PhD positions

Laboratory for Advanced Materials (LAM) (https://fns.uniba.sk/en/lam/) is seeking motivated students to join a PhD program at the Comenius University in Bratislava and to conduct state-of-the-art research in the fields of chemistry and materials science. We have currently open positions in the following areas:

PhD Research topic 1: Synthesis of Quantum Confined Nanocrystals

The focus is primarily on design and synthesis of novel quantum confined (semiconductor and/or metal) nanocrystals (quantum dots, quantum rods, nanoplatelets etc.) and nano-heterostructures for utilization in energy conversion and optoelectronics. The materials will be prepared using modern methods of colloidal synthesis and characterized by TEM, optical spectroscopy, microscopy and other advanced characterization tools. The research, supported by grant from EU, will be performed in collaboration with top international institutions in the EU and USA.

Qualifications:

  • Recently completed Master’s degree in Chemistry or related field
  • Demonstrated publication record in the field of quantum confined nanocrystals
  • Professional knowledge of written and spoken English language

Specific requirements:

  • Experience with modern methods of chemical synthesis, including Schlenk techniques
  • Experience with colloidal synthesis (e.g., hot injection and related methods) of quantum confined nanocrystals
  • Experience in using electron absorption, emission spectroscopies, TEM and other techniques used for characterization of inorganic nanocrystals

PhD research Topic 2: Optical Spectroscopy of Quantum Confined Nanomaterials

The dissertation research will focus primarily on the characterization of optical properties of quantum confined nanocrystals, such as quantum dots, rods, platelets, etc., as well as development of novel microscopy characterization methods for studies of nanocrystals at a single nanoparticle level. The project, supported by grant from EU, will be performed in collaboration with top international institutions in the EU and USA.

Skills/Qualification:

  • Recently completed Master’s degree in Chemistry, Physics or a related field
  • Minimum one-year experience working in a spectroscopy laboratory
  • Demonstrated publication record
  • Excellent command of English language in verbal and written forms

Specific requirements:

  • Hands-on experience with electronic absorption and photoluminescence spectroscopies
  • Excellent understanding of models of electronic structure of materials
  • Experience with optical characterization of quantum confined nanocrystals
  • Experience with optical microscopy is beneficial, but not essential

PhD research topic 3: Organic Synthesis, Graphene Quantum Dots

The focus is primarily on design and synthesis of novel graphene related 2D nanomaterials called Graphene Quantum Dots (GQDs) with potential for broad range of applications including, energy conversion and storage, optoelectronics, healthcare, etc. The materials will be prepared using modern methods of organic synthesis and characterized by optical spectroscopy, microscopy and other advanced characterization tools. The research, supported by grant from EU, will be performed in collaboration with top international institutions in the EU and USA.

Qualification:

  • Recently completed Master’s degree in Chemistry or related field
  • Demonstrated publication record in organic chemistry of condensed aromatic systems
  • Professional knowledge of written and spoken English language

Specific requirements:

  • Experience with modern methods of chemical synthesis, including Schlenk techniques
  • Prior experience with organic synthesis of condensed aromatic systems, including Suzuki coupling, Diels-Alder reactions and similar
  • Experience in using NMR, MS, IR, electron absorption and emission spectroscopies and other techniques in characterizing condensed aromatic molecules
  • Familiarity with electrochemical methods is a plus

 

Where will you study. If accepted into the PhD program, you will become a PhD student in a chemistry program at the Faculty of Natural Sciences (FNS) and Comenius University (CU). CU is the largest and most prestigious university in Slovakia (https://uniba.sk/en/). It is located in the capital of Slovakia, Bratislava. The PhD program is typically a four-year program with first two years including coursework and last two years focusing exclusively on research. Although, the PhD program is organizationally located at the FNS, students can take courses at other departments, faculties and institutions including courses in physics, engineering, computer sciences and others. The studies will be conducted in English language.

Where will you perform research. The research will be performed at an EU financed, newly established Laboratory for Advanced Materials (LAM), located in a modern, recently built Comenius University Science Park (https://cusp.uniba.sk), under the direction of Dr. Milan Sykora (European Research Area (ERA) Chair). At LAM you will be a member of a multi-disciplinary research team of chemists, physicists and material scientists and will apply and develop modern experimental methods for preparation and characterization of nanomaterials and other advanced materials. The working language at LAM is English. You will have an opportunity to collaborate with research teams from top research institutions in EU and USA.

Financial support: The students admitted to the PhD program at Comenius University are awarded competitive monthly stipend to cover their living expenses, guaranteed for the duration of the study for the students in good standing.

Application process: If you are interested in either of the positions, please contact Dr. Milan Sykora via e-mail (sykoram@uniba.sk). In the e-mail please state why you think you are qualified for the position and why would you like to work at LAM and attach your CV.