PhD Position in Synthesis and Characterization of Metal Complexes for Gas Sensing Applications

The FZU – Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences is seeking a motivated PhD student to join the Gas Sensors and Functional Nanomaterials research team led by Irina Kühne. This research team focuses on developing and characterizing new functional materials and exploring their gas sensing properties.

Job Description:

The selected candidate will work on the synthesis and characterization of new coordination complexes based on transition metals and lanthanides with vacant sites in their ligand sphere. These complexes will be fully characterized, including their magnetic properties. Thin films of the synthesized complexes will be prepared on various substrates using wet and vacuum techniques, and their spectroscopic and electrical properties will be characterized and tested as chemiresistive gas sensor materials. The candidate will investigate the sensing abilities of these active layers towards hazardous gases such as NOx, O3, NH3, CO2, and VOCs. The goal is to improve the sensitivity, selectivity, stability, response and recovery time, and detection limit of the gas sensors.

This project involves a combination of coordination chemistry, material synthesis, and gas sensing research to develop innovative materials with improved sensing properties for hazardous gases.

Employer: FZU – Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences
Location: Prague, Czech Republic
Application Deadline: September 30, 2023

Qualifications:

• MSc in chemistry, physics, material sciences, or a related field (mandatory).
• Advanced English proficiency (written and spoken).
• Analytical thinking, collaboration skills, creativity, initiative, and independence.

Nice to Have:

• Experience with synthesis of coordination complexes.
• Experience in material/thin film characterization.
• Experience in thin film preparation.
• Experience in electro-transport measurements/chemiresistive sensors.
• Advanced Czech proficiency (written and spoken).

Offer:

• Fully funded PhD position (40 hours/week).
• Collaborations with European research institutes.
• Work-life balance support.
• Benefits including a Multisport card, meal allowance, vacation days, and more.
• Training and development opportunities.
• Cultural and recreational activities in the Prague region.

How to Apply:

Send your CV and motivation letter (mentioning the position title) to [Please click the Apply button for the link or address] by September 30, 2023. If you want more information about ongoing research projects, you can directly contact Irina Kühne at kuhne@fzu.cz.

The starting date is negotiable, preferably February 2024.

For further details and information on personal data processing, you can visit the official noticeboard of the Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences.