Post-doctoral Fellow, Mechanical Engineering

Location: AE

Organization Name: Mechanical Engineering

About University

The newly-established Khalifa University of Science and Technology (KU) combines the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology (MI), the Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research (KUSTAR) and the Petroleum Institute (PI) into one world-class, research-intensive institution, seamlessly integrating research and education to produce world leaders and critical thinkers in applied science and engineering. Khalifa University endeavors to be a leader among research intensive universities of the 21st century, while catalyzing the growth of Abu Dhabi and the UAE’s rapidly developing knowledge economy.

Brief Description

To provide high quality research support and undertake internationally competitive research aimed at publication thereby contributing to the academic and research mission of the University. Since the Postdoctoral, experience is transitional to becoming an independent researcher or faculty member, the Postdoctoral tries their best to acquire the varied skills necessary to advance their career with guidance from the advisor. These skills include, but are not limited to, the ability to present research plans and findings in a convincing style, both in oral and written modes of communication, the ability to understand research group management and supervision of others, the ability to establish contacts and network with colleagues pursuing a similar research agenda, the ability to organize and teach a class or a course if more inclined towards a teaching career.

Detailed Description

Strategic Responsibilities

The successful Post Doc candidate is expected to lead the project and adapt concentrator photovoltaic (CPV) technology, which uses lenses and/or mirrors to focus sunlight onto small, high-efficiency solar cells, to design photovoltaic modules tailored for building and agricultural applications. The key features of the system which will be incorporated are a fully transparent module structure that allows diffuse light (which is not concentrated onto the cells) to pass through the module to illuminate whatever is behind; an integrated sun-tracking system that orients the cells and optics inside the module to align with the motion of the sun; and low-cost, thin-film high-efficiency solar cells. Furthermore, a strong background in material science is important to complement the ongoing effort aimed at reusing III-V substrate thanks to remote epitaxial growth methods.  

Operational Responsibilities

The main challenge that the project addresses the key obstacles and unintended consequences involved in the current expansion of solar energy, among them competition with food production, the need to build power plants far from population centers, displacement of wilderness by solar projects, and negative aesthetic perceptions of solar panels, especially when applied to buildings. The optical systems developed are likely to find additional applications, for example the creation of beam-steering or light-guiding systems for daylighting of buildings. By supporting the continued development of high-efficiency, low-cost III-V solar cells, this project will have crossover with other sectors, in particular space exploration, where these cells will find application.

The successful candidate is expected to be able to contribute to the achievement of the 3 main objectives of the projects i.e.:

Objective 1: Demonstrate a semi-transparent CPV module as a building skylight and a greenhouse roofing material.
Objective 2: Develop and prototype a new semi-transparent module design for installation on vertical surfaces (e.g. windows, building facades).
Objective 3: Fabricate high-efficiency multijunction solar cells via a novel wafer-reuse process, for integration into the module prototype.

The successful candidate is expected to direct the investigation in the area of PV module characterization, optics design, and system design for agricultural and building integrated PV systems.  Development & implementation of outdoor testing protocols for novel concentrator photovoltaic modules.  Dissemination of results writing papers and attending conferences.  Management of international collaborations. 

Job Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Interdisciplinary PhD Degree in Engineering with expertise in Mechanical, Electrical or Optical engineering and experience with photovoltaic systems.

Required Experience

• 4+ years research experience including PhD.  
• Must be able to independently organize, direct and manage a research team to meet project targets.  Proven track record of publication & strong presentation skills. It is important the candidate has experience in publishing in high impact publication such as Nature energy.

How To Apply

CV + Research Interest Statement

Should you require further assistance or if you face any issue with the online application, please feel to contact the Recruitment Team (recruitmentteam@ku.ac.ae).