Doctoral student in Physics within synthesis and characterization of nanowire based solar cells - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

The PhD position is placed at the Division of Solid State Physics at the Department of Physics, where extensive research is carried out centred 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 divison has a strong commitment to undergraduate education, not least in the Master of Science in Engineering Nanoscience programme at LTH.

For over ten years, our research into one-dimensional semiconductor structures, called nanowires, has been at the international frontline. So far, our emphasis in this research has been in three areas: preparation of nanowires by epitaxy, fundamental physical properties studied with transport physics and optical physics, and applications in electronics, opto-electronics, and energy systems. Nanowires with properties for solar cells have been studied and recently a breakthrough has been made by demonstrating tandem functionality in single photovoltaic nanowires for the first time.

More information can be found at: www.ftf.lth.se, www.nano.lu.se

This recruitment is connected to the Wallenberg Initiative Materials Science for Sustainability (WISE). 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

All early-stage researchers recruited into the WISE program will be a part of the WISE 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.

Work duties 
The main duties of doctoral students are to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and third cycle courses. The work duties can also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

The PhD project’s focus is based on basic materials physics to further develop and improve the synthesis, processing, and characterization of nanowire-based tandem solar cells. Triple bandgap wires have recently been demonstrated and now the challenge is to realize functioning solar cells that cover square centimeter large areas and have high efficiency. Modeling shows that the structure now obtained can achieve 47% efficiency, which remains to be shown. The nanowires can be used for flexible super-thin solar cells, which will be studied and developed.

The methods include metal-organic gas phase epitaxy, electron microscopy, electro-optical characterization, lithography, atomic layer deposition, and other cleanroom methods for fabrication and characterization.

The PhD student is expected to work independently as well as in close collaboration with the other partners in the project.

Admission requirements
A person meets the general admission requirements for third-cycle courses and study programmes if he or she:

• has been awarded a second-cycle qualification, or
• has satisfied the requirements for courses comprising at least 240 credits of which at least 60 credits were awarded in the second cycle, or
• has acquired substantially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

A person meets the specific admission requirements for third-cycle studies in Physics if he or she has:

• at least 30 second-cycle credits of relevance to the subject, of which at least 15 credits shall comprise a second-cycle degree project, or
• an MSc in engineering physics or an associated field, or a Master’s degree in physics or an associated field.

Finally, the student must be judged to have the potential to complete the programme.

Additional requirements:

• Very good oral and written proficiency in English.

Basis of assessment
Selection to postgraduate studies is based on the expected ability to perform well in the studies. The evaluation of the ability to perform well is based primarily on the results of studies at the basic and advanced levels, in particular:

• Knowledge and skills relevant to the thesis project and the subject of the study.
• An assessment of ability to work independently and to formulate and tackle research problems.
• Written and oral communication skills
• Other experience relevant to postgraduate studies, such as professional experience.

Other merits:

• Being able to quickly assimilate new techniques and knowledge is an advantage.
• We expect that your undergraduate studies include courses in solid state physics, materials science, and materials analyses. The research is to a large extent interdisciplinary, and a broad competence profile and experience from relevant areas of physics, chemistry and micro/nanoscience is of high value.
• Laboratory work skills are essential, specifically experience of clean room environment, crystal growth and material analyses.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and how the applicant, through his or her experience and skills, is deemed to have the abilities necessary for successfully completing the third cycle programme.

Terms of employment 
Only those admitted to doctoral studies may be employed as doctoral students. The doctoral programme is four years of full-time study. In the case of teaching and other departmental work, employment is extended accordingly, up to a maximum of five years (i.e. a maximum of 20%). Employment as a doctoral student is regulated in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100), Chapter 5, Sections 1-7.

Instructions on how to apply
Applications must be written in English. The application must include a personal letter explaining why you are interested in the position and how the research project matches your interests and educational background. The application must also contain a CV, diploma or equivalent, a copy of the thesis or the equivalent, alternatively a summary if the work has not been completed, as well as anything else you wish to refer to (grade transcripts, contact information for your references, letters of recommendation, etc.). Applicants must also answer job specific questions in the application process.