Postdoctoral position in Atom probe tomography of thin film solar cells

Department of Physics at Chalmers
Stimulated by major needs and challenges in science and a sustainable society, the ambition of the department of Physics is to foster a creative environment for academic research, learning and outreach. We provide a competitive advantage by linking our top-level international and interdisciplinary academic performance in the areas of material science, nanotechnology and energy research with world-leading industrial R&D&I projects. We address a wide array of experimental, computational, methodological and theoretical challenges, from fundamental physics research, through the development of new materials such as graphene to direct industrial projects generating new inventions. We have a strong learning commitment on all levels from undergraduate to PhD studies where physics meet engineering.

The department is the major part of Gothenburg Physics Centre – a collaboration between five departments at Chalmers and Gothenburg University. One of the other departments is Microtechnology and Nanoscience – MC2.

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Information about the research
The research at the Division of Materials Microstructure can be grouped into four material areas; hard materials, high temperature materials, nuclear materials and functional materials, and the current project belongs to the forth area. In most projects at the division, the relationship between microstructure and properties are studied using advanced characterization techniques, including electron microscopy and atom probe tomography. Typically, the influence of heat treatment, production parameters and in-service conditions (high temperatures, corrosive environment, radiation, mechanical load, etc.) on the relation between properties and microstructure is studied. The division often has close cooperation with industry, as well as with research groups specialized in complimentary experimental techniques or modeling. The division is part of the Department of Physics.

Major responsibilities
The main part of the research will deal with characterization of thin film solar cells (CIGS and CZTS), using atom probe tomography. The project is a collaboration between Uppsala University, the Royal Institute of Technology and Chalmers. The focus is on creating compositional gradients to improve the solar cell performance. The participants bring together expertise in thin film deposition techniques, photovoltaics, characterization and ab-initio modeling.

As post-doc in this cooperative project you will take responsibility for performing atom probe tomography experiments, evaluate the data and present it to the project group. 

The position also includes teaching on undergraduate and master's levels as well as supervising master's and/or PhD students to a certain extent. Another important aspect involves collaboration within academia and with society at large. The position is meritorious for future research duties within academia as well as industry/the public sector.

Position summary
Full-time temporary employment. The position is limited to a maximum of two years (1+1).

Qualifications
To qualify for the position of postdoc, you must have a doctoral degree in preferably physics or materials science; the degree should generally not be older than three years. You should have expert knowledge in atom probe tomography, including sample preparation using FIB/SEM and also have good communication and collaborative skills. You are expected to be somewhat accustomed to teaching, and to demonstrate good potential within research and education.

Chalmers continuously strives to be an attractive employer. Equality and diversity are substantial foundations in all activities at Chalmers.

Application procedure
The application should be marked with Ref 20160407 and written in English. The application should be sent electronically via Chalmeres webpage.

Application deadline: 11 November 2016

For questions, please contact:
Associate professor, Mattias Thuvander, 
Materials Microstructure, 
mattias.thuvander@chalmers.se, 
+46 31-772 3322

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