PhD on Assessment and Design of New Particle Platform for Solar Energy Harvesting and Cooling (1.0 FTE)

Utrecht University, Netherlands

Updated: 4 months ago

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PhD on Assessment and Design of New Particle Platform for Solar Energy Harvesting and Cooling (1.0 FTE)

Job description
The Faculty of Geosciences of Utrecht University invites applications for a PhD position on the assessment and design of a new particle platform for solar energy harvesting and cooling.
The Horizon Europe four-year project ADAPTATION (Adaptable bio-inspired polariton-polariton energy management) aims to challenge the current paradigm in solar energy harvesting and their integration by developing a new solar material platform that integrates thermal management and energy collection in one single material. Inspiration for this material is found from photosynthesis and terrestrial radiative cooling. The project will simultaneously mimic strategies followed by plants during photosynthesis for harvesting and managing energy at the nanoscale, and power-free radiative cooling of Earth on a microscale. Silica micro-sized particles will be developed for cooling, and nano-sized absorbers for energy harvesting. Key element in all this are polaritons and their interaction with phonons and excitons. Within ADAPTATION, integrated management of energy harvesting and cooling in a single material platform will be achieved, which is also adaptable to climate change conditions and optimised for different geographical locations. UU is part of an international consortium that has ample expertise in nano/micro particle synthesis and matter-light interaction. The role of UU is to assess adaptability of the designed particles for use in various climate zones in Europe.
This PhD project will build on expertise at UU on solar photovoltaics and energy management, with a focus on co-designing the properties of the materials platform for optimal energy harvesting and cooling demands in relation to the climate zone the materials will be deployed in.
This PhD project will include:
  • acquiring relevant data and mapping of solar spectral irradiance, temperature, and energy demands for heating and cooling across Europe;
  • co-design energy harvesting and cooling properties with other PhD candidates involved in the materials platform;
  • assessment of the deployment potential of the materials platform.
The PhD candidate will work in a highly interdisciplinary, gender-balanced, and international research project consortium with chemists, physicists, geoscientists, and engineers from across Europe.

Qualifications
We are seeking an outstanding and a highly motivated candidate with a deep interest in the fundamental and applied aspects of solar energy harvesting. We are especially interested in interdisciplinary scholars with strong intercultural skills.
We gladly receive applications from candidates who have:
  • a MSc in Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, Energy Science, or related field;
  • experience in interdisciplinary thinking;
  • strong affinity with sustainable development;
  • ample experience with modeling (Python), statistics and data analytics;
  • excellent communication skills and proficiency in English;
  • experience with and enjoy working in an interdisciplinary and international environment.

Offer

We offer:

  • a position (1.0 FTE) for one year, with an extension to a total of four years upon successful assessment;
  • a full-time gross salary between €2,770 in the first year and €3,539 in the fourth year of employment in scale P of the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities (CAO);
  • 8% holiday bonus and 8.3% end-of-year bonus;
  • a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, and flexible employment conditions based on the CAO.

In addition to the employment conditions from the CAO for Dutch Universities, Utrecht University has a number of its own arrangements. These include agreements on professional development , leave arrangements, sports and cultural schemes and you get discounts on software and other IT products. We also give you the opportunity to expand your terms of employment through the Employment Conditions Selection Model. This is how we encourage you to grow. For more information, please visit working at Utrecht University .

About the organization

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University , the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes . Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow .
Utrecht University's Faculty of Geosciences studies the Earth: from the Earth's core to its surface, including man's spatial and material utilisation of the Earth - always with a focus on sustainability and innovation. With 3,400 students (BSc and MSc) and 720 staff, the Faculty is a strong and challenging organisation. The Faculty of Geosciences is organised in four Departments: Earth Sciences, Human Geography & Spatial Planning, Physical Geography, and Sustainable Development.

Additional information
For more information about this position, please contact Professor Wilfried van Sark  at [email protected] .

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As Utrecht University, we want to be a home for everyone. We value staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including cultural, religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone can flourish and contribute.
To apply, please send your curriculum vitae, including a letter of motivation via the 'apply now' button.

The application deadline is
07/01/2024
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