PhD position in Energy materials physics - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

PhD position in Energy materials physics, time-resolved X-ray based spectroscopy

The Department of Physics and Astronomy is one of Uppsala University's largest with almost 400 employees. The department conducts world-class research and education in both theoretical and experimental physics. Every year, around 2,500 students study courses at first and second cycle level at the department. 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.

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.

In this project the candidate will actively work with method development to be able to apply time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy to materials of relevance for solar cells and gain insights into the working mechanisms of solar cells. The experimental work will be carried out in a laser laboratory and on beamtimes at synchrotron radiation facilities. The candidate will be part of a diverse and 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.

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.).

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 with the help of programming languages such as Matlab and Python,
• 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 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 synchrotron-based research and/or experience with laser-based spectroscopy and 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

About the application
The application must include the following:

• CV including your relevant experience and knowledge.
• Application letter with a brief description of why you are applying for the position, why you want to pursue research studies, and about your academic interests and how they relate to your previous studies. (Maximum 2 pages long)
• Copy of the degree certificate(s) and transcripts of records from your previously attended university-level institutions in English or Swedish. 

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

Please submit your application by 15 April 2024, UFV-PA 2024/688
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