Postdoctoral position in Solid State Physics with focus on Chromic Thin Films in Smart Window Applications

Temporary employment, 100%, 2 years, with start date as soon as possible

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering aims to be an environment for successful and valuable research and education with a focus on materials science solutions for important societal challenges. Our department is an exciting workplace with research in a broad technology-related area, from basic research to large-scale applied research, and with close contacts with students through the department's involvement in engineering and master's programs. Our research and teaching are conducted within seven divisions with different research focus.

Read more about us here

The Division of Solid State Physics (SSP) is part of the Department of Materials Science at the Ångström Laboratory. At SSP we perform both basic and applied research on materials for energy and environmental applications. We investigate the physical and chemical properties of materials that can be used as thin films and nanoparticles for chromics (smart windows, displays, self-cleaning, etc.), solar cells, gas sensors (indoor environment, exhaled air), spin electronics and biomagnetic applications, as well as catalytic and photocatalytic materials to create new applications in green energy technology (water purification, air purification, synthetic fuels).

Project description
The European project SmartPV aims at merging photovoltaic and smart windows approaches in innovative energy and resource-efficient glazing. Uppsala University coordinates the project and develops novel chromogenic coatings. Specifically, thermochromic and photochromic thin films (vanadium oxide and lanthanide oxyhydride-based) grown by sputter deposition on glass and polymeric substrates are targeted.

Material characterization of films will primarily be done by X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, spectrophotometry, photoelectron spectroscopy, FTIR, Raman, and electrical transport measurements. In addition, the project involves data analysis, data simulations, writing reports (scientific articles and project documents), and oral presentations at European project meetings and conferences.

Work duties
 Synthesis of thermochromic and photochromic thin films by means of magnetron sputtering within the European project SmartPV. Development of deposition processes for vanadium oxide and lanthanide oxyhydride-based thin films on glass and polymeric substrates. Material characterization of films, primarily done by X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, spectrophotometry, photoelectron spectroscopy, FTIR, Raman, and electrical transport measurements. The work also includes data analysis, data simulations, writing reports (scientific articles and project documents), and oral presentations.

In addition to research, participation in the supervision of doctoral students, master's students and project students, as well as communication of research results through scientific articles in well-established scientific journals and presentations at international conferences, are also included as important aspects of the employment. Participation in teaching may also be included. You are also expected to contribute to applications for external research funds.

Requirements
To qualify for an employment on a postdoctoral position you must have a doctoral degree or a foreign degree equivalent to a PhD degree. The degree needs to be obtained by the time of the decision of employment. Those who have obtained a PhD degree three years prior to the application deadline are primarily considered for the employment. The starting point of the three-year frame period is the application deadline. 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 labor unions, etc.

This position requires a Doctoral degree in physics, engineering physics, materials science, or similar, or a degree equivalent to these.

We require documented knowledge and experience of thin film physical vapor deposition techniques, especially sputtering methodologies, and surface characterization techniques, especially electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and spectrophotometry (UV-vis-NIR spectroscopy).

We require very good written and oral knowledge of English, as well as very good skills in writing scientific publications.

Read more about the Postdoctoral position, rules and regulations at the Swedish Agency for Government Employers here: (Only in Swedish) 

Additional qualifications
Experience in thin film optics, photoelectron spectroscopy, electrical transport measurements and optical and film growth modelling are meriting.

Personal qualities, such as the ability to lead and run projects while being able to interact with other researchers are very important. You must be purposeful, structured and able to work effectively both individually and in a group.

Instructions for application
Your application should contain

• A letter describing yourself, your goals and why you are a suitable candidate for this position.
• CV (max 2 pages)
• List of publications
• Copy of three publications of special relevance
• Copy of the PhD, master's degree (or equivalent) and course grades and other merits
• Short description (max 300 words) of your doctoral thesis
• If available, an electronic version of your doctoral thesis (or weblink).
• Names and contact information (e-mail and telephone) to two reference persons who have agreed to act as reference for you. Please also describe the relationship with that person.

The application can preferably be written in English. During the application period, we will continuously read applications and call for interviews.

About the employment: The employment is time-limited for 2 years according to the central collective agreement. The scope is full-time. Access as soon as possible or by agreement. Location: Uppsala

For further information about the position please contact: Professor Lars Österlund, Tel. +46702-562425, e-mail: lars.osterlund@angstrom.uu.se, and Associate Professor Tomas Kubart, tomas.kubart@angstrom.uu.se

https://www.materialvetenskap.uu.se/solid-state-physics+/research-groups/lars-osterlund-group/

Welcome with your application no later than 1 April 2025, UFV-PA 2025/677