Postdoc Tuning graphene´s electronic properties (1.0 FTE) in Groningen

Department

Faculty of Science and Engineering

Organisation

University of Groningen

The University of Groningen is a research university with a global outlook, deeply rooted in Groningen, City of Talent. Quality has had top priority for four hundred years, and with success: the University is currently in or around the top 100 on several influential global ranking lists.

The Faculty of Science and Engineering harbours a kaleidoscope of disciplines and research strengths. Our programmes in research and education range from nanomaterials and biomachinery to astronomy, from mathematics to pharmacy, from neurosciences to computer science, and from molecular and evolutionary biology to marine biology.
On top of its track record of research excellence, the Faculty offers a large number of Bachelor’s degree programmes (overseen by our Undergraduate School of Science and Engineering) and Master’s degree programmes (overseen by our Graduate School of Science and Engineering). Nearly all of our Bachelar’s (BSc) and Master’s degree programmes (MSc) are fully English-taught, thus allowing students from all over the world to follow a degree programme with us.

Job description

A postdoc position is available in the Surface Science group at the Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials.
Graphene is known to possess countless extraordinary properties. However, despite the fact that graphene is considered a miracle material, there are also properties which are not inherently present in graphene: these being an electronic bandgap and magnetic properties. One might wonder why it would be relevant to also introduce these properties to graphene as it exhibits already that many unique properties. But it is exactly all these existing properties which would be highly beneficial in combination with the to-be-introduced electronic bandgap and magnetic properties – especially in view of the future industrial, societal and environmental needs.
The aim of the present postdoc position is to modify graphene´s properties by adsorbing specially synthesized molecules on its upper surface, in combination with selecting the substrate which is in contact with its lower surface. By breaking graphene’s sublattice symmetry through charge transfer from adsorbed molecules as well as by exploiting quantum confinement effects through patterning with porous molecular networks the introduction of an electronic bandgap will be investigated. The supramolecular approach will allow precise adjustment of the graphene properties by fine-tuning the interplay of adsorbed molecules and underlying substrate. The necessary characterizations regarding structural and electronic properties will be carried out with scanning probe microscopy/spectroscopy, photoelectron spectroscopy and transport measurements.

Requirements

We are looking for a motivated candidate with a PhD, obtained no longer than 4 years ago, in Physics, Material Sciences or Physical Chemistry. The candidate should have experience in at least one of the following areas: scanning probe microscopy, photoemission spectroscopy or transport measurements. In addition, the candidate has a good command of English (oral and written), is enthusiastic and a team player, has a passion for science and possesses excellent communication skills and the ability to write scientific papers and deliver presentations.

Conditions of employment

Contract length: 12 months.

The University of Groningen offers a salary dependent on qualifications and work experience of € 3,111 gross per month up to a maximum of € 4,084 gross per month (salary scale 10 Dutch Universities) for a full-time position excluding a 8% holiday allowance and a 8.3% end of the year bonus. The UFO-profile Researcher (scale 10) applies. A personal budget of € 1,000 per year is dedicated for additional training and career activities. The successful candidate will first be offered a temporary position of one year with the option of renewal for another year. Prolongation of the contract is contingent on sufficient progress in the first year.

The University of Groningen provides career services for partners of new faculty members moving to Groningen.

The University of Groningen has adopted an active policy to increase the number of female scientists across all disciplines of the University. Therefore, female candidates are especially encouraged to apply.

The preferred starting date is September 2018.

How to apply
You may apply for this position until 31 May / before 1 June 2018 Dutch local time by means of the application form (click on "Apply" below on the advertisement on the university website).

The application should contain:
- cover letter outlining motivation, qualifications, experience, and career goals
- curriculum vitae
- contact details of 3 people who can provide information on your suitability for the position (thesis supervisors etc.)
- in case the PhD has not yet been obtained, proof of thesis submission or an indication when the thesis is expected to be submitted.

Interviews will be held as soon as possible.

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