Postdoctoral Research Scientist in perovskite solar cells

The group of Prof. Carlos F. O. Graeff at School of Sciences from São Paulo State University (FC/UNESP), in Bauru (Brazil), is looking for 1 postdoctoral research  scientist. The application deadline for the positions is 23/08/2024. The candidates are  expected to design, produce, and characterize perovskite solar cells (PSCs). 

About the Project:

The current project (FAPESP Process n° 2020/12356-8) aims to comprehend the  degradation mechanisms involved in PSCs, and to find solutions to overcome the stability  issues of these devices. Based on this premise, several chemical and physical aspects are being investigated, such as: the synthesis of different perovskite light harvester materials, strategies for the layers and interface passivation, analysis of interfacial and defects  phenomena, search for optimal electron and hole transport layers materials, the use of  promising novel techniques for materials synthesis and devices characterization. These  investigations will converge toward the primary objective of proposing more stable and  more efficient PSCs. 

How to apply: 

Candidates must contact Prof. Carlos F. O. Graeff (carlos.graeff@unesp.br) with a brief  statement of research interest/cover letter, a CV, and contact information of 2-3  references. Students in their final year of Ph.D. training are encouraged to apply.

Key project aims: 

  1. To optimize perovskite compositions to minimize defects during crystallization  and thin-film deposition steps. 
  2. To design novel electron and hole transport layers as alternatives for the currently low stable used materials.
  3. . To characterize the structure, morphology, and optical properties of nanomaterials used as active components in PSCs.
  4. To study defects and their effects on PSCs by using advanced spectroscopic and  electrical and optical techniques such as photothermal deflection spectroscopy  (PDS), photo-CELIV, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. 

Requirements: 

– Ph.D. in Physics, Materials Science & Engineering, Chemistry, or related areas.
– Experience in the fabrication and characterization of perovskite solar cells is necessary.
– Experience different film deposition methods (slot die coating, roll-to-roll, spray coating, vacuum based techniques, etc) will be positively evaluated.
– Previous experience with the characterization techniques PDS or CELIV is a plus. – English knowledge (fluent in writing and speech).

The selected candidate will receive a post-doctoral fellowship from the São Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP) of R$ 12.000,00 monthly and a research contingency  fund, equivalent to 10% of the annual value of the fellowship that must be spent on items  directly related to the research activity.

Possibilidade para estudantes de instituições do RS de finalizar trabalhos experimentais no PPGQ-UnB

Em solidariedade a todo sofrimento pela população do Rio Grande do Sul em virtudes das recentes enchentes, o Programa de Pós-graduação em Química (PPGQ) da UnB coloca-se à disposição para receber estudantes de pós-graduação que precisem finalizar seus trabalhos experimentais e que, neste momento, não o possam fazê-lo em sua instituição de origem.

Diversos professores do PPGQ-UnB estão se disponibilizando para acolher os estudantes nos laboratórios, compartilhar reagentes e consumíveis e disponibilizar a infraestrutura do laboratório e multiusuário.

Infelizmente, o programa não dispõe de verba que ajude a custear o deslocamento dos estudantes, mas a coordenação do programa se compromete em ajudar a encontrar alojamento no apartamento de trânsito (apartamento dentro do campus que recebe pesquisadores visitantes e tem custo bastante reduzido) ou junto a outros estudantes.

Estudantes interessados devem entrar em contato com a Profa. Ingrid Weber, coordenadora do PPGQ-UnB, indicando qual a área de atuação do estudante e qual a infraestrutura necessária, pelo e-mail itweber@unb.br.