry or related fields.
Good communication skills in written and spoken English.
Previous experience with physical and chemical methods, experience in spectroscopic methods and/or data analysis is of considerable benefit.
Good programming skills e.g. in MATLAB, python or similar are welcome.
Type of contract: Temporary
Job status: Part-time
Offer starting date: October, 2024
Benefits
- 25 days paid leave of absence (holidays) per year + 3 days of paid sick-leave in addition to the statutory insurance
- Flexible working-time, the possibility of part-time work, work-life balance
- Flat-rate meal voucher
- Contribution to supplementary pension scheme
- Possibility to use discounts in recreation centers of the CAS
- Sports goods rental, free parking, trade union library
- Czech and English language courses
- Possibility of further education and career development by participating in courses organized
by our institute.
Eligibility criteria
To apply, please send a motivation letter with a CV and brief summary of previous research activities, a copy of your diploma/master, 1-2 references including their names, job titles, institution, address, email and phone number to recruitment
jh-inst.cas.cz (recruitment[at]jh-inst[dot]cas[dot]cz) and radek.sachljh-inst.cas.cz (christian[dot]schewe[at]jh-inst[dot]cas[dot]cz). Please, write in the subject line of your email SC2024_32. By submitting you confirm that the information provided is accurate and truthful.
By providing us your personal data in your CV, you have allowed J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry to process and file your CV in the HR database. Your personal data will be used for the internal HR needs of the J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry only. At the same time you confirm herewith that the personal data as stated in the CV you have sent to us is true and accurate.
