PhD position in “sulfur-based Perovskites for tandem solar cells” - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

A PhD student position in the subject Engineering Science, with specialization in Electronics, is now open at the Ångström Laboratory, Department of Engineering Sciences, Division of Solid State Electronics. Starting date fall 2018 or according to agreement.

The solar cell group at the Ångström Laboratory is working with fundamental understanding and development of efficient, low-cost photovoltaics (solar cells) based on thin film technology. The research group has a fully equipped lab for fabricating solar cells and mini-modules in the Ångström clean room. More about our research can be found at www.teknik.uu.se/solid-state-electronics+/research-areas/solar-cells/

Solar cells are quickly becoming an integral part of global electricity generation, and production is increasing rapidly. As a result, the energy and raw materials consumption in manufacture of solar cells is becoming significant. To maximise whole-lifecycle clean energy output for each unit of raw material and energy consumed, future generations of solar cells must be ever more efficient and have operational lifetimes extending beyond 50 years in the field.

Recently, Perovskite materials have shown incredible potential for highly efficient tandem solar cells, but the toxicity and low chemical stability of current Perovskites is a problem. In this project, we will investigate new, sulfur-based perovskite compounds such as BaZrS3, which are both highly stable and non-toxic. We will be using powerful combinatorial methods to rapidly optimise synthetic conditions toward high performance, while simultaneously revealing the underlying physical phenomena that govern material properties. This experimental project will be supported by a close collaboration with theoreticians, also at the Ångström laboratory.

Qualifications As a candidate you may come from almost any scientific discipline, although we expect mainly students with a background in physics and materials science or possibly engineering. Regardless, you must be open to learning new techniques and theories even if it deviates from your background. Further, as a researcher you must be capable of working, thinking and acquiring information in an independent manner. You also need to be a good team player and capable of handling communication with international collaborators. You are expected to provide clear presentations of your results in written form and at conferences worldwide. Thus, excellent English in written and spoken form is mandatory. Demonstration of competence in experimental work or other technical/practical capacity will be viewed favorably, and ability in coding (especially MatLab) will be useful. However, the most important requirement is, by far, a dedicated mind with a true passion for science!

The PhD position is for four years, extendable to a maximum of five years, including departmental duties at a level of at most 20% (typically teaching).

Applications should include a cover letter including a brief description of research interests and past experience, a CV, copies of exam certificates, degrees and grades, a copy of your Master thesis (or a draft thereof) and other relevant documents. Applicants are encouraged to provide letter(s) of recommendation and/or contact information to reference persons.

Uppsala University aims for gender balance and diversity in all activities in order to achieve higher quality at all levels of the organization. We therefore welcome applicants of any gender and with different birth background, functionality and life experience.

For further information about the position, please contact Associate Professor Jonathan Scragg, email jonathan.scragg@angstrom.uu.se

You are welcome to submit your application no later than August 15,  2018, UFV-PA 2018/2708

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.