KTH is the largest technical university in Sweden. Education and research cover a broad spectrum within natural sciences and engineering, as well as architecture, industrial engineering and management, urban planning, work science and environmental engineering. KTH has over 15 000 full-time equivalent students at either Bachelor (first) or at Master (second) levels and, in addition, over 1600 full-time equivalent PhD students. KTH has almost 4 300 employees.

The School of Chemical Science and Engineering includes the areas Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Fibre and Polymer technology. It encompasses both fundamental and applied chemical sciences and seeks sustainable development through scientific excellence. Many research activities are interdisciplinary across the borders from chemistry to materials science, environmental science, biochemistry, biology and medicine. The School offers a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Science and Engineering, Higher Education Diploma in Chemical Engineering and three international Master programs Chemical Engineering for Energy and the Environment, Macromolecular Materials and Molecular Science and Engineering. We cooperate also with the Master programs Energy and Environment , Materials design and Biotechnology.

The research at the division of Surface and Corrosion Science covers surface and colloid science, corrosion,  materials science and surface spectroscopy.

Project description

The research of the presumptive PhD student will  address the interfacial ordering of Ionic Liquids, and its effect on the local viscosity and ensuing interactions of surfaces , for example friction.  The primary experimental tool will be Colloid Probe Atomic Force Microscopy, (CPAFM) but a wide range of interfacial characterisation techniques will also be employed.   The successful applicant will have the opportunity to influence the direction of the research, within the broad limits of the project title.

Employment

During the initial period of 2y 5m, local study grant combined with teaching assistance. Thereafter, a doctoral assistantship.

Form of employment: Time limited
Extent of employment: Full time
Admission: By agreement
Number of positions: 1

Eligibility and Assessment Criteria

Master degree in chemistry, chemical engineering , physics or a related discipline is required. Documented knowledge in physical, colloid and surface chemistry is a particular merit as will prior research experience in a Surface Chemical laboratory, particularly use of AFM. The applicant should have good communication skills in English, be able to work independently as well as in a team, and be able to take initiative. The project is dominantly experimental and therefore good laboratory/instrumental skills are considered as an additional qualification.

Application

Last day to apply: 2012-03-05
Reference number: K-2012-0055

The application should include a cover letter where the applicant describes her-/himself, her/his background and interests. Enclosures: a CV with details of relevant academic/work experience, copies of the official record of transcripts and the degree certificate, published articles if any, and contact details of two references.

Application should be sent by e-mail to Lena Skowron: skowron@kth.se . Please provide the reference number in the e-mail subject.

Contact:

Prof. Mark Rutland
Phone: +46 8 790 99 14
mark@kth.se

Trade Union representative:

Lars Abrahamsson, SACO
Phone: +46 8 790 70 58
lars.abrahamsson@ee.kth.se