Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Job Category
Faculty Non Bargaining

Job Title
Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Department
UBCO | Postdoctoral Research Support | Uhl | School of Engineering | Faculty of Applied Science (Alexander Uhl)

Posting End Date
March 4, 2024

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the Posting End Date above.

Job End Date
Mar 31, 2025

The expected pay for this position is $45,000.00 per year.

Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Chalcogenide Solar cells

The Laboratory for Solar Energy & Fuels (LSEF) located in the Faculty of Applied Science's School of Engineering UBC's Okanagan campus, is actively seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to lead a research project in the field of chalcogenide solar cells.
The Faculty of Applied Science's School of Engineering has assembled world-class faculty and developed an innovative engineering curriculum to offer undergraduate and graduate engineering degrees in Electrical, Civil, Mechanical, and Manufacturing specializations.  The campus is situated in one of the most scenic and appealing regions in Canada and offers faculty and students an intimate learning environment and exciting opportunities for interdisciplinary and region-centered research.
Research Area of Priority

Photovoltaics has been identified as a key technology in the necessary transition away from fossil-combustion-based energy sources. Chalcogenide solar cells have received tremendous attention in recent years due to its feasibility to employ ink deposition methods and suitability in tandem devices. Despite several successes, some challenges still remain to be addressed to facilitate the commercialization of this exciting technology. Amongst them, the use of low cost deposition methods alongside confirmed long term operational stability of devices are critical for market entry.

The successful candidate will be expected to perform design and fabrication of thin film solar cells, analysis of power conversion efficiency and operational stability, advanced materials characterization, cooperate with academic and industry partners in British Columbia and abroad, and disseminate results at conferences and in high impact journals.
Applicants must have completed a PhD degree in an engineering discipline within the last five years or are in near completion with a confirmed defense date. Applicants are also expected to have research experience in related fields: solar cells (particular thin film chalcogenide and/or perovskite), transparent conductive thin films, chemical ink formulation, thin film deposition (vacuum and non-vacuum), and semiconductor characterization (XRD, UV-Vis, SEM). Excellent English speaking and writing proficiency, the ability to work in a team, as well as independently lead a research project are expected.
How to Apply

Applicants should provide curriculum vitae, proof of doctoral degree, academic transcripts, list of three referees, and motivation letter via the UBC online portal.
The anticipated start date for this position is April 1, 2024. Applications are invited until March 3, 2024. The annual salary is $45,000 plus benefits.
This is one year term position, with the possibility of extension. All applications will be reviewed; however, hired positions will be subject to the continuance of funding.
Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority.