Doctoral student position in modeling polarons in emerging energy materials

Join us for an exciting and excellent Doctoral student journey to create the future of solar-energy materials Explore the physics of polarons and help develop next-generation semiconductors for high-performance solar devices.

About us

The Department of Physics' core activities take place within the framework of six divisions. Our research profiles include basic research, biological physics, materials for energy applications, disordered systems, complex oxides, surface and nanophysics, and subatomic and plasma physics.

We provide a competitive advantage by linking top-level international and interdisciplinary academic performance in the areas of materials science, nanotechnology, life science and energy research with world-leading industrial research and development projects.

The division of Condensed Matter and Materials Theory constructs models for and develops an understanding of a large variety of materials and other condensed matter systems, sometimes leading to new materials, novel technological devices, or structured media with properties beyond those occurring naturally. To this end, we combine theoretical, methodological and computational techniques, often in close collaboration with local and international experimental groups.

About the research project

This project investigates how polarons, formed by interactions between charges and the lattice, influence the efficiency of materials used in solar-energy devices. Using state-of-the-art electronic-structure calculations and machine learning methods, you will model these effects and contribute to the design of improved semiconductors for solar cells and solar-to-fuel conversion.

Who we are looking for
The following requirements are mandatory:

• To qualify as a Doctoral student, you must have a Master's degree (masterexamen) of 120 credits or a Master's degree (magisterexamen) of 60 credits* in physics, chemistry, or materials science
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English

• Personal competences including the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively

• for students with an education earned outside of Sweden, a 4-year Bachelor's degree is accepted.

The following experience will strengthen your application:

• Experience in computational modelling and electronic-structure methods.
• Experience in programming and machine learning

What you will do

• Take courses at an advanced level within the Graduate school of PhysicsorMaterials Science
• Develop your own scientific concepts and communicate the results of your research verbally and in writing
• The position generally also includes teaching on Chalmers' undergraduate level or performing other duties corresponding to 20 percent of working hours
• You will use advanced electronic-structure methods, machine learning, and molecular dynamics to model how polarons influence the performance of materials for solar-energy applications.
• You will develop theoretical frameworks and computational tools to describe charge-lattice interactions, analyse their impact on material properties, and identify design principles for improved solar absorbers.
• You will collaborate with experimental partners and present your results at international conferences and in scientific journals.

Contract terms

• The Doctoral student positions are fully funded from start.
• The position is a fixed-term appointment of four years, with the possibility to teach up to 20%, which extends the position up to five years.
• A starting salary of 34,550 SEK per month (valid from May 25, 2025).
• Doctoral studies require physical presence throughout the entire study period. A valid residence permit must be presented by the study start date; otherwise the admission may be withdrawn.

What we offer

• As a Doctoral student at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits. Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.
• A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg.
• Read more about Sweden's generous parental leave, subsidized day care, free schools, healthcare etc at Move To Gothenburg.

Chalmers is dedicated to improving gender balance and actively works with equality projects, such as the GENIE Initiative for gender equality and excellence.

If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses to help you settle in.

Find more general information about doctoral studies at Chalmers here.

Application procedure

The application should be written in English and attached as PDF-files, as below. Maximum size for each file is 40 MB. Please note that the system does not support Zip files.

CV

Bachelor's and, if available, master's thesis together with the transcripts.

Use the button at the foot of the page to reach the application form.

Please note: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the application is complete. Incomplete applications and applications sent by email will not be considered. Contact details to references will be requested after the interview.

We welcome your application no later than

For questions, please contact:

Julia Wiktor

Associate Professor

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***

Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg conducts research and education in technology and natural sciences at a high international level. The university has 3100 employees and 10,000 students, and offers education in engineering, science, shipping and architecture. With scientific excellence as a basis, Chalmers promotes knowledge and technical solutions for a sustainable world. Through global commitment and entrepreneurship, we foster an innovative spirit, in close collaboration with wider society.

Chalmers was founded in 1829 and has the same motto today as it did then: Avancez – forward.

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