Postdoctoral position in Solid State Physics

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 center on nanoscience and nanotechnology. The research center includes also Lund Nano Lab, a central and shared cleanroom 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 position is part of a research group consisting of three doctoral students with individual projects where collaboration leads to good group development.

Subject description

The ZEUS project focuses on advancing the development of innovative and radiation-resistant nanowire solar cells with high efficiency. While current space-tested nanowire solar cells offer around 15% efficiency with single-bandgap cells, ZEUS aims to significantly improve this efficiency, potentially up to 47%, by using triple-junction nanowire cells using III-V semiconductor materials. To this end, this interdisciplinary project will also optimize the surface passivation of nanowires to improve voltage and current matching. The project aims to achieve scalability by transferring nanowire solar cells onto lightweight, flexible substrates.

The main objectives include

• Increasing the efficiency of radiation-resistant nanowire solar cells.
• Scaling up the substrate size to 100 mm^2 and developing modules with a size of 1x1 cm2.
• Reducing weight and material usage through nanowire peeling and substrate reuse. A short specific subject description can be used to describe and clarify the research area/s included in more detail. This description governs the selection process.

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 work on the synthesis of nanowires and their processing into solar cells for space applications. Characterization of the nanowires and their evaluation with respect of external quantum efficiency (EQE) and current-voltage characterization (IV) will be part of the project.

Detailed description of the work duties

• Epitaxy, cleanroom work
• Experimental evaluation of semiconductor samples, with respect to nanowires.
• Supervision of degree projects and doctoral students
• Administration related to the work duties listed above

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.
• You have documented experience of processing skills in clean room environment (ex. Lithography, metal evaporation, wet bench chemistry etc.)
• Practical experience using standard characterisation methods for evaluation of morphology and materials quality of nanowires. (XRD, SEM, AFM, µ-PL, CL, EBIC etc)
• You have proven collaborative skills and individual capacity.

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

• You have proven skills of Epitaxy, MOVPE and nanowire synthesis.
• You have experience of electro optical characterisation of processed semiconductor samples (I-V, EQE, PL, analyses etc.).

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. Read more on the University website about being a Lund University employee.

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 are to be submitted via the University’s recruitment system. The application should include a CV and a personal letter justifying your interest in the position and how it matches your qualifications. The application should also include a degree certificate or equivalent and any other document to which you would like to draw attention (copies of grade transcripts, details of referees, letters of recommendation, etc.)”

We welcome your application!

About the Faculty of Engineering