Postdoctoral researcher in Physics, focus Materials for Photovoltaics - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Background
The Department of Engineering Science and Physics at the Faculty of Health, Science and Technology is looking for a postdoctoral researcher in physics, to participate in two European research projects on perovskite solar cells. The department has a strong research profile in the field of materials for solar energy applications. The current research group, where the postdoctoral researcher will be active, focuses on molecular and new materials for photovoltaics and has a broad international network of collaborations. The research laboratories are well equipped with modern facilities for the production and testing of solar cells and various instruments for characterization of structure, composition, electronic structure and optical properties of materials. In addition, the research team also uses X-ray based methods at synchrotron laboratories.

Since a postdoctoral appointment is an employment for junior researchers our target group is candidates with a PhD not older than three years.

Duties
The main duties are to participate in two externally funded European research projects, "In-situ laser fabrication of graphene electrodes and interlayers for the next generation CIGS / Perovskite solar cells" (LASERGRAPH) and "Dry production routes for large-area benign metal halide perovskite solar cells" (PERDRY). These projects are funded by Vinnova within the Flag-ERA program, associated with the EU flagship Graphene, and by the Swedish Energy Agency under the SOLAR-ERA-NET program.

The work involves planning and conducting experiments, reporting results, as well as communicating with the other national and international project partners. Collaboration, discussions, and meetings with project partners is an important part of the work, as well as participation in the writing of publications and conference contributions. To contribute to a good work environment and development of the research and education you are expected to be present and to participate in the daily work and community.

The experimental work involves more specifically experimental studies of properties of photovoltaic materials, graphene-based materials and other interface materials for tandem solar cells. The work can also to some extent contain fabrication of materials and perovskite photovoltaic cells. Measurement methods that are of specific importance are UV and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS, XPS), X-ray absorption spectroscopy (NEXAFS), Kelvin probe, Fourier-transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy (AFM).

Qualification requirements
Eligible for the position are those applicants who have obtained a PhD in physics or other subject relevant to the work or have achieved equivalent qualifications abroad corresponding to a doctoral degree, at the most three years prior to the end of the application period. Older degrees may be relevant if there are special reasons, for instance parental leave, illness etc.

Excellent knowledge of English, in writing and speech, is also a requirement.

Assessment criteria
Special weight is given to

- Documented experience in characterisation of perovskite materials for application in solar cells.
- Documented research experience in graphene-based materials.
- Documented knowledge and hands-on skills of the available spectroscopy and microscopy methods mentioned above.

Considerable weight is given to your experience of writing and publishing research articles in international journals, as well as international experience of research and collaboration.  

We also attach considerable weight to the applicant's personal qualities, such as good collaborative ability, ability to work independently, good organizational ability, accuracy, and excellent communication skills. A positive attitude towards colleagues is a prerequisite.

Experience in the fabrication and electrical testing of perovskite-based tandem solar cells is a valuable qualification.

Terms
The employment is a full-time fixed-term employment, limited to 18 months from the starting date. Starting date: December 1, 2020 or by agreement.

Further information
Karlstad University places great value on the enriching presence of diverse backgrounds and gender balance in the organisation.  We welcome applicants with different cultural backgrounds, gender identities, functional abilities and life experiences.

Application
Submit your application via the university’s web based recruitment tool. Applicants are responsible for submitting a complete application in accordance with the advertisement and for ensuring that the documentation allows for objective and qualitative assessments. A complete application should be submitted no later than the application deadline. An incomplete application may jeopardize a fair assessment of qualifications.

The application must include:

-Application letter, describing the applicant’s qualifications and research interests in relation to the duties of the position
-Detailed list of qualifications/CV
-List of publications
-Copies of relevant transcripts, degree certificates, employment certificates and letters of recommendation
-Copy of doctoral thesis and other relevant publications
-Information of language skills
-Contact information to at least two references. At least one of them should former head or supervisor

All the documents and publications you wish to be considered should be attached to your electronic application (do not provide links to them). Name each document to clarify content. One copy of documents that cannot be submitted electronically should be sent to Karlstads universitet, Registrator, 651 88 Karlstad, Sweden. State ref.no: REK2020/213

Application deadline: 3 November 2020

We look forward to your application!

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