Research Assistant/Associate in Printable Solar Cell Assembly and Testing (Indoor and Outdoor)

Salary:

Research Assistant £31,396 - £32,982 per annum

Research Associate £33,966 - £44,263 per annum

Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits . We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

Closing Date: 29 March 2024

The Role

We are seeking a motivated individual to join our dedicated research family working as part of a Living Lab Project. The project is unique in its integrated approach, using technologies from different disciplines with the common goal of achieving Net Zero for a University Defence partner. You will be part of one of six experiments making up the Living Lab framework: Decarbonise power using integrated solar technology.
This ambitious experiment focuses on finding a practical, UK-specific solution for decarbonising power using integrated solar technology. We are seeking to appoint a researcher with expertise in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering to develop, scale up, test and evaluate printable photovoltaic devices.
You must have expertise in a variety of different methods for the assembly of solution-processed solar cells (perovskites, quantum dot, dye-sensitized solar cells etc.) and characterisation of the materials (e.g. by pXRD, XPS, thermal analysis) and the devices (e.g. J-V, IPCE/EQE, electrochemical impedance, charge transport and lifetime etc). The ability to design and implement bespoke electronic circuitry for experimental control and data acquisition, including experience of programming with MATLAB, Python or Labview, is essential. 

You will develop strong working relationships with a University external partner and their stakeholders. It is an exciting opportunity to be part of a research team that will support an organisation-specific roadmap to Net Zero emissions by 2040. It is imperative that you are able to collaborate effectively with the research team and have an aptitude for communicating and collaborating with project partners. You will represent as a colleague of Newcastle University and must possess excellent interpersonal skills and maintain the highest standards of professionalism.
We are a world class research-intensive university. We deliver teaching and learning of the highest quality. We play a leading role in economic, social and cultural development of the North East of England. Attracting and retaining high-calibre people is fundamental to our continued success. 

We're educating the next generation of experts and tackling the biggest challenges facing our planet.

Our innovative work has always focused on making a difference to people’s lives, and you can be part of it. 

Your primary location will be Newcastle University campus, however you must be available and willing to travel locally and nationally at the direction of the PI. All travel costs associated with the project will be reimbursed as standard.  

The appointment available on a full-time, fixed term basis from the 1th May 2024 till the 4th October 2024.

For more information about the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences and our research, please click here

To apply, please complete the online application and upload a CV and a covering letter. Please structure your covering letter as a supporting statement outlining how you meet or exceed the requirements as listed below

For all enquiries, please contact Dr Elizabeth Gibson [email protected] , about this exciting position

For more information about the research group lead, please click here:
http://www.ncl.ac.uk/chemistry/staff/profile/elizabethgibson  

Key Accountabilities

• Develop an automated approach to sequentially monitor the current voltage characteristics of arrays of solution processed solar cells (dye-sensitized, quantum dot and perovskite solar cells)
• Assembly and testing of prototype solar cells on a lab scale, submodule and module scale
• Collecting and evaluating data iterative cycles of testing and device development
• Effectively communicate and work within an international team composed of staff, postgraduate and undergraduate students and external partners, including regular reporting

The Person 

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Experienced in solution-processed/printable solar cells assembly and testing, with high reproducibility
• Proficient in the handling of air sensitive materials in a nitrogen-filled glove box
• Expertise in the characterisation of solar cell devices (e.g. J-V, IPCE/EQE, electrochemical impedance, charge transport and lifetime etc.) 
• Expertise in programming in Labview or Matlab
• Experience of designing and implementing bespoke electronic circuitry for experimental control and data acquisition
• A record of publication commensurate with experience level 
• Observational and practical skills consistent with the demands of contemporary scientific research
• Upholding the highest standard of confidentiality and data security. A clear understanding of GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) compliance for higher educational institutes and the importance of protecting intellectual property in accordance with University policy and the Ministry of Defence

• Expertise in the characterisation of solar cell materials (e.g. by pXRD, XPS, thermal analysis, electron microscopy) (Desirable)

Attributes and Behaviour

• A commitment to working with due attention to the safety of themselves and others
• Punctual and reliable; excellent time-management skills
• Being a trusted and professional ambassador for Newcastle University and promoting the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences
• Self-motivation, a determination to be successful and a commitment to high standards
• The capacity to undertake original research and work independently
• Excellent communication skills both oral and written (e.g technical reports, papers, presentations)
• An ability to interact with professionals from different disciplines and work as part of a multidisciplinary team across various locations, settings and research sites
• Demonstrated ability in developing strategic partnerships and stakeholder engagement to interface between the academic community and our Defence partner and the wider field of stakeholders
• Experience of, or exposure to creating professional connections with potential collaborators and project partners at an international, national, and regional level
• Professional approach with a commitment to equality, diversity, dignity and respect in the workplace
• The ability and willingness to travel locally between Newcastle University and Ministry of Defence research sites

• A willingness to take on the day-to-day supervision of PhD students as requested by the PI Desirable (Desirable)

Qualifications

• PhD awarded (or nearing completion) in chemistry/chemical engineering or a closely related discipline    
• Driving licence – the ability to drive in the UK with an appropriate driving licence    

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.  As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.

We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society.  We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent.  We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.

At Newcastle University we hold a silver Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality.  We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC.  We are aDisability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.

In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe. 

Requisition ID: 26853