PhD student in Physics

Published: 2023-05-03

The research conducted at the Department of Physics and Astronomy encompasses a wide range of physics topics, distributed over nine divisions. The department is located in the Ångström laboratory and employs nearly 400 people, 100 of whom are doctoral students. It offers a broad physics curriculum to undergraduate and graduate students, participation in nationally and internationally leading projects for researchers, and opportunities for partnership with industry and various outreach activities. Read more on www.physics.uu.se

The research in the materials physics division focuses on meta- and smart materials with an emphasis on non-equilibrium and finite size effects in magnetic materials, metal hydrides and soft matter. Samples are synthesised and studied with optical methods and transport measurements in house. These characterisation tools are complemented by advanced x-ray and neutron scattering methods in the lab as well as at large scale facilities. The group also operates the neutron reflectometer Super ADAM at the Institute Laue-Langevin in Grenoble (France).

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Duties
The PhD student will work in the Division of Material Physics and be part of a project conducted in collaboration with Institute Laue-Langevin (ILL) in Grenoble (France) and the NIST Centre for Neutron Research in Gaithersburg (MD, USA). 

One peculiarity of polymers is the pronounced non Newtonian behavior or in other words the change in viscosity for different shear rates. The distinctive changes in the shear and loss moduli can be explained by microscopic properties like the structure or internal relaxation of the molecules. However, experimental data on the changes in the local dynamics of polymers under shear load are scarce or even missing our days. Still such information is essential to draw a complete picture of flow in polymers. In this PhD, we will apply high resolution neutron spectroscopy to polymers under flow. The experiments will be complemented by small angle scattering experiments probing the microscopic structure and rheology. We will reveal phase transitions under shear and trace possible changes in the topological interactions of the polymer chains for higher shear rates and advance our understanding of viscoelasticity on a microscopic level.

Requirements
To meet the entry requirements for doctoral studies, you must

• hold a Master’s (second-cycle) degree in Physics, or
• have completed at least 240 credits in higher education, with at least 60 credits at Master’s level including an independent project worth at least 15 credits, or
• have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way.

We are looking for a person with a good ability to work both independently and in a team, and who has a good knowledge of English, both orally and in writing.

The ability to work in an international environment is essential, and we are looking for a person who can and wants to travel as a large part of the work is carried out at international sites.

Additional qualifications
Some knowledge of computer-aided modeling is essential for the work, and demonstrated competence and experience in scientific calculations will therefore be considered highly meritorious. Previous experience of neutron scattering is an advantage, as is practical experience of relevant materials physics including, but not limited to, soft materials and polymer physics.”

Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University's rules and guidelines.

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date as agreed. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact: Prof. Max Wolff, max.wolff@physics.uu.se

Please submit your application by 9 June 2023, UFV-PA 2023/1759.

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