Postdoctoral position in synthesis of lead-free halide perovskite materials for green energy applications - Hiring in process/Finished, not possible to apply

Description of the workplace

This position will be part of the Light-Activated Energy Materials (LAEM) group within the Centre for Analysis and Synthesis (CAS) at the Department of Chemistry. We are a highly international unit and strive to maintain gender balance. Research at CAS focuses on inorganic, organic, polymer and materials synthesis, as well as advanced analysis and characterization techniques, with applications across such topics as photovoltaics, energy storage and catalysis. 

Subject description

The focus of the research will be on the synthesis and understanding of novel lead-free halide perovskite materials both in the form of thin film and nanocrystals for their energy applications such as solar cells and photocatalysis. Metal halide perovskites have been recognized as the most promising candidate for a wide range of potential uses in solar energy applications such as solar cells and photocatalysis. To be able to meet the rising challenges in eco-friendly and sustainable production of materials for these applications, novel lead-free halide perovskites must be explored. For this reason, we are aiming to develop synthesis and deepen understanding of lead-free halide perovskites with potential for the fabrication of efficient and stable devices.

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

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.

Work duties

The main duties involved in a post-doctoral position is to conduct research. Teaching may also be included, 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.

You will be responsible for designing, planning and carrying out experiments independently, including development of project ideas. Supervision of graduate or postgraduate students may also be part of the work duties.

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.
• Doctoral degree within engineering, chemistry, materials science, or a related subject.
• Well versed in either glovebox operation or colloidal synthesis of semiconductor nanocrystals.
• Advanced theoretical knowledge of either thin film formation or nanocrystal nucleation/growth.
• Good problem-solving and linguistic analytical abilities.
• You are structured, goal-oriented and has good self-awareness.

Assessment 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:

• fabrication of high-performance halide perovskite solar cells
• experience in utilisation of semiconductor nanocrystals in photocatalytic applications, e.g., photocatalytic and/or photoelectrochemical water splitting
• photophysical characterisation using transient absorption spectroscopy
• characterisation of the electrochemical properties of 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.

We offer

Lund University is a public authority which means that employees get particular benefits, generous annual leave and an advantageous occupational pension scheme. It is advisable to enter information on what your unit specifically can offer as a workplace.
Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee Work at Lund University. 

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

Applications shall be written in English. Please draw up the application in accordance with LTH’s Academic qualifications portfolio – see link below. Upload the application as PDF-files in the recruitment system. Read more: To apply for academic positions at LTH.

Welcome with your application!