Project Assistant Research in Physics

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The Department of Engineering Science and Physics at the Faculty of Health, Science and Technology is looking for a project assistant research in physics, to participate in a multidisciplinary research project on organic materials for energy generation and storage. The department has a strong research profile in the field of materials for photovoltaic cells and solar energy applications. The research group, where the project assistant will be active, focuses on the development of experimental and theoretical methodologies to investigate molecular and new materials for solar energy conversion, in collaboration with a broad international network of researchers. The department offers an environment with advanced research infrastructure and strong experimental activities. The project has access to outstanding high-performance computing facilities through the Swedish National Infrastructure for Computing, as well as national and international facilities for synchrotron-based research.

The main duties are to conduct research on the fundamental properties of organic energy materials for applications in solar energy conversion into both electricity (photovoltaic devices) and chemical energy (solar fuels). In more specific terms, the project aims at the in-depth investigation of structure-properties relationships regarding charge photo-generation, charge transport and optical properties. One part of the project will be directed towards the understanding of the photo-physics of donor-acceptor interfaces in high-performance organic solar cells. Another part of the research will be oriented to investigate ion transport mechanisms and the electrochemical stability window in bio-gel electrolytes for application in organic batteries. The photo- and electro-chemical stability of the organic materials will also be investigated. The project is funded by the Swedish Research Council (VR) and the Swedish Center for Electricity Storage and Balancing (SESBC).

The work involves planning and conducting atomic scale modelling, using first-principles theory, and molecular dynamics simulations. The target systems will range from molecular models to solid state compounds. The project assistant will also participate in in-house and large-infrastructure experiments, supporting the development of joint theoretical-experimental projects. Experience with the use of experimental tools for spectroscopy and microscopy studies of organic semiconductors is therefore also relevant. The candidate is also expected to communicate results and participate in the project meetings with national and international partners. Participation in the writing of publications and conference contributions is also included in the tasks. 

We are looking for a condensed matter physicist highly experienced in computational studies of organic materials for energy generation and storage, preferably with an additional experimental research experience in the topic. The applicant must have a degree at advanced level in physics or engineering physics, or equivalent. A doctoral degree is a strong merit. The applicant shall have documented knowledge and skills in first-principles methods for the description of electronic structure of both conjugated polymers and small-molecules candidate materials to be applied in organic photovoltaic devices and organic photocatalytic hydrogen production systems. The knowledge of theoretical methods to calculate optical absorption and emission spectra, vibration spectra, and XPS spectra are needed. Excellent knowledge of English, in speech and writing, is also a requirement.

We attach great importance to the applicant's personal qualities, such as good collaborative ability, ability to work independently, good organizational ability, accuracy, and excellent communication skills. The ability to establish new collaborations and manage the existing ones is a prerequisite.

The position is a non-fixed  term, full time employment. The starting date for the position is 1 of October 2022 or by agreement. The employmentdepends on the availability of external funding for the project described above.

The application should include well documented qualifications. 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.

The application should include:

• Cover letter briefly describing the applicant’s qualifications in relation to the duties of the position
• CV and publication list
• Copies of relevant employer’s certificates, degree certificates, and letters of recommendation
• Information on language skills
• Contact information to at least two references
• Other documents that the applicant wishes to refer to

Submit your application via the University’s web-based recruitment tool.

Application deadline: 25 August, 2022

Reference number: REK2022/191

We look forward to your application!

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