Department of Physics and Astronomy

Two PhD positions in Energy materials physics, time-resolved spectroscopy of solar cells

The research conducted at the Department of Physics and Astronomy encompasses a wide range of physics topics, distributed over nine divisions. The department is located in the Ångström laboratory and employs nearly 400 people, 100 of whom are doctoral students. It offers a broad physics curriculum to undergraduate and graduate students, participation in nationally and internationally leading projects for researchers, and opportunities for partnership with industry and various outreach activities. Read more on www.physics.uu.se

The division of X-ray Photon Science is world-leading in the use of advanced spectroscopy methods. This puts us in the forefront in atomic-level studies of atoms, molecules and condensed matter. This division includes the research programme Condensed Matter Physics of Energy Materials, with a special focus on studies and development of materials, surfaces and interfaces of interest for different energy applications, and therefore also the development of a sustainable society. We are a diverse and collaborating research group that shares the same general goal of unraveling and controlling the mechanisms that take place in complex systems related to photovoltaics, batteries, fuel cells, and catalysis.

About the project

The doctoral position is placed in Ute Cappel’s research group, which focusses on the characterisation of solar cell materials and on gaining understanding of the working mechanisms of different types of solar cells. New opportunities for this arise from a combination of X-ray spectroscopies (specifically photoelectron spectroscopy) with time-resolved measurements. Such methods can give insights into the dynamics and energetics of the photon-to-electron conversion process and into the stability of solar cell materials.

This recruitment is connected to the Wallenberg Initiative Materials Science for Sustainability (WISE). WISE, funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, is the largest-ever investment in materials science in Sweden and will encompass major efforts at Sweden’s foremost universities over the course of 10 years. The vision is a sustainable future through materials science.

All early-stage researchers recruited into the WISE program will be a part of the WISE Graduate School, an ambitious nationwide program of seminars, courses, research visits, and other activities to promote a strong multi-disciplinary and international network between PhD students, postdocs, researchers, and industry.

Duties

The successful candidate for this PhD student position will have the opportunity to develop time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy and apply it to the characterization of solar cell materials (perovskite, quantum dots, etc.). The candidate will be part of a collaborating research environment that shares the same general goal of unravelling the functionality in such interesting and challenging energy materials and also develop their performance.

Specifically, the work will include

  • setting up and carrying out (time-resolved) photoelectron spectroscopy measurements at synchrotron facilities (e.g. Max IV, Lund; Bessy II, Berlin ) and in a laser laboratory
  • carrying out data analysis on obtained results
  • using the experiments to gain insight into properties of solar cell materials and processes in solar cells
  • writing scientific reports and papers and leading some of the experimental activities

Requirements
To meet the entry requirements for doctoral studies, you must

  • hold a Master’s (second-cycle) degree in Physics, Materials Science, Physical Chemistry or equivalent, or
  • have completed at least 240 credits in higher education, with at least 60 credits at Master’s level including an independent project worth at least 15 credits, or
  • have acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way.

Good communication skills in oral and written English are required.

Additional qualifications

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence , as well as the applicant's experience and potential within the area of the future duties.

Experience with solar cell research and/or experience with synchrotron-based research and/or experience with laser-based spectroscopy is a merit.

Experience with programming in Matlab or Python is a merit.

Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University's rules and guidelines.

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date as agreed. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact: Ute Cappel, ute.cappel@physics.uu.se

Please submit your application by 30 November 2023, UFV-PA 2023/3951.

Are you considering moving to Sweden to work at Uppsala University? Find out more about what it´s like to work and live in Sweden.

Type of employment Temporary position
Contract type Full time
First day of employment 2024-01-08
Salary Fixed salary
Number of positions 2
Full-time equivalent 100%
City Uppsala
County Uppsala län
Country Sweden
Reference number UFV-PA 2023/3951
Union representative
  • ST/TCO, tco@fackorg.uu.se
  • Seko Universitetsklubben, seko@uadm.uu.se
  • Saco-rådet, saco@uadm.uu.se
Published 30.Oct.2023
Last application date 30.Nov.2023 11:59 PM CET

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