PhD student in biomolecular and organic electronics

Linköping University

Hereby advertises a position as PhD student in biomolecular and organic electronics.


Duties
Organic Photovoltaics (OPVs) is one of the key technologies for renewable energy. It would be highly desirable to develop OPVtechnology based on readily available materials such as plants or algae. In plants and algae, photosystem I (PSI) will generate charges under sunlight, and an interesting question is if PSI may play a role in future OPV-technology. Within this project you will investigate the integration of PSI into organic solar cells. The main objectives are: 1) to explore hybrid ternary organic PV cells (OPVs) by integrating PSI as an electron source into bulk heterojunctions (BHJs), with organic donors/acceptors as complementary absorber/charge suppliers; 2) to develop methodology for aqueous processing of BHJs integrating PSI; and 3) to investigate low-cost sustainable substitutes for OPV materials, suitable for integration with PSI.

All early-stage researchers recruited into the WISE program will be a part of the WISE Graduate School https://wisematerials.org/research/graduate-school/, an ambitious nationwide program of seminars, courses, research visits, and other activities to promote a strong multi-disciplinary and international network between PhD students, postdocs, researchers, and industry.

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.

Qualifications
You have graduated at Master’s level materials science, or related topics such as applied physics, electrical engineering, or materials chemistry or completed courses with a minimum of 240 credits, at least 60 of which must be in advanced courses in materials science or related topics. Alternatively, you have gained essentially corresponding knowledge in another way.

The project is of an interdisciplinary character requiring knowledge of both chemistry and physics, as PSI will be isolated (e.g. from plants) and integrated into the active layer of organic solar cells. In addition, the development and evaluation of solar cells requires knowledge in material science and electrical engineering or other related subjects. It is valuable if the candidate has experience in at least one of the following topics: extraction of PSI and application of PSI in materials science; synthesis of materials for applications in organic electronics; fabrication and characterization of solar cells (e.g. organic-, dye sensitized-, or perovskite-solar cells).

You must have excellent English communication skills; verbal communication skills are required for efficient interaction with colleagues and collaborators, and written communication skills are required for dissemination of your research results. You should moreover have both strong analytical and practical problem-solving capability. Most importantly, the candidate should have strong passion in scientific research, be strongly motivated and good at teamwork.

Please include a letter of intent where you briefly describe your background and motivation why the position may be suitable for you. Do also provide at least one reference person, preferably your master thesis supervisor (maximum 1 page).

Union representatives
Information about union representatives, see Help for applicants 

For more information
https://liu.se/en/work-at-liu/vacancies/21346

We welcome applicants with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives - diversity enriches our work and helps us grow. Preserving everybody's equal value, rights and opportunities is a natural part of who we are. Read more about our work with: Equal opportunities.

We look forward to receiving your application!


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