A way to tackle environmental pollution responsible for global warming is to replace hazardous organic solvents for “greener” ones in most chemical products and processes. In this sense, the use of pressurized fluids like supercritical carbon dioxide represents a powerful alternative. This project deals with fundamental studies of pressurized (liquid and supercritical) carbon dioxide as a “clean and green” solvent. The general aim of the project is to bring new understanding on how chemical interactions under pressure are related with the solubility of compounds in supercritical carbon dioxide.
Your work will involve the development and validation of analytical methods necessary to measure solubility of supercritical carbon dioxide mixtures by Raman spectroscopy in situ. The project combines high-pressure technologies and advanced in situ analysis but also the use of conventional analytical techniques for reference solubility studies. Although the work lies within the field of analytical chemistry, there is a big component of physical chemistry involved. You will further use the developed methods to study dissolution phenomena under high pressure, and use the generated knowledge for the design of particle formulations with applications in material and life-science.
Eligibility/Entry Requirements:Â Students with basic eligibility for third-cycle studies are those who have completed a second-cycle degree, have completed courses of at least 240 credits, of which at least 60 credits are from second-cycle courses, or have acquired largely equivalent knowledge in some other way, in Sweden or abroad. Special eligibility requirements comprise knowledge from first-cycle studies or the equivalent, but can also refer to special professional experience. Additionally, sufficient knowledge of the subject area is required for third-cycle studies. Students meeting special eligibility requirements are those who have at least 60 higher education credits within the same subject area as the third-cycle studies, of which in-depth work of at least 30 higher education credits of relevance to the subject area – a Swedish medical degree or Swedish certification as a doctor. Special requirements for this position: M.Sc. or equivalent in chemistry, focused on analytical or physical chemistry. A minimum requirement is 120 hp of courses in chemistry, of which at least 30 hp should be in analytical chemistry. It is an advantage with an approved diploma (master) thesis in Analytical chemistry and advanced courses in physical chemistry. It is an advantage with previous experience on supercritical fluids, high-pressure technology and spectroscopic techniques. Good communication skills in English are mandatory and understanding of Swedish is highly valued.
The PhD Student will work independently, but the project requires close collaboration with international scientists and the candidate should be able to work in groups on a collaborative basis. There is a possibility to perform short stays at other research institutions. The applicant should include a brief letter (maximum one A4 page, font Times New Roman, pt 12, single line spacing) expressing their personal motivation to apply for this position. The ability to formulate and reflect on a scientific question is crucial, together with personal qualities that enable independent work within a collaborative framework. These qualities will be assessed during a possible interview. The ability for skillful laboratory work is essential and it will be assessed, for example, based on the applicant’s master project.
Basis of Assessment:Â The employment of doctoral students is regulated in the Swedish Code of Statues 1998: 80. Only those who are or have been admitted to PhD-Studies may be appointed to doctoral studentships. When an appointment to a doctoral studentship is made, the ability of the student to benefit from PhD-studies shall primarily be taken into account. In addition to devoting themselves to their studies, those appointed to doctoral studentships may be required to work with educational tasks, research and administration, in accordance with specific regulations in the ordinance
Application Deadline : 3 May 2013