We are pleased to announce an opening for a Research Fellow position in the Department of Mathematics, Physics and Electrical Engineering at Northumbria University starting. This position is part of a project funded by the UK’s Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) entitled “Solution-Processed Inorganic Thin-Film Photovoltaic Devices (SolPV)”.  The project proposes to develop solution-processing methodologies to fabricate high-performance Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTS) and Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) absorbers based thin-film solar cells via the following strategy:

1- optimisation of the absorber precursor formulation to implement scalable manufacturing methods such as slot-dye and bar-coating,

2- design thermal processing strategies to achieve control crystallisation and composition of the absorber

3- interfacial engineering of the junction between the absorber layer and buffer layer, including replacement of Cd-based compounds.

Beyond this, the project will also investigate the integration of these device structures to non-glass substrates.

This position at Northumbria University would suit a highly motivated researcher interested in crossing discipline boundaries between materials science, chemistry and physics. You will work with Dr Devendra Tiwari and other academics and scientists in a consortium of leading researchers from Northumbria University, University of Bristol, and the University of Loughborough, as well as Centre for Process Innovation Catapult in multidisciplinary research fields of solar photovoltaic materials and devices and supported by a mix of research fellows and research students. Your primary role will be to develop processes and tuning devices with reproducible high efficiencies, i.e. pursuing SolPV strategies 1 and 2.

The applicant should have a doctorate in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science or equivalent before starting this position, proficiency in oral and written communication in the English language; and good collaborative skills, ability to lead independent ideas, and set objectives in a time-bound manner. The applicants must also demonstrate hands-on technical expertise in fabrication, through a solution and vacuum routes, and characterisation of CIGS and CZTS thin-films through a range of instrumental analysis for structural, compositional, optoelectronic features and device performance. The applicant will also need to be able to demonstrate they can disseminate their research and are able to deliver high-quality research outputs. Any previous postdoctoral research experience will be desirable.

For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Dr Devendra Tiwari through email devendra.tiwari@northumbria.ac.uk.  

To apply for this vacancy please click 'Apply Now', and submit a covering letter, CV including research /education statements, and grants and publications list. Please highlight your highest quality research outputs (please indicate a rank from 1 to 4) up to a maximum of 4, since 2017.  In addition, candidates are asked to provide copies of the top 2 research outputs (Journal / book chapter /practice-based portfolio).Where possible candidates are asked to combine all of these documents into a single file.

Northumbria University takes pride in, and values, the quality and diversity of our staff. We welcome applications from all members of the community. The University holds an Athena SWAN Bronze award in recognition of our commitment to improving employment practices for the advancement of gender equality and is a member of the Euraxess network, which delivers information and support to professional researchers.

We welcome applications from the UK and across the world.Visit our web pages for details about the Information and Support for International Colleagues.

Please note this vacancy will close on 30/05/2021