Description:

The Centre at , University of Southern Denmark (SDU) invites applications for a 3-year PhD position in materials research with emphasis on the characterization of nanofluids for cooling applications. The starting date for the position is May 1, 2021, or as soon as possible thereafter. The application deadline is April 5, 2021.

The PhD project
The increase in heat generation in various applications and devices calls for new ways of efficient device cooling to increase reliability and efficiency. Suspensions of dispersed nanoparticles in common fluids and refrigerants, so-called nanofluids, offer a high potential for controlling the heat transfer and increasing the heat exchange efficiency. They are particularly well suited for small-volume cooling devices based on microfluidic chips as well as porous materials. However, the stability of nanofluids is still a limiting factor, decreasing device efficiency. Accumulation of particles at the walls and agglomeration are common issues caused by interaction forces, which affect the dispersion, rheology, and overall performance of nano-suspensions. Hence, knowledge about nanoparticle distributions and the interaction with the liquids are of fundamental importance. 

Optical techniques such as dynamic light-scattering and high-resolution ion beam microscopy are well suited to study these parameters. To visualize the nanofluid multi-phase flow in microfluidic model devices and porous materials, neutron imaging is an ideal tool, particularly to investigate the boiling mechanism in terms of corresponding bubble dynamics.
Tasks

Preparation of nanofluids

Optical characterization of nanofluids with dynamic light scattering and dark field microscopy

Nanoparticle characterization with scanning electron and high-resolution Helium ion beam microscopy

Fabrication of microfluidic model systems for cooling applications

Preparation of model devices for neutron imaging and, if applicable, initial neutron imaging experiments at the European Spallation Source (ESS), located in Lund/Sweden

Dissemination of research outcome

What we offer
The PhD fellow will work in a trans-disciplinary team dedicated to micro- and nanoscience. We offer an international and stimulating environment with state-of-the-art infrastructure and equipment for conducting research of high quality. The Sønderborg campus of SDU is the most international campus in Denmark and the centre NanoSYD offers, among others, full access to a ISO 5 cleanroom facility including a state-of-the art Helium ion microscope. See also .

What we expect

Master’s or equiv. degree in physics, physical chemistry or material science (equivalent to a Danish master's degree)

Specialization or experience in at least one of the following fields: nanotechnology, microfluidics, neutron imaging 

Preferable experience in electron/ion microscopy and/or dynamic light-scattering

Fluency in English, both spoken and written

Comfortable working both independently and within a team

Good collaboration and communication skills

Research environment 
The successful candidates will be affiliated with the nanoscience centre NanoSYD at the Mads Clausen Institute, University of Southern Denmark which is located at the Faculty of Engineering on the international campus in Sønderborg, Denmark.

The work is partially funded by SOLID, a Danish national basic research center in the field of hard materials. The center hosts cutting-edge research in 3D imaging, image analysis and modelling, including neutron imaging at the European Spallation Source in Lund/Sweden.

Contact information
For further information on the position please contact Associate Professor Till Leissner (phone +45 6550 8378, email: or Associate Professor Serguei Chiriaev (phone: +45 6550 7250, email: ).

If you experience technical problems you must contact .

Conditions of employment
Applicants are required to have a master’s degree (equivalent to a Danish master's degree) at the time of enrollment and employment. Employment as a PhD fellow is a (start salary amounts to approx. 3.378,- EURO per month incl. supplements).

Employment of a PhD fellow can only happen after the Head of the PhD School has approved the candidate for admission to the PhD school. Employment and enrollment will cease without further notice at the end of the period.

A PhD fellow is not allowed to have any kind of , while enrolled as PhD fellow at the faculty.

Employment is governed by the Protocol on PhD Research Fellows signed by the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Please check links for more information on and .

The successful candidate will be enrolled at SDU in accordance with Faculty regulations and the Danish Ministerial Order on the PhD Programme at the Universities (PhD order), read more . 

The assessment process
Read about the . Shortlisting may be used. 

Application procedure
The Faculty expects applicants to read the and before applying.

The application must be in English and must include - the required forms must be found at the above mentioned :

Completed TEK PhD application form for 5+3 applicants.

Motivation letter stating your specific interest, motivation and qualifications for the project in question (max. 2 pages). Upload in the field called “Project description”. 

Detailed Curriculum Vitae, describing research, publication and teaching experience, computational skills and including personal contact information.

Verified copies of the official bachelor diploma and master's diploma and transcripts of exams, both original and translated into English.

Completed TEK PhD form for calculation grade point average. Upload in one of the fields called “Publication”. 

An official document describing the grading scheme of the awarding universities (if not Danish). Upload in one of the fields called “Publication”. 

An official and verified written assessment of the thesis or dissertation project from the grade giving institution, if the thesis/examination project is evaluated by approved/passed. The statement must clearly state that the candidate has been among the top 30 pct. in the graduation class for the study programme.

At least one signed reference letter. You're welcome to use the form for reference letter at the Faculty website.

List of publications and maximum 2 examples of relevant publications, in case you have any publications. Please attach one pdf-file for each publication.