PhD student in Applied Physics
Back to available jobsWe are looking for a PhD student in next-generation solar cells using organic semiconductors.
Your work assignments
Organic solar cells (OSCs) are based on semiconducting carbon-based materials, which absorb visible light and transform the solar energy into electrical energy. Compared with the commercial silicon solar cells, OSCs have unique advantages. For example, they can be manufactured through low-cost printing technologies (organic semiconductors can be dissolved in organic solvents and thus used as ink); they can be made semi-transparent with selectable colors which can be used architecturally in building integration, thus delivering both aesthetic and environmental benefits; OSCs have a shorter energy payback time compared with other solar cells technologies (energy needed for production of OSCs is available after six months of use under typical sunlight conditions in northern Europe).
OSCs were traditionally limited by their relatively low efficiency (around 10%). However, the situation has now significantly changed during the past few years, with a high power conversion efficiency over 20% reported very recently. The key reason for this significant improvement is due to the application of non-fullerene acceptor materials. In spite of rapid progress of in the device efficiencies of non-fullerene OSCs, not much is known on the device physics and photophysics of this new type of solar cells. The PhD candidate will focus on understanding charge generation, recombination, and extraction of non-fullerene OSCs, aiming to provide guidance for the rational design of donor / acceptor materials for further enhanced efficiency.
As a PhD student, you devote most of your time to doctoral studies and the research projects of which you are part. Your work may also include teaching or other departmental duties, up to a maximum of 20% of full-time.
Your qualifications
You have graduated at Master’s level in Physics, Chemistry, Materials or a related field or completed courses with a minimum of 240 credits, at least 60 of which must be in advanced courses in Physics, Chemistry, Materials or a related field . Alternatively, you have gained essentially corresponding knowledge in another way.
Qualified candidates are expected to:
- Independently undertake the research activities
- Work collaboratively and openly as part of a team
- Act as a source of information and advice to other members of the group on scientific protocols and experimental techniques
- Take initiatives on research-related tasks
- Acquire new knowledge
- Have prior experimental experience of what is described in the job description above— especially that related to physics, and/or materials/device development.
Please include a Letter of Intent, specifying: 1, why you want to do a PhD, 2, why you are interested in this position, and 3, why you believe that you are qualified for this position.
Your workplace
The group led by Professor Feng Gao focuses on solution-processed energy materials/devices, mainly based on semiconducting perovskites and organic semiconductors. The group is part of the Division of Electronic and Photonic Materials, where we develop photonic and electronic materials energy conversion and storage.
The employment
When taking up the post, you will be admitted to the program for doctoral studies. More information about the doctoral studies at each faculty is available at Doctoral studies at Linköping University
The employment has a duration of four years’ full-time equivalent. You will initially be employed for a period of one year. The employment will subsequently be renewed for periods of maximum duration two years, depending on your progress through the study plan. The employment may be extended up to a maximum of five years, based on the amount of teaching and departmental duties you have carried out. Further extensions can be granted in special circumstances.
Starting date by agreement.
Salary and employment benefits
The salary of PhD students is determined according to a locally negotiated salary progression.
More information about employment benefits at Linköping University is available here.
Union representatives
Information about union representatives, see Help for applicants.
Application procedure
Apply for the position by clicking the “Apply” button below. Your application must reach Linköping University no later than 1st of April 2025.
Applications and documents received after the date above will not be considered.
We look forward to receiving your application!
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