Postdoctoral position in Energy materials physics, modelling of processes in solar cells

Postdoctoral position in Energy materials physics, modelling of processes in solar cells

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.

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.

About the project

The postdoctoral position is placed in Ute Cappel’s research group, which focuses on the characterization of solar cell materials and on gaining understanding of the working mechanisms of different types of solar cells (e.g. perovskite, quantum dot). A particular focus is the combination of X-ray spectroscopies (specifically photoelectron spectroscopy) with time-resolved and operando measurements. Such methods can give insights into the dynamics and energetics of the photon-to-electron conversion process through measurements of energy alignment and electric fields between materials. Furthermore, the stability of solar cells can be studied.

We are looking for a candidate to work with theoretical modelling of our experimental results to support this work. This can include drift-diffusion models of electron and ion movement in device structures, which resemble those investigated with photoelectron spectroscopy, as well as other types of modelling. The successful candidate will become the expert of theoretical modelling in the research group; thus, this postdoc position will provide an excellent opportunity to develop an independent research platform. Furthermore, they will work alongside the experimental team and have the opportunity to carry out experiments at synchrotron radiation facilities.

The candidate will be part of a diverse and collaborating research environment in the Condensed Matter Physics of Energy Materials research programme that shares the same general goal of unravelling the functionality in such interesting and challenging energy materials.

Duties

• Development and application of theoretical models to model the properties and processes in solar cell type samples, which give rise to binding energy shifts and photovoltages observed in operando and time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy.
• Using modelling and experiments to gain insight into the working mechanism of solar cells.
• Writing scientific papers.

Requirements
PhD degree in Physics, Chemistry or Material Science or a foreign degree equivalent to a PhD degree in Physics, Chemistry or Material Science. The degree needs to be obtained by the time of the decision of employment. Priority will be given to applicants who have completed their degree no more than three years before the deadline for applications.  Due to special circumstances, the degree may have been obtained earlier. The three-year period can be extended due to circumstances such as sick leave, parental leave, duties in labour unions, etc.

Good communication skills in oral and written English are required. Experience with programming (e.g. in Matlab or Python) is 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.

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position of 2 years according to central collective agreement. Full time position. 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 April 3rd 2025, UFV-PA 2025/528

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