Postdoctoral position in hot-carrier photovoltaics - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description of the workplace

The position is placed at the Division of Solid State Physics at the Department of Physics, a division with around 100 employees where extensive research is carried out centered on various aspects of nanophysics, ranging from materials science to bio- and quantum physics to various applications. The division is a central part of NanoLund, Lund University's large interdisciplinary research Centre on nanoscience and nanotechnology. The division includes Lund Nano Lab, a central and shared facility for the production of materials and components at the nanoscale. The Division has a strong commitment to undergraduate education, not least in the Master's programme "Engineering Nanoscience" at LTH.

This recruitment is connected to the Wallenberg Initiative Materials Science for Sustainability (WISE, wise-materials.org). WISE, funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, is the largest-ever investment in materials science in Sweden and will encompass major efforts at Sweden’s foremost universities over the course of 10 years. The vision is a sustainable future through materials science.

Read more: https://wise-materials.org, www.ftf.lth.se, www.nano.lu.se och www.nano.lu.se/heiner-linke

We offer

You will be included in a team of researchers at NanoLund, a highly visible nanoscience center that offers excellent career development, an open and inclusive research environment with an active community of PhD students and postdocs, and access to a wide range of state-of-the-art capabilities within characterization, nanofabrication and modelling.

All early-stage researchers recruited into the WISE program will be a part of the WISE Graduate School <https://wise-materials.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.

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme.
Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee Work at Lund University.

Subject description

The aim of the project is to demonstrate the potential of nanowires for converting solar energy into useful energy with high efficiency by using hot-carrier photovoltaics. The project includes epitaxial synthesis of custom-designed nanowires and their electro-optical characterisation. The objective is to recruit a candidate with experience in epitaxy and/or electro-optical characterisation who is interested in further developing his/her knowledge in these areas.

Responsible for the position is Prof. Heiner Linke at the Division of Solid State Physics. In addition, you will collaborate with Prof. Magnus Borgström, expert in the synthesis of semiconducting nanowires and nanowire-based solar cells; with Assoc. Prof. Adam Burke, expert in nanofabrication and electrical characterisation; and with Prof. Anders Mikkelsen who is an expert in scanning-probe techniques.

Work duties

Project tasks:

1. Epitaxial synthesis of custom-designed, group III-V heterostructured nanowires,
2. Nanofabrication of single-nanowire devices for electro-optical characterisation
3. Characterization of the electrical and optical properties of the synthesized nanowires

Methods include MOVPE, electron beam lithography, SEM, EBIC, OBIC and electrical measurement methods.  

The main duties involved in a post-doctoral position is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included if desired, but up to no more than 20% of working hours. The position includes the opportunity for three weeks of training in higher education teaching and learning. The purpose of the position is to develop the independence as a researcher and to create the opportunity of further development.

Qualification requirements

Appointment to a post-doctoral position requires that the applicant has a PhD, or an international degree deemed equivalent to a PhD, within the subject of the position. The certificate proving the qualification requirement is met, must be received before the employment decision is made. Priority will be given to candidates who have graduated no more than three years ago before the last day for application. Under special circumstances, the doctoral degree can have been completed earlier.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• Significant experience in either epitaxial growth or in electrical or optical characterisation of semiconducting nanostructures.

Assesment criteria

This is a career development position primarily focused on research. The position is intended as an initial step in a career, and the assessment of the applicants will primarily be based on their research qualifications and potential as researchers. Particular emphasis will be placed on research skills within the subject.

For appointments to a post-doctoral position, the following shall form the assessment criteria:

• A good ability to develop and conduct high quality research.
• Teaching skills.

Other qualifications:

Experience of working with

• MOVPE (metal-organic vapor deposition)
• Nanofabrication in clean-room environment, in particular electron beam lithography and fabrication of electrical nanodevices
• Optical and/or electrical characterisation of semiconductor nanostructures, in particular photoluminescence, EBIC (electron-beam induced current), OBIC (optically induced current), or I-V (current-voltage) characterisation.
• Solar cells and their characterisation
• Modelling or theory of electro-optical processes in semiconductors

Consideration will also be given to how the applicant’s experience and skills complement and strengthen ongoing research within the department, and how they stand to contribute to its future development.

Further information

This is a full-time, fixed-term employment of 2 years. The period of employment is determined in accordance with the agreement “Avtal om tidsbegränsad anställning som postdoktor” (“Agreement on fixed-term employment as a post-doctoral fellow”).

How to apply

The application must be written in English and contain a letter in which you briefly describe yourself and your research interests, including contributions to the described research project. The application must also contain a CV, a copy of the doctoral degree certificate, a list of at least two references with contact details, copies of grades and other documents that you wish to refer to.

Applicants are also required to answer the job specific questions in the final step of the application process.

Welcome with your application!