Doctoral student in Physics within the discipline of development of nanowire solar cells for space applications (PA2024/1573)

The PhD position is placed at the Division of Solid State Physics at the Department of Physics, where extensive research is carried out centred on various aspects of nanophysics, ranging from materials science to bio- and quantum physics to various applications. The division is a central part of Nanolund, Lund University´s large interdisciplinary research centre on nanoscience and nanotechnology. The division includes Lund Nano Lab, a central and shared facility for the production of materials and components at the nanoscale. The divison has a strong commitment to undergraduate education, not least in the Master of Science in Engineering Nanoscience programme at LTH.

For over ten years, our research into one-dimensional semiconductor structures, called nanowires, has been at the international frontline. So far, our emphasis in this research has been in three areas: preparation of nanowires by epitaxy, fundamental physical properties studied with transport physics and optical physics, and applications in electronics, opto-electronics, and energy systems. Nanowires with properties for solar cells have been studied and recently a breakthrough has been made by demonstrating tandem functionality in single photovoltaic nanowires for the first time. The nanowire solar cells have been identified as promising candidates for energy harvesting in space. In the project, which is part of a project with several European partners, the ambition is to develop the nanowires with respect to space applications.  

For additional information please visit: Division of Solid State Physics and NanoLund

The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties can also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

The PhD project’s focus is based on basic materials physics to further develop and improve the synthesis, processing, and characterization of nanowire-based tandem solar cells. Triple bandgap wires have recently been demonstrated and now the challenge is to realize functioning solar cells that cover square centimeter large areas and have high efficiency. Modeling shows that the structure now obtained can achieve 47% efficiency, which remains to be shown. The nanowires can be used for flexible super-thin solar cells, which will be studied and developed.

You will use metal-organic gas phase epitaxy, electron microscopy, electro-optical characterization, lithography, atomic layer deposition, and other cleanroom methods for the fabrication and characterization of the nanowire solar cells. You will be contributing to an EU-granted research project to establish nanowire solar cells in space and participate in regular meeting with other international project participants who depend on our samples for their development. The PhD student is expected to work independently as well as in close collaboration with the other partners in the project.

A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if the applicant:

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third-cycle studies in Physics if the applicant has:

• at least 30 second-cycle credits of relevance to the subject, of which at least 15 credits shall comprise a second-cycle degree project, or
• an MSc in engineering physics or an associated field, or a Master’s degree in physics or an associated field.

Finally, the student must be judged to have the potential to complete the programme.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.

Selection to postgraduate studies is based on the expected ability to perform well in the studies. The evaluation of the ability to perform well is based primarily on the results of studies at the basic and advanced levels, in particular:

Other assessment criteria:

• Being able to quickly assimilate new techniques and knowledge is an advantage.
• We expect that your undergraduate studies include courses in solid state physics, materials science, and materials analyses. The research is to a large extent interdisciplinary, and a broad competence profile and experience from relevant areas of physics, chemistry and micro/nanoscience is of high value.
• Laboratory skills will be essential and experience of experimental work in a clean room environment, crystal growth and material analysis are meriting. Knowledge of Swedish is meriting.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through his or her experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

Only those admitted to doctoral studies may be employed as doctoral students. The doctoral programme is four years of full-time study. In the case of teaching and other departmental work, employment is extended accordingly, up to a maximum of five years (i.e. a maximum of 20%). Employment as a doctoral student is regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), Chapter 5, Sections 1-7 §§.

Applications shall be written in English and include a cover letter stating the reasons why you are interested in the position and in what way the research project corresponds to your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, diploma or equivalent, a copy of the thesis or equivalent, alternatively a summary if the work has not been completed, as well as anything else you wish to refer to (copies of grades, information for references, letters of recommendation, etc.).

The applicant is required to answer the job specific questions in the first step of the application process.

The English version of this announcement is an interpretation of national formalities expressed in the Swedish text. In case of uncertainties, the Swedish text applies.

Welcome to apply!