The Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, v. v. i. (FZU) is a public research institution, focusing on basic and applied research in physics. The Institute of Physics is the largest of the institutes of the Czech Academy of Sciences with more than 1300 employees, including a considerable number of international workers. The ambition of the Institute of Physics is to push forward the boundaries of knowledge and to conduct first-rate research in the fields of elementary particles, condensed systems, solid particles, optics, plasma physics, and laser physics.
Ph.D. Student in electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy
Advanced Optical Nanomaterials and Composites research group (https://www.fzu.cz/en/research/divisions-and-departments/division-3/department-27/group-2712), Prague, Czech Republic is one of the leading European laboratories where advanced electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopies in correlation with luminescence and photovoltaic techniques are applied to study functional optical materials. Within the currently running OP VVV SOLID21 and domestic projects, we invite applications for the position mentioned above.
The successful candidate (m/f) will become a part of an internationally recognized research team. He/she will focus on the research theme (Ph.D. Thesis) „Study of the local surrounding, and incorporation of emission centers in optical materials. Occurrence, structure, and influence of point defects on optical properties”.
Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy will be widely applied to the investigation of the ways of improvement of the nanoscintillator performance, in particular, defects suppression and investigation of the activator ions incorporation in combination with luminescence, and absorption techniques. To gain this goal, very accurate data collection and data processing workflows need to be developed.
What you will do
- Measurements and analysis of EPR spectra
- Apply the EPR method to the analysis of interesting structures of organic and inorganic materials
- Study of the distribution of emission centers at different positions allowed by the lattice in materials based on oxides, halides, and nitrides
- Determination of the local structure and charge state of intrinsic and extrinsic point defects Investigation of the influence of thermal and plasma treatment as well as radiation (laser, lamp, or X-ray) on the charge states and distribution of extrinsic and intrinsic point defects
- Correlation of the EPR results and the data obtained by thermally stimulated luminescence as well as radioluminescence, photoluminescence, and optical absorption to gain an insight into the most important energy and charge transfer processes
Expected results
- Validated models of the intentional and unintentional point defects, their charge states, localization in the lattice, and bonding effects in all types of materials
- Application of the EPR technique to real scientific problems, i.e., the improvement of the overall performance of optical materials in the form of single crystals, thin films, powders, and nanoparticles of scientific interest
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree (active Master’s student) or Master’s degree in chemistry, physics, material science
- Advanced English - written and spoken
- Supervision or co-supervision of the doctoral study from the Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences
Benefits
- Working in an international and creative environment
- Unique research facilities
- Training and development possibilities (seminars, workshops, conferences, high-quality language courses, soft skills training)
- Support your work-life balance – flexible work hours, work from home, extended vacations
- In-house tennis/ volleyball court, table tennis
- And more benefits such as Multisport card, meal allowance, kindergarten operated by the Czech Academy of Sciences
- The salary will be discussed in detail during the interview
Terms of employment
- Start of employment: September 1, 2022 (the extension of the entrance is possible. This can be discussed during the interview)
- Part-time or full-time on an agreement
- 1year contract with possible extension
Application procedure
- Please send your applications to Monika Svobodová: monika [dot] svobodova [at] fzu [dot] cz
- For more information contact the supervisor Dr. Maksym Buryi: buryi [at] fzu [dot] cz
Information regarding the personal data processing and access to personal data at the Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences: https://www.fzu.cz/en/about-fzu/official-noticeboard/processing-of-personal-data