PhD in physical chemistry with focus on environmentally friendly quantum dot solar cells - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Department of Chemistry - Ångström conducts research and education in the chemistry field. The department has more than 250 employees and has a turnover of 250 million SEK. At the department's six programs, we conduct very successful research of a high international standard. We have a large number of externally funded research projects, often with international cooperation and we see continued good growth in our subject area. The department has education assignments in engineering programs and master's programs. More information is available on our website. 

Subject description/research project: The recently developed quantum dot solar cell promises very high efficiencies at very low cost, and interesting new phenomena related to quantum size effects.

In this PhD project quantum dot solar cells will be synthesized and investigated in detail. Quantum dot solar cells are composed of a thin layer consisting of nanometer sized semiconductor particles (quantum dots) sandwiched between two suitable contacts. New environmentally friendly quantum dots will be developed in this project, and the quantum dots will be investigated using a wide range of methods. Complete solar cells will be prepared and characterized using electrical and optical methods and also advanced X-ray methods.

The research will be performed in collaboration with several researchers and research groups in Sweden and internationally. Specifically, the collaboration involves material chemists for the design of the new materials for the solar cell, physicists for advanced spectroscopic measurements and theoretical chemists for comparison to calculations on the quantum dots, which will be very important.

Work duties: The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties can also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

Admission requirements: A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if he or she:

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

Requirements: The applicant is expected to have a Master degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, or equivalent, with a physical chemistry component. We also require very good skills in English.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through his or her experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme. 

Terms of employment: The rules about PhD students are found in the Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 5 §§1-7 and the university's rules and guidelines.

Application procedure: The application should include a statement of research interest, CV, certificates of exams, degrees and grades, a copy of Master thesis, published article or relevant materials, if available. Also, contact information of at least two reference persons should be included.

Salary: According to local agreement (Local collective agreement for doctoral students and students).

Starting date: 01-09-2021 or as otherwise agreed.

Type of employment: Temporary position for four years according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7.

Scope of employment: 100 %

For further information about the position please contact: Erik Johansson, erik.johansson@kemi.uu.se

Please submit your application by 10 June 2021, UFV-PA 2021/1800.

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.