Postdoctoral position on developing robust perovskite materials for low-cost sustainable tandem solar cells - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The Solar Cell Technology division is working with fundamental understanding and development of efficient thin film solar cell materials aimed at single junction and tandem solar cells, combined with perovskites and/or silicon. The division consists of about 20 people and manufactures complete solar cells and modules in the Ångström Laboratory's cleanroom. We have a wide network of collaborators in Sweden and over Europe, including in ongoing EU projects, both with academic and industry partners. More information is available on our website https://www.materialvetenskap.uu.se/research/solar-cell-technology/

Project description: Photovoltaics (solar cells) are a versatile and fast-growing renewable energy technology, but the market-dominating silicon solar cells are reaching the limits of their performance. The next technological leap is the combination of silicon with new materials to make ultra-high-performance tandem cells and modules. This could also yield meaningful improvements in both the cost-effectiveness and the sustainability of solar energy. Perovskites based on halide compounds are one category of material aiming at this goal, but they face challenges of toxicity and poor stability. This particular project concerns the development of chalcogenide perovskites, a new category of materials that have extreme environmental stability, besides being based on non-toxic and earth abundant components.

Chalcogenide perovskites have recently attracted attention as candidates for robust, low cost tandem cells. They are at an early stage of development, and could be classified as a high-risk, high-reward research area with excellent potential for developing new scientific knowledge. Our research group has recently made a breakthrough in the area by developing a synthesis process that operates at low enough temperature to be compatible with device fabrication. This project aims to refine this process, and thereby for the first time, to measure fundamental properties of the resulting materials so as to judge their potential in future tandem solar cell applications.

Work duties: The research project will focus on developing the chalcogenide perovskite BaZrS3 with sufficiently good quality for device applications. The central tasks are a) to refine the synthetic techniques to generate higher quality material, b) to optimise material properties through control of process parameters, microstructure and doping and c) to assess photovoltaic potential via photoluminescence and charge carrier mobility measurements. Integration of chalcogenide perovskites into full solar cells is possible depending on the success of the main tasks. The work includes sample fabrication, characterisation, data analysis and publishing of research results. You will work alongside an existing PhD student and the principal investigator in this project, as well as being part of collaborations with other research groups in the department. You will also share some of the equipment responsibilities for lab equipment used in the project

All the necessary equipment for thin film growth and fabrication is available at the division or is accessible at the Ångström lab. The primary methods used will be sputtering, thermal processing, spin coating, electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, ion beam analysis, photoluminescence and Raman spectroscopy. Additional support for field-relevant methods including first-principles calculations, is available within the division.

Qualification requirements: To qualify for an employment as a postdoctor you must have a PhD degree or a foreign degree equivalent to a PhD degree.  The PhD degree must have been obtained no more than three years prior to the application deadline. The three-year period can be extended due to circumstances such as sick leave, parental leave, duties in labour unions, etc.

This position requires a doctoral degree in degree in chemistry, physics, materials science or other relevant field for the position.

We require documented experience of thin film-materials, thin film growth and characterisation.

We require very good oral and written skills in English.

The successful candidate is expected to plan and conduct high-quality research in a structured and methodical way and be able to communicate and collaborate effectively with doctoral students and researchers in the division in a collaborative and supportive environment. Great emphasis will be placed on personal competence and suitability.

Additional qualifications: Experience with chalcogenide materials (e.g. CZTS, CIGS, CdTe, etc), solar cells or semiconductor materials is meriting. Experience with at least some of the above-mentioned growth/characterisation techniques is desirable. Practical skills are also desirable since the role will include equipment installation, maintenance and operations.

Application procedure: The application shall include:

• Cover letter including a short description of your research interests and relevant skills and motivation of why you want to work as a postdoctoral researcher/fellow and why you are suitable for the position (max 2 pages)
• CV (max 2 pages)
• List of publications
• Copy of your PhD degree, grades and a copy of your thesis. Translations into English or Swedish if the original documents have not been issued in any of these languages.
• Name and contact information to at least two reference persons (e-mail address and phone no.).

The application shall preferably be written in English.

Salary: Individual salary.

Starting date: As soon as possible or as otherwise agreed.

Type of employment: Temporary position 2 years according to central collective agreement.

Scope of employment: 100%

For further information about the position please contact: project leader - Dr. Jonathan Scragg, jonathan.scragg@angstrom.uu.se.

Please submit your application by November 19, 2021, UFV-PA 2021/3351.

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