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:
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 will be performed in collaboration with top international institutions in the EU and USA.
Required skills/Qualification:
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 will be performed in collaboration with top international institutions in the EU and USA.
Required skills/Qualification:
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 will be performed in collaboration with top international institutions in the EU and USA.
Required skills/Qualification:
The focus of the project is on development of thermally and chemically stable narrow bandgap (Vis-NIR spectral range) perovskite materials, studies of their optical and electronic properties to determine their potential for use in photovoltaics and other optoelectronic applications. The work will be performed at LAM in collaboration with researchers performing theoretical modeling, advanced characterization and applications development.
Required skills/Qualification:
The focus of the project is to investigate optical and electrical properties of thermally and chemically stable chalcogenide perovskites in form of thin-films, with electronic bandgap in VIS-NIR spectral range and test the possibility of their use in photovoltaics or other optoelectronic applications. The work will be performed at LAM. The work will be performed in collaboration with other researchers performing theoretical modeling of the materials and synthesis of materials.
Required skills/Qualification:
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 a 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 would you like to work at LAM (in the context of your prior position/experience and your future plans) and attach a CV (one-page max.). Recommendation letter from your mentor of mentors is a plus. You can find more information at: https://fns.uniba.sk/en/lam