PhD student in Physical Chemistry with focus on perovskite solar cells

The Department of Chemistry - Ångström conducts research and education in the chemistry field. The department has more than 270 employees and has a turnover of 300 million SEK. At the department's six programs, we conduct very successful research of a high international standard. We have a large number of externally funded research projects, often with international cooperation and we see continued good growth in our subject area. The department has education assignments in engineering programs and master's programs. More information is available on our website . www.uu.se/en/department/chemistry-angstrom-laboratory?languageld=1

Duties The research is related to perovskite solar cells (PSCs), a novel photovoltaic technology that has quickly reached efficiencies as high as that of silicon. PSCs are, however, much easier and cheaper to produce. Unfortunately, their stability is still insufficient. Ion conductivity in the material could be the main reason. In this project the PhD student will investigate the ion conductivity in perovskite thin films and solar cells and determine its effect on performance and stability. Furthermore, strategies to control ion conductivity in perovskites will be developed.

The PhD student will prepare perovskite films and solar cells in different configurations using wet-chemical deposition methods. Along with vapor-deposited films and solar cell devices from our collaborator, these will be investigated, using electrochemical techniques and advanced spectroscopies. This project is done within the consortium SOLVE - Solar Electricity Research Centre, Sweden (https://www.uu.se/en/research/solve).

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 student should design, plan, perform the experimental work, as well as critically analyze and discuss the results, initially with close guidance by the supervisor. As the PhD students develop, they are expected to become more independent in taking the initiative and planning the research. The students are expected to participate actively in workshops and to present their results at scientific conferences as well as in scientific peer-reviewed journals.

Requirements

To meet the entry requirements for doctoral studies, you must

• have been awarded a second-cycle degree in chemistry (or a related subject) and possess a good understanding of physical chemistry, or
• have completed at least 240 credits in higher education, with at least 60 credits at Master’s level including an independent project worth at least 15 credits, or
• acquired essentially equivalent knowledge in some other way in Sweden or abroad.

The candidate must have

• very good oral and written proficiency in English.

Consideration will also be given to good collaborative skills, drive and independence, and 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.

Additional qualifications

Previous experience with solar cell research, thin film deposition, electrochemistry and various spectroscopies is desirable.

About the employment

The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7 . Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date 1st January 2027 or as agreed. Placement: Uppsala, Sweden.

Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University's rules and guidelines.

For further information about the position, please contact

Gerrit Boschloo, +46 (0)18 471 3303, gerrit.boschloo@kemi.uu.se.

Instructions for application

The application must contain

• A short letter describing your background as well as why you are good match to this position.
• CV (max. 2 pages)
• Copy of bachelor exam and transcript of study records
• Copy of master exam and transcript of study records
• List of publications including master’s thesis
• Contact information to at least two references
• Answer a selection of questions in the application form

Please submit your application by 27 October 2026, UFV-PA 2026/3013.