Doctoral student in Chemistry specialization in Surface and Nuclear Chemistry

Doctoral Student in Chemistry with Specialization in Surface and Nuclear Chemistry

KTH Royal Institute of Technology, School of Engineering Sciences in Chemistry, Biotechnology and Health

Project description:
Third-cycle subject:
Chemistry

We are seeking a PhD student to join a research project investigating radiation-induced processes at oxide–aqueous interfaces, a topic of central importance to the safety and performance of nuclear energy systems. Ionising radiation drives complex chemical reactions at the interfaces between water and oxide materials, influencing corrosion, radionuclide release, and long-term barrier stability across the nuclear fuel cycle. Despite their significance, these interfacial processes remain poorly understood at the molecular level.

The project combines the development of novel in situ experimental methodologies with mechanistic studies of adsorption, dissolution, and related surface reactions under irradiation, using primarily surface-sensitive vibrational spectroscopy techniques that include sum frequency generation and total internal reflection (TIR) Raman. The goal is to identify reactive intermediates, reaction pathways, and the dependence of interfacial chemistry on radiation dose and energy deposition.

This is a unique opportunity to develop expertise at the intersection of radiation chemistry, surface science, and nuclear safety, within an internationally connected research environment.

We are looking for a person with a strong background in physical chemistry who enjoys experimental work.

Supervision:
Eric Tyrode and Mats Jonsson are proposed to supervise the doctoral student. Decisions are made on admission.

Admission requirements:
To be admitted to postgraduate education (Chapter 7, 39 § Swedish Higher Education Ordinance), the applicant must have basic eligibility in accordance with either of the following:

• passed a second cycle degree (for example a master's degree) in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, or equivalent, or
• completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 second-cycle higher education credits, or
• acquired, in some other way within or outside the country, substantially equivalent knowledge

In addition to the above, there is also a mandatory requirement for English equivalent to English B/6.

Selection:
In order to succeed as a doctoral student at KTH you need to be goal oriented and persevering in your work. During the selection process, candidates will be assessed upon their ability to:

• independently pursue his or her work
• collaborate with others,
• have a professional approach and
• analyze and work with complex issues.
• Experience with vibrational spectroscopy, non-linear optics, or laser spectroscopy methods is considered a merit.

After the qualification requirements, great emphasis will be placed on personal skills.

Target degree:
Doctoral degree

Information regarding admission and employment:
Only those admitted to postgraduate education may be employed as a doctoral student. The total length of employment may not be longer than what corresponds to full-time doctoral education in four years' time. An employed doctoral student can, to a limited extent (maximum 20%), perform certain tasks within their role, e.g. training and administration. A new position as a doctoral student is for a maximum of one year, and then the employment may be renewed for a maximum of two years at a time.

As a doctoral student, you are entitled to a workplace with many employee benefits and monthly salary according to KTH's Doctoral student salary agreement. Read more about Doctoral studies (PhD) | KTH | Sweden.

To apply for the position:
Apply for the position and admission through KTH's recruitment system. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that the application is complete in accordance with the instructions in the advertisement.

Applications must include the following elements:

• Copies of diplomas and grades from previous university studies and certificates of fulfilled language requirements (see above). Translations into English or Swedish if the original document is not issued in one of these languages.
  
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