PhD position in 2DS crystals development (MSCA-ITN)

For the EU-funded MSCA-ITN-2020 project entitled "Developing optoelectronics in two-dimensional semiconductors" (project acronym "2Exciting"), the University of Chemistry and Technology Prague (UCT Prague or VSCHT), Prof. Zdenek Sofer, offers 1 position as Early Stage Researcher / PhD student starting indicatively on 1st of April, 2021 for 36 months, with earlier or later start negotiable.

The project is funded by the MARIE SKŁODOWSKA CURIE Innovative Training Network (ITN) within the Horizon 2020 Programme of the European Commission. General information about the openings of the ITN 2Exciting can be found here.

The work will be carried out in the research group of prof. Zdenek Sofer at UCT Prague (contact [Email Address Removed]). The ESR will be enrolled in the PhD programme at UCT Prague.

PhD Research Summary

The Early Stage Researcher (ESR) will explore the crystal growth of transition metal dichalcogenides, their alloys and doping using vapor transport methods and flux growth methods as well development of CVD deposition methods including deposition of heterostructures. The mechanical and chemical exfoliation methods will be developed in order to improve the yield and quality of few/monolayer materials. Materials will be characterized in detail using advanced microscopic (TEM, SEM, AFM) as well as spectroscopic methods (EDS, XPS, UPS, Raman/photoluminescence spectroscopy and others).

Job Requirements

• university degree (MSc degree or equivalent) in physics or chemistry
• experimental background in solid state chemistry and crystal growth/thin film deposition is an advantage
• well-organised, motivated researcher with excellent communication skills
• for additional eligibility rules and requirements please see 2Exciting website

We Offer

• full-time contract for 36 months
• work on the individual research topic described above
• access to state-of-the-art equipment
• enrolment in a 3-year PhD programme in Inorganic Chemistry
• participation in the 2Exciting training programme on transferable skills with half-yearly network events in partner institutions
• 2 international secondments (both industry and academia, 7 months in total)
• competitive salary including mobility allowance and family allowance (if applicable)
• employee benefits including 6 weeks of vacation and catering allowance

How to Apply

Please submit your CV, motivation letter, publication list (if applicable) and two reference letters electronically as a single pdf file to [Email Address Removed] and [Email Address Removed], indicating „2Exciting PhD position“ in subject of the message. Interviews with shortlisted candidates will be held in the form of video conferences.

The deadline for applications is 15.12.2020. The recruitment process will continue until the position is filled and applications after the deadline may also be taken into consideration.

About UCT Prague

The University of Chemistry and Technology (VSCHT) in Prague is one of the largest Central European educational and research centers performing cutting-edge research focused on chemistry, chemical and biochemical technologies, material and chemical engineering, food science, environmental studies, and related disciplines.

Of the more than 4,000 students at UCT, ca. 750 are enrolled in doctoral programs. Some of UCT programs are unique to the Czech Republic and essential to the country’s future. UCT collaborates with more than 100 academic institutions worldwide.

According to the QS World University Rankings 2021, UCT Prague ranked second among Czech universities and improved globally by 13 places from the previous year, achieving a rank of 342. According to the Nature Index 2020 rankings, UCT is the third best Czech university (177th in Europe).