Researcher in theoretical modeling of solar cells material

Published: 2022-06-20

Uppsala University is a comprehensive research-intensive university with a strong international standing. Our ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a long-term difference in society. Our most important assets are all the individuals whose curiosity and dedication make Uppsala University one of Sweden’s most exciting workplaces. Uppsala University has over 54,000 students, more than 7,500 employees and a turnover of around SEK 8 billion.

Permanent, full time position with starting date as soon as possible by agreement

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the Ångström Laboratory provides an innovative and international research environment that can take on technical and societal challenges both now and in the future. The department has 8 divisions including Myfab, our infrastructure for cleanroom based research.

The division of Solar Cell Technology was founded in 2020, but the activities as a well-established research group started already in 1994 at Uppsala University. The division is headed by professor Marika Edoff

Solar cells are growing as a clean and efficient renewable energy technology. Within the division of Solar Cell Technology, the work is dedicated to fundamental understanding and development of effective and low-cost solar cells based on thin film technologies. The focus is on materials containing chalcogens such as sulfur and selenium, e.g. (Ag,Cu)(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) and Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTS), but also inorganic perovskites. Theory, e.g. in the form of DFT-calculations and modeling of material stability and material properties has become an increasingly important part of our research.

Description of the subject area of the employment: The division intends to consolidate the research within ab-initio-calculations on solar cell materials. Several projects within the division will make use of a more long-term effort in theory to increase understanding in our type of materials and improve the solar cell material properties. Examples of important properties are stability in heat and light, semiconductor quality and efficient light absorption, but also how the materials can be synthesized and how the doping and stability are influenced by e.g. alkali elements.

Work duties: Research on crystalline structure and phase stability, band alignment, defect properties and light absorption with (but not limited to) atomistic calculation methods based on ab initio calculations, such as density functional theory (DFT). The research will to a large extent be supporting existing research projects within the division.

Qualification requirements: PhD in physics or material science with focus on material theory (condensed matter theory). Documented skills in calculations of semiconductor materials and optical materials. Knowledge of modeling and analysis of electronic band structure of such materials with DFT-based program packages. Several years of experience in combining results from ab initio calculations with experimental results are required as well as good knowledge in computer programming. We also require that the applicant has been successful in applying for run-time in high performing computers (HPC).

It is important that the applicant is independent and has capability to lead and carry out projects as well as to collaborate with other researchers. It is also important that the applicant has pedagogic skills, has a structured way of working and can work effectively both independently and in a team. We require excellent English skills, both oral and in writing.

Additional qualifications: When ranking the applicants, special weight will be given to the applicant´s documented experience in publication of research in scientific journals of high quality.

Instructions for applying: The applications must contain:

• A short letter describing the background of the applicant as well as why the applicant is a good match to this position.
• CV (max. 2 pages)
• Publication list
• Copy of PhD exam

The application can be written in English

Salary: Individually salary

Starting date: As soon as possible or as otherwise agreed

Type of position: Permanent position

Scope of employment: 100 %

Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact: Professor Marika Edoff ([email protected])  

Please submit your application by 4 July, 2022, UFV-PA 2022/2040.

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Submit your application through Uppsala University's recruitment system.

Placement: Department of Materials Science and Engineering

Type of employment: Full time , Permanent position

Pay: Individual salary

Number of positions: 1

Working hours: 100 %

Town: Uppsala

County: Uppsala län

Country: Sweden

Union representative: Seko Universitetsklubben [email protected]
ST/TCO [email protected]
Saco-rådet [email protected]

Number of reference: UFV-PA 2022/2040

Last application date: 2022-07-04

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