PhD Position in Degradation and stabilization of non-fullerene acceptor (NFA) based on organic solar cells

Mads Clausen Institute, SDU CAPE invites applications for a fully funded PhD fellowship in “Degradation and stabilization of non-fullerene acceptor (NFA) based organic solar cells”. The starting date is 1 August 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter, for a 3-year period.

The application deadline is 15 April 2024 at 23.59 (CET/CEST) 

What we offer 

At SDU CAPE we are working with several international and national consortia and partners, and this PhD project will be strongly linked to those. Thus, the PhD candidate can expect research stays at relevant project partners and a strong collaborative aspect of the PhD program throughout its entire duration.

The main goal of the project is to investigate degradation mechanisms of highly efficient non-fullerene acceptor (NFA) based organic solar cells and develop guidelines for antioxidant additives to stabilize them.

Most of your working time is devoted to your own research studies. As a PhD student you are expected to develop your own ideas and communicate scientific results in English. We offer a fully funded PhD position for the duration of 3 years. 

The successful applicant will be enrolled as a PhD student at the PhD School at the Faculty of Engineering.

What we expect

• Candidates with a relevant master’s degree for the PhD project, preferably within chemistry, physics, material science, electrical engineering and similar. 
• Candidates experienced within organic solar cells, polymers, thermodynamics of polymer blends, organic semiconductors, polymer additives, antioxidants, photooxidation characterization techniques (e.g. Fourier Transform IR spectroscopy, transient electrical measurements such as CELIV, electron spin resonance spectroscopy, transient spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, synchrotron-based measurements) and/or photovoltaic device physics will be preferred. 
• Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the work, the candidate is expected to have excellent collaboration skills. A very good capability of communicating scientific results in English, both orally and in writing is required.

Workplace description / Research environment 

We are an international research group working in the field of green energy technologies (SDU CAPE), and we are looking for a highly motivated PhD student to join our research team at University of Southern Denmark (SDU), campus Sønderborg, in development of material systems for organic photovoltaics. We offer a modern, inclusive, international, and interdisciplinary working environment with state-of-the-art facilities as well as a strong tradition of international collaboration. Our ambition is to recruit, develop, and retain talented scholars committed to both academic excellence and departmental development.

Having a focus on green energy technologies - improving performance, device stability and up-scaling, the group has full access to an ISOS5 cleanroom and surface science laboratory facility for the preparation and characterization, as well as a roll-to-roll facility for upscaling flexible devices. The research group is a partner in various national and international research projects and networks that include collaboration partners from both academia and industry. 

Contact information

For information about SDU CAPE, please see https://www.sdu.dk/en/forskning/cape. 

Further information about this position is available from Associate Professor Vida Engmann, e-mail: engmannmci.sdu.dk.

If you experience technical problems, you must contact hcm-supportsdu.dk.

Application procedure

Before applying the candidates are expected to read the Faculty information for prospective PhD students, SDU information on How to apply, and Faculty information on How to apply – Academic staff.

The application must be in English and must include:

• Motivated personal application. 
• Detailed Curriculum Vitae.
• Verified copies of the official bachelor diploma and master's diploma and transcripts of exams, both the original documents and in professional English translation.
• List of publications and maximum 2 examples of relevant publications (in case you have any publications).
• Three names and emails of researcher, who can provide an informed reference letter at short notice.
• For applicants from programmes that evaluate thesis/examination project by approved/not approved: Please submit an official and verified written assessment of the thesis or dissertation project from the grade giving institution. The statement must clearly state that the candidate has been among the top 30 pct. in the graduation class for the study programme.
• Completed TEK PhD application form for 5+3 applicants. Find the form at the Faculty website.
• Completed TEK PhD form for calculation grade point average. Find the form at the Faculty website. 
• An official document describing the grading scheme of the awarding universities (if not Danish). 

The application may also include:

• Reference letters, you're welcome to use the form for reference letter at the Faculty website.

Applications received after the deadline or outside the official recruitment portal will neither be considered nor evaluated.

Assessment and selection process

Applications will be assessed by an assessment committee or an expert. Shortlisting may be used. Only shortlisted candidates will be assessed. Applicants will be informed of their assessment by the faculty. Interviews and tests may be part of the selection process.   

Conditions of employment

Applicants must hold a master’s degree (equivalent to a Danish master's degree) at the time of enrollment and employment. 

Employment of a PhD fellow can only happen after the PhD School has approved the candidate for admission. Employment and enrollment will cease without further notice at the end of the period. A PhD fellow is not allowed to have any kind of sideline employment, while enrolled as PhD fellow at the faculty.

Employment as a PhD fellow is a 3-year salaried position and is governed by the Protocol on PhD Research Fellows signed by the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Further information about salary and conditions of employment. 

The successful candidate will be enrolled at SDU in accordance with Faculty regulations and the Danish Ministerial Order on the PhD Programme at the Universities (PhD order). 

The application deadline is 15 April 2024 at 23.59 (CET/CEST) 

Formalities

• All files must be in English.
• Documents should not contain a CPR number (civil registration number) – in this case, the CPR number must be crossed out.
• The application and CV must not exceed 10 MB. 

The University of Southern Denmark wishes to reflect the surrounding community and therefore encourages everyone, regardless of personal background, to apply for the position.

Further information for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark.

Further information about The Faculty of Engineering.