PhD scholarship in Selenium Solar Cells – DTU Physics

The SURFCAT section at DTU Physics explores the use of catalysis and solar energy harvesting to secure renewable energy for the future. Novo Nordisk Fonden (NNF) has funded the SelSiCELL project which aims to make high performance solar cells based on selenium (c-Se) as the photoabsorber, and to make tandem solar cells based on the c-Se/c-Si architecture.

The project is mostly experimental, and you will design, build and operate various high-vacuum equipment for making the samples as well as an array of characterization techniques for benchmarking samples.

Responsibilities and tasks 
SelSiCELL must simultaneously improve both the photovoltage and the photocurrent compared to state-of-the-art c-Se solar cells - and ultimately - grow such high-performance c-Se cells monolithically on a pre-made c-Si solar cell. This requires a wide span of techniques and tricks, and you are expected to master them all. 

Your PhD will explore ideas to both engineer the bandgap of c-Se to increase photocurrent and to improve the carrier lifetime to improve the photovoltage. 

Key tasks include:

• Design (and use) of a new, dedicated PVD system tailored for c-Se solar cells
• Implementation and systematic testing of new thermal annealing strategies
• Device characterization using x-rays, optical, time-domain spectroscopies, etc.
• Solar device/stack engineering

Qualifications
You must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree.

As our new PhD student, you are highly motivated to help and solve the global energy problem. You are an experimentalist - second to none - with a very solid theoretical understanding of solid-state physics and physical chemistry as evidenced by excellent grades in relevant courses. Experience with general materials science, microfabrication, optics, robotics, and spectroscopy is also highly useful. 

If you are driven, self-motivating and have discipline and grit as demonstrated by your track record you will be a good fit in our team. Reaching the SelSiCELL goals requires a team effort (ca 2-3 people core team) and you must therefore work well in a small, focused group. 

Excellent written and spoken English skills are mandatory.

Approval and Enrollment 
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education . 

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. 

The period of employment is 3 years. Starting date is 1 November 2024 (or according to mutual agreement). The position is a full-time position.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here http://www.dtu.dk/english/about/job-and-career/working-at-dtu/career-paths.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Professor Peter Vesborg, [email protected] . 

You can read more about the SURFCAT section of DTU Physics at www.fysik.dtu.dk/english/research/surfcat.   

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark . Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar ” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU. 

Application procedure 
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 1 August 2024 (23:59 Danish time). Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply online", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae 
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale

You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it. 

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

About DTU Physics
Department of Physics prioritises research areas within modern physics which represents a significant basic scientific challenge and has clear application perspectives. The department has a number of state-of-the-art research facilities, including a supercomputer. Furthermore, the Department of Physics coordinates the undergraduate and master study Physics and Nanotechnology.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.