Researcher position on interface studies of thin film solar cells - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Researcher position at the Ångström Laboratory, Department of Engineering Sciences, Division of Solid State Electronics. Full-time employment for two years with start in spring 2018 or by agreement.

Photovoltaics is one of the fastest growing renewable energy technologies. The potential is enormous, where an increasing installation of solar cells is expected and supported by continuous improvement in performance and cost reduction. Thin film solar cells have the advantage that the active material can be very thin since sunlight absorption is effective. The solar cell group at the Division of Solid State Electronics is working with fundamental understanding and development of efficient solar cells at low cost based on thin film technology. The solar cells are made from the established semiconductor Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) with achieved device efficiencies exceeding 20% in our lab, and from the less explored material Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) where the advantage is that only abundant elements are used. The research group has a fully equipped lab for cells and modules in the Ångström clean room. The group currently consists of around 30 senior researchers, post-docs, PhD students and research engineers.

More information can be found at http://www.teknik.uu.se/solid-state-electronics+/research-areas/solar-cells/.

Project description: The purpose of this project is to study interface formation between CZTS and buffer layer materials synthesized using atomic layer deposition, ALD. In the group, recent work with development of an ALD ZnSnO buffer process led to an efficiency increase for CZTS solar cells by tuning of the ZnSnO band gap. Other materials, interface treatments and modifications have also been developed, where solar cell device performance is strongly affected, but detailed understanding of the interface formation is lacking. In this project, studies of chemical and electronic interfaces using photoelectron spectroscopy and related methods are planned. This also includes studies of ALD growth on different CZTS surfaces. In-house XPS analysis can be performed, but we seek to complement this with synchrotron-based measurements. We are therefore looking for a candidate with previous experience in synchrotron-based spectroscopy, preferably on semiconductor surfaces and interfaces. The group is collaborating with international spectroscopy groups and at Uppsala University. The candidate will participate in ALD film growth in collaboration with other group members, but focus on interface analysis.

Qualifications: The applicant must have a PhD in photon based surface and interface analysis, material science or an equivalent education in a nearby scientific field. A background in synchrotron-based studies of solid, inorganic materials and in particular thin film solar cell materials is meriting. The applicant should have good communication skills and speak and write good English. The candidate should be goal oriented, structured, be able to work independently as well as in a group, and have a high level of motivation.

Applications should include a brief description of research interests and past experience, CV, copies of exams, degrees and grades, and other relevant documents.

Uppsala University strives to be an inclusive workplace that promotes equal opportunities and attracts qualified candidates who can contribute to the University’s excellence and diversity. We welcome applications from all sections of the community and from people of all backgrounds.

Salary: Individually negotiated salary.

Starting date: Spring 2018 or by agreement.

Type of position: Temporary full-time position (100%) for two years.

For further information about the position please contact
Professor Charlotte Platzer-Björkman, e-mail: charlotte.platzer@angstrom.uu.se, phone +46-18-471 3120.

Please submit your application by 2 March 2018, UFV-PA 2018/201.

Are you considering moving to Sweden to work at Uppsala University? If so, you will find a lot of information about working and living in Sweden at www.uu.se/joinus. You are also welcome to contact International Faculty and Staff Services at ifss@uadm.uu.se.