Researcher in Solid State Physics, with a focus on semiconducting two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides and polymers - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Full-time permanent position with starting date no later than December 2023

The division of Solid State Physics is part of the department of Materials Science and Engineering at the Ångström Laboratory. The research is related to energy and environmental issues as well as to life science applications in our various research areas. Preferably, we investigate the physical and chemical properties of nanomaterials and thin films that can be utilized in applications as smart windows, solar cells, gas sensors, spin electronics and catalytic and photocatalytic coatings to create new applications in green energy technology. Magnetic materials for green energy technology are another important research field within the division.

Project description: There is an urgent need to reshape the world's energy economy and transition to a sustainable, carbon-free economy within the next 20 years. This poses great scientific challenges but also offers enormous opportunities. To meet the rapidly growing energy demand, both scientific and commercial interest in stable, high-performance thin-film optoelectronics, such as solar cells, photodetectors, and LEDs, has increased dramatically in recent years. The discovery of 2D semiconductor materials based on transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), with the chemical structure MX2 (M=Mo, W; X=S, Se, Te), has opened up new interesting possibilities in optoelectronic devices. In order to develop environmentally friendly chemical processes for the passivation of defects in TMDs, the focus of the project is the design and development of new functional semiconducting hybrid materials, based on semiconducting polymers and low-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides. With the help of photoluminescence, Raman and X-ray spectroscopy, as well as charge transport measurements, the effect of the defect passivation and the properties of the hybrid materials are investigated. The goal is that these materials should be able to form the active material in optoelectronic devices, for example in flexible light-emitting diodes at low cost.

Work duties
Responsibility for leading but also actively participating in the project's research, which includes mechanical and liquid exfoliation of the 2D materials, synthesis of semiconducting polymers, development of defect passivation protocols and optical and optoelectronic characterization of the materials. The work includes collaboration with researchers at the department of Chemistry-Ångström and the department of Physics and Astronomy at Uppsala University.

Qualification requirements

• A PhD in materials science, materials chemistry, physics or a related field is required.
• Well-documented knowledge and research in the design and synthesis of semiconducting polymers and solution-processable optoelectronic device technology including device fabrication and characterization.
• Well-documented knowledge and research in advanced mechanical exfoliation of 2D TMDs and development of chemical treatment protocols for defect passivation.
• Ability to use characterization tools, including steady-state and ultrafast optical spectroscopies such as UV-Vis, photoluminescence, Raman and transient absorption spectroscopies, as well as knowledge and experience in optimizing the analyzes and interpreting the results.
• The applicant must have received external research grants for own research in competition.
• We require good oral and written skills in English.

Additional qualifications
Creativity and strong motivation for experimental research are meritorious. It is important to have a results-oriented and problem-solving approach to achieve experimental goals on time. We require a good ability to work focused, structured and with foresight, both individually and in a group, as well as being able to collaborate in a transdisciplinary environment with colleagues both inside and outside the division.

Instructions for application: Your application must contain:

• Personal letter in English describing you, your understanding of the task and why you are suitable for this position (max. 2 pages)
• CV (max 2 pages)
• Publication list
• Copy of doctoral degree
• Copies of three publications or manuscripts of particular relevance
• Names and contact details (address, e-mail address and telephone number) of at least two reference persons

The application can be written in English or Swedish.

During the application period, we will continuously read application documents and call for interviews.

About the employment
The employment is a  permanent position. Scope of employment: 100%. Starting date no later than December 2023. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position please contact: Prof Peter Svedlindh (peter.svedlindh@angstrom.uu.se) 

Information about the Solid State Physics Division is available at: https://materialvetenskap.uu.se/research/solid-state-physics+/

Please submit your application by 25 October 2023, UFV-PA 2023/3445.

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