PhD position in Modeling charge localization and defects in perovskites

We are looking for a PhD student to work on electronic structure modeling of halide perovskites. Solar cells based on metal halide perovskites show very promising photovoltaic properties with power conversion efficiencies improving rapidly over the last few years and now exceeding 25%. While most attention has been directed to lead-based perovskites, the focus has recently shifted towards less toxic, lead-free alternatives. The present project focuses on the modeling of complex physical phenomena involving photogenerated charges in lead-free perovskites, such as mixed tin-based or double perovskites. The project will involve the use of advanced electronic structure methods, such as hybrid functionals and molecular dynamics, with the possibility to work with machine learning techniques.

Information about the division
The Division of Condensed Matter and Materials Theory comprises several dozen enthusiastic researchers working on the theoretical aspects of condensed matter physics and materials science. This includes constructing, modifying, and applying physical models to condensed matter systems and investigating them analytically and using computer simulations. In one part of our activities, we focus on developing quantitative and microscopic theories of materials using models that range from the electronic via the atomic to the mesoscale. In another part, we study the properties of graphene and related 2D materials and heterostructures, including ultrafast optical phenomena such as exciton dynamics and their mechanical and thermal properties. In the third part of our activities, we study and engineer the optical response of nanophotonic structured media such as metamaterials and plasmonic systems, as well as photoabsorbing materials for solar devices.

Major responsibilities
During the PhD project you will work on understanding how complex physical phenomena, such as for instance polaron formation and their interaction with defects and interfaces, affect the efficiency of solar devices. You will engage in collaborations with experimental groups. As part of the project, you will be expected to communicate research results both orally at international conferences and in writing in scientific journals. 

The position may also include teaching on Chalmers' undergraduate level or performing other duties corresponding to 20 per cent of your working hours.

Contract terms
Full-time temporary employment. The employment is composed of a maximum of four years full-time of doctoral studies plus a maximum of one year of computational user support within atomic scale simulation, equivalent to a maximum of 20% of the total working time. The employment is thus limited to a maximum of five years. The employment is tied to successful completion of department evaluations after one and three years.

Qualifications
To qualify as a PhD student, you should hold a Master degree or equivalent in physics, chemistry or materials science and have a strong interest in computational modeling and electronic structure calculations. You should enjoy working in a collaborative environment including interactions with both theoreticians and experimentalists.

The position requires good communication skills in written and spoken English. If you do not have English or a Scandinavian language as your mother tongue you need to provide documentation of good communication skills in English, typically evidenced by an English language test, for example TOEFL 550 (paper-based)/TOEFL 213 (computer-based), and/or exemplified during the interview process prior to admission. If Swedish is not your native language, Chalmers offers Swedish courses.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20210496 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically and be attached as pdf-files, as below:

CV: (Please name the document: CV, Family name, Ref. number)
• CV
• Other, for example previous employments or leadership qualifications and positions of trust.
• Two references that we can contact.

Personal letter: (Please name the document as: Personal letter, Family name, Ref. number)
1-3 pages where you:
• Introduce yourself
• Describe your previous experience of relevance for the position (e.g. education, thesis work and, if applicable, any other research activities)
• Describe your future goals and future research focus

Other documents:
• Copies of bachelor and/or master’s thesis.
• Attested copies and transcripts of completed education, grades and other certificates, e.g. TOEFL test results.

Learn more and apply on Chalmers website: https://www.chalmers.se/sv/om-chalmers/Arbeta-pa-Chalmers/lediga-tjanster/Sidor/default.aspx?rmpage=job&rmjob=9913&rmlang=SE

Application deadline: 30 November, 2021

*** Chalmers declines to consider all offers of further announcement publishing or other types of support for the recruiting process in connection with this position. ***