Researcher in nanowire solar cell development for space applications

Researcher in nanowire solar cell development for space applications

Researcher in nanowire solar cell development for space applications

Lund University

Lund University was founded in 1666 and is repeatedly ranked among the world’s top universities. The University has around 46 000 students and 8 500 staff based in Lund, Helsingborg and Malmö. We are united in our efforts to understand, explain and improve our world and the human condition.

Lund University welcomes applicants with diverse backgrounds and experiences.  We regard equality, equal opportunities and diversity as a strength and an asset.

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.

Work duties

In this position, you will be responsible for the development of nanowire solar cells for space applications. 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. The project aims to achieve scalability by transferring nanowire solar cells to lightweight, flexible substrates.

The main objectives include:

1. Increase the efficiency of radiation-resistant nanowire solar cells.
2. Scale up the substrate size to 100 mm^2 and develop modules with a size of 1x1 cm2.
3. Reduce weight and material usage through nanowire peeling and substrate reuse.

The project is an EIC pathfinder challenge project, which may require travel for project meetings and collaboration with the other partners within the project.

Description of the work duties:

The tasks as a researcher mainly include conducting research. The purpose of the position is to develop your independence as a researcher and create conditions for further qualifications.

You will work with the synthesis of nanowires, surface passivation and to process these into solar cells for space applications. Characterization of the nanowires and their evaluation with respect to external quantum efficiency (EQE) and current-voltage characterization (IV), also inside a scanning electron microscope, will be part of the project.

Qualifications

Appointment to a position as a researcher requires that the applicant has a PhD degree. Proof that the eligibility requirement has been met must be received no later than the time the employment decision is made.

Required qualifications:

• a PhD in physics or chemistry
• very good oral and written proficiency in English.
• experience in epitaxy, MOVPE and nanowire growth of III-V materials.
• experience in cleanroom and semiconductor sample processing, like wet chemical etching, photolithography, metal evaporation, etc.
• strong independence 
• excellent collaboration skills

Additional requirements:

• previous meritorious post doc position, experience of research in a laboratory environment after dissertation.
• electro-optical characterization of nanowire-based structures (I-V, EQE, PL, EBIC, photocurrent measurements)
• nano scale device fabrication.
• material characterisation by use of EDX, SEM, TEM.

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

The position is a fixed term position for 20270116 – 20271230  at 100 per cent of full time. Researchers are covered by a local collective agreement on annual working hours for researchers and assistant researchers. The planning of annual working hours is done in dialogue between the manager and the employee.

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!

LTH is Lund University’s Faculty of Engineering. At LTH we educate people, build knowledge for the future and work hard for the development of society. We create space for brilliant research and inspire creative advancements in technology, architecture and design. We have nearly 12,000 students. Every year, our researchers – many of whom work in world-leading profile areas – publish around 100 theses and 2 000 scientific findings. In addition, a number of research results and degree projects are transformed into innovations. Together we explore and create – to benefit the world.

The Department of Physics is with a staff of about 400 scientists and educators one of the largest departments within Lund University. There are seven research divisions and a number of research centra within the department. The research activities at the department cover a broad spectrum of modern physics. www.fysik.lu.se/english.

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