Vacant job

Join the Langhammer Group to Develop Next-Generation Nanomaterials

The Langhammer group is seeking researchers to develop cutting-edge hydrogen (H₂) sensors that will drive the clean energy transition. Work at the forefront of nanotechnology, sustainability, and advanced materials science to develop new materials for safer and more efficient hydrogen energy solutions for a sustainable future.

About the Project

The transition to sustainable energy requires new technologies, and hydrogen (H₂) plays a key role. However, the flammability of H₂-air mixtures necessitates high-performance safety sensors, which current technologies fail to deliver.

The Langhammer group has pioneered plasmonic optical H₂ sensors (ACS Sensors 2020), utilizing localized surface plasmon resonance in hydride-forming metal nanoparticles. These sensors offer spark-free, fiber-optics-compatible detection with exceptional response and detection limits—ideal for transport, aviation, and confined spaces.

This project aims to:

• Investigate so-called high-entropy alloy (HEA) nanoparticles for their hydrogen sorption properties and induced changes in optical properties.
• Develop a new nanofabrication method for HEA nanoparticles on surfaces using our microshutter tool (ACS Nano 2023), to enable rapid screening of hydrogen absorption in many alloy compositions simultaneously.
• Apply advanced multiplexed single-particle optical microscopy (ACS Photonics 2019) to study the HEA nanostructure - H₂ interaction.
• Investigate how nanostructuring impacts hydride formation thermodynamics and kinetics in HEAs and enables superior H₂ sorption properties.

Outcomes will contribute to sustainable and safe hydrogen technologies by demonstrating nanostructured HEAs as:

• Efficient solid-state H₂ storage materials.
• High-performance materials for plasmonic H₂ sensors.

About the Research Group:

The Langhammer group at the Chemical Physics Division specializes in nanomaterials science, catalysis, nanoplasmonics, nanofluidics, and sensors, focusing on sustainable energy-related nanomaterials. Furthermore, we develop advanced optical microscopy techniques, state-of-the-art nanofabrication methodologies, and custom research instruments.

About WISE – Wallenberg Initiative Materials Science for Sustainability:

This position is part of WISE, Sweden’s largest materials science investment, funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation. WISE promotes sustainability through cutting-edge materials research across Sweden’s top universities.

As a WISE researcher, you will join the WISE Research School, participating in seminars, courses, research visits, and networking activities.

About the TechForH2 Competence Center:

This position will also be affiliated with TechForH2, a Competence Centre for multidisciplinary hydrogen research hosted by Chalmers and financially supported by the Swedish Energy Agency and the member companies Volvo, Scania, Siemens Energy, GKN Aerospace, PowerCell, Oxeon, RISE, Stena Rederier AB, Johnsson Matthey, and Insplorion.

Contract Terms and What We Offer

• The PhD positions are fully funded from start.
• As a PhD student at Chalmers, you are an employee and enjoy all employee benefits. Read more about working at Chalmers and our benefits for employees.
• The position is limited to four years, with the possibility to teach up to 20%, which extends the position to five years.
• A dynamic and inspiring working environment in the coastal city of Gothenburg.
• A starting salary of 34,550 SEK per month (valid from May 25, 2025).

Chalmers is dedicated to improving gender balance and actively works with equality projects, such as the GENIE Initiative for gender equality and excellence. We celebrate diversity and consider equality and inclusion as fundamental aspects of all our activities.

If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses to help you settle in.

Discover More

Find more general information about doctoral studies at Chalmers here.

Your Role and Responsibilities

• Plan and execute experiments in collaboration with the team.
• Develop advanced nanofabrication techniques for HEA nanoparticle arrays.
• Perform plasmonic nanospectroscopy and imaging to study hydrogen absorption at the single-particle level.
• Characterize samples using electron microscopy and related techniques.
• Analyze complex datasets, potentially using machine learning tools developed in the group.
• Present results within the team and at international conferences.
• Supervise Master’s students and teach undergraduates (up to 20%).

Who We Are Looking For

Mandatory:

• Master’s degree in Physics, Applied Physics, Nanoscience, or Materials Science.
• Experimental Master’s thesis in a relevant area.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills in English (TOEFL scores required if applicable).

Preferred (in order):

• Background in plasmonics, plasmonic sensing, or micro-/nanofabrication.
• Experience or coursework in machine learning.
• Hands-on experience with:
• Micro-/nanofabrication
• Nanoplasmonics
• Metal hydrides
• Advanced optical microscopy
• Programming (Python, MATLAB) and simulation tools (Comsol, Lumerical).
• Data analysis, especially using machine learning.

Application Procedure

Please go to this webpage to read more about the application procedure and apply: Application (https://www.chalmers.se/en/about-chalmers/work-with-us/vacancies/?rmpage=job&rmjob=13595&rmlang=UK)

Application deadline: March 16, 2025

For questions, please contact: Christoph Langhammer, Chemical Physics, Physics, [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]), +46(0)317723331

We look forward to your application!