Postdoc in radical OLED fabrication and characterization,

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher to develop new organic luminescent radicals (OLRs) with exciting applications in OLED technology, sensors, and security labeling. This is a unique opportunity to make a difference and be part of the technology of the future!

Research area and work assignments 

Organic luminescent radicals (OLRs) are quite rare emitters demonstrating doublet-doublet fluorescence and having a number of advantages towards practical applications in organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), ratiometric fluorescence sensors and anti-counterfeiting labelling. The doublet-doublet fluorescence by OLRs is a spin-allowed process similar to the general singlet-singlet fluorescence. However, in contrast to closed-shell molecules for which “bright” excited singlet states are higher in energy than “dark” triplet states, the doublet excited states of OLRs are always lower in energy than the quartet states. That is why the theoretical limit for internal quantum efficiency of OLR-based OLEDs is expected to be 100%. This research project focuses on rational design and synthesis of polyaromatic macroheterocycles called hetero[8]circulenes as precursors for novel class of OLRs. Among expected advantages of hetero[8]circulene-based OLRs there are colour tunability (incl. blue emission), high chemical, thermal and electrical stability, sustainability of reagents and low cost price.

Current project aims to develop a general theory of radical emission based on modern quantum-chemical approaches (including calculations of radiative doublet-doublet fluorescence and doublet-quartet phosphorescence and of non-radiative doublet-doublet internal conversion and inter-system crossing pathways of dissipation of the excitation energy), to synthesize series of fully conjugated hetero[8]circulenes and corresponding radicals based on the results of rational design and to fabricate the OLED devices based on these radicals. The duties for this postdoc position are thus include fabrication of OLEDs based on hetero[8]circulenes and related luminescent radicals which are designed and synthesized in the host group.

As postdoc, you will principally carry out research. A certain amount of teaching may be part of your duties, up to a maximum of 20% of working hours.

Qualifications

To be qualified to take employment as postdoc, you must have been awarded a doctoral degree or have a foreign degree that is deemed to be equivalent to a doctoral degree in chemical engineering, applied physics, electrical engineering or related field. This degree must have been awarded at the latest by the point at which LiU makes its decision to employ you.

It is considered advantageous if your doctoral degree is no older than three years at application deadline for this job. If there are special reasons for having an older doctoral degree – such as taking statutory leave – then these may be taken into consideration.

Qualification in fabrication of multilayered heterostructures like OLEDs, OFETs, photovoltaic cells is a main requirement for successful postdoc candidate. Skills in characterization of OLED devices (volt-ampere, current density vs brightness, power efficiency dependences, roll-off, stability tests, etc.) are very important. Knowledge in characterization of organic compounds (NMR, mass-spectrometry, IR, UV-Vis spectroscopies, etc.) and EPR (electron paramagnetic resonance) technique for studying the radical species is highly desirable.

Experience in usage device modelling software (like COMSOL) and parallel computing is welcoming. Skills in data processing and visualizing the results are also important (Origin, ChemOffice, etc.).

In order to communicate with collaborators having different background (experts in computational chemistry, organic synthesis etc.) the general knowledge in computational and organic chemistry are needed.

Great emphasis will be placed on personal qualities and suitability.

The workplace

Linköping University (LiU) conducts world-leading, cross-disciplinary research in fields that include materials science, IT and life science technology. LiU is one of the largest universities in Sweden and today has 27,000 students and 4,000 employees. The students are among the most desirable in the labour market and international rankings consistently place LiU as a leading global university. Read more at http://www.liu.se

The Laboratory of Organic Electronics (LOE) belongs to the Department of Science and Technology and is renowned for its world-leading research on electronic and optical devices based on organic materials. Its primary theme involves the coupling of ions and electrons as signal carriers for applications in organic bioelectronics, printed electronics, organic energy and electrochemical devices, and nanooptics. Currently, the research staff of the Laboratory includes about 150 researchers (professors, senior and junior scientists and PhD students), see http://liu.se/loe for detail.

The group of Materials Design and Optimization is an international team led by Assoc. Prof. Glib Baryshnikov and is part of LOE. We design the materials for organic electronics applications including dyes for solar cells, emitters for OLEDs, room temperature phosphorescent systems for ratiometric sensing etc. Assoc. Prof. Glib Baryshnikov is the recipient of the ERC Starting Grant 2023 and current PhD position is fully funded from this grant.

The employment

This employment is a temporary contract of two years with the possibility of extension up to a total maximum of three years. The employment is full-time.

Starting date by agreement.

Salary and employment benefits

The university applies individual salaries. A typical starting salary for Postdocs are 41 500 SEK/month.

More information about employee benefits is available here.

Union representatives

Information about union representatives, see Help for applicants.

Application procedure

Apply for the position by clicking the “Apply” button. Your application must be received no later than November 15, 2024. 
 
Applications and documents received after the date above will not be considered. 
 
In the event of a discrepancy between the English translation of the job announcement and the Swedish original, the Swedish version shall take precedent.