Postdoctoral Position in Energy Materials Physics, Modelling of Materials for Solar Cells

Postdoctoral Position in Energy Materials Physics, Modelling of Materials for Solar Cells

Uppsala University - Department of Physics and Astronomy

Uppsala, Sweden

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 interfaces in solar cells and their stability is studied.

We are looking for a candidate to work with theoretical modelling of our experimental results to support this work. This includes DFT modelling of absorber-molecule interfaces and calculations of absorption and Auger spectra. This work will be carried out in collaboration with Prof. Michael Odelius at Stockholm University. In Ute Cappel’s research group, the successful candidate will work alongside the experimental team and have the opportunity to learn about 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 interfaces in solar cells to gain insight into molecular adsorption and electronic structure;
• Model X-ray absorption and Auger spectra to provide analysis of experimental results;
• 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. Advanced user skills in electronic structure calculations and experience with programming (e.g. in Matlab or Python) 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.