PhD student position - Long- and short- range structure in electrolyte solutions

Mission

We are offering a challenging position as a full-time (100%) PhD Student at School of Engineering - STI at EPFL. At the Laboratory for fundamental BioPhotonics - LBP we are developing nonlinear imaging techniques to study, characterize and image water in different configuration.

Introduction

Electrolyte solutions in water are an essential ingredient of many aspects of life and technology: the bodily fluids (blood and cellular fluid are prime examples), but also are the key contents of batteries. The electrolyte in batteries determines the power output, life span and efficient energy storage. Electrolyte solutions are commonly described as homogeneous mixtures in which ions are statistically distributed. However, it is well known from theoretical considerations in the 1930’s that this simple description is incomplete for the relevant concentration range and that the structure of electrolyte solutions is far more complex. Experiments to understand this need to cover time scales ranging from femto- to milliseconds, and length scales from atomistic dimensions to microns, a huge challenge.

The Project at EPFL

We will use various novel home-built technologies based on nonlinear optical scattering and imaging methods to achieve this: second harmonic imaging, angle-resolved-second harmonic scattering, and correlated vibrational spectroscopy, all ultrafast optical methods, supplemented by standard linear spectroscopy and light scattering methods. These methods will be applied to simple 3D electrolytes in water, and 2D electrolyte regions at aqueous interfaces. Linking all datasets will allow to map both short – and long-range interactions and collective effects pertaining to all molecular actors. This allows to solve the puzzle surrounding concentrated electrolyte solutions and how they work, for example in their charge transmitting/storing functions and lead to a better understanding, and ultimately new technology.

Main duties and responsibilities

As a PhD Student, you will be expected to:

• Have full responsibility for your own dissertation
• Research in close collaboration with industry partners
• Experiment design and execution
• Analyze and interpret experimental results
• Write scientific articles for publication in peer-reviewed journals
• Present at international conferences
• Participate in education and supervise student project
  
  This research has many interdisciplinary aspects that demand a highly motivated candidate with strong analytical abilities that can think out of the box. The successful candidate has a background in photonics, physics, chemistry/material science, or electrical engineering, ideally supplemented by hands-on experience in free space optics / microscopy, nonlinear optics or ultrafast spectroscopy. We offer excellent working conditions and a state-of-the-art infrastructure in a highly dynamic and international environment at the forefront of research.

Profile

• A MSc degree 
• Good communication skills and willingness to work as part of a team
• Enthusiasm, scientific curiosity, eager to learn, good organizational skills, rigor in experimental work
• High level of motivation for academic research work
• Fluency in English is essential, French / German / Italian would be an asset

We offer

• 4 years to complete your PhD with a competitive remuneration
• An opportunity to develop a scientific career 
• A world-class research and training environment with access to state-of-the-art research facilities
• A multi-cultural and stimulating work environment
• A 1-year fixed-term contract (CDD), renewable for 4 years

Informations

The selection process involves multiple stages, and short-listed candidates will be requested to apply to a specific EPFL Doctoral Program to qualify for a PhD at EPFL, photonics, materials science, or electrical engineering.
Please check this page for additional information on admission.

Please note that this is a separate application process necessary to be eligible to complete your PhD at EPFL.

Only applications submitted through the platform will be considered.

Your application should contain:

• A motivation Letter
• Your detailed CV
• Contact information
• Transcripts of diplomas
• The names and contact information of 3 references willing to write a recommendation letter

 Contract Start Date: to be confirmed

Activity Rate: 100.00

Contract Type: PhD Student

Duration: 1 year, renewable

Reference: 2128