PhD student in physical chemistry focusing on perovskite solar cells

The Department of Chemistry - Ångström conducts research and education in the subject of chemistry. The department has 270 employees and a turnover of 300 million SEK. At the department's six programs, very successful research of high international class is conducted. We have a large number of externally funded research projects, often involving international collaboration, and we see continued good growth within our subject area. The department has an educational mandate within engineering and civil engineering programs as well as master's programs. More information can be found on our website. www.uu.se/institution/kemi-angstrom

Duties

The research concerns perovskite solar cells (PSC), a new solar cell technology that has rapidly achieved efficiencies on par with silicon-based solar cells. However, PSCs are significantly easier and cheaper to manufacture. Unfortunately, their stability is still insufficient, and the ionic conductivity in the material may be the primary cause of this. In this project, the doctoral student will investigate the ionic conductivity in thin perovskite layers and solar cells and determine how it affects performance and stability. Additionally, strategies to control the ionic conductivity in perovskites will be developed.

The doctoral student will produce perovskite layers and solar cells with different configurations using wet chemical coating methods. These, together with vacuum-deposited layers and solar cell components from our partner, will be investigated using electrochemical methods and advanced spectroscopy. The project is conducted within the consortium SOLVE – Solar Electricity Research Centre, Sweden (https://www.uu.se/en/research/solve).

The main task for doctoral students is to devote themselves to their research studies, which includes participating in research projects and doctoral training courses. Duties may also include teaching and other departmental work (however, not more than 20% of working time). The doctoral student must design, plan, and perform the experimental work as well as critically analyze and discuss the results, initially in close collaboration with the supervisors. Increased independent initiative and planning is expected as the doctoral student develops. They are expected to participate actively in workshops and present their work at scientific conferences and in writing in the form of scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals.

Qualification requirements

Eligible for education at the doctoral level is the person who has:

a degree at an advanced level in chemistry (or related disciplines) and has good knowledge of physical chemistry, or completed course requirements of at least 240 higher education credits, of which at least 60 higher education credits are at an advanced level (of which 15 higher education credits constitute independent work), with content relevant to doctoral education, or in some other way, acquired within or outside the country, knowledge largely corresponding to these.

The applicant must further have:

very good knowledge of English, both oral and written.

Great importance will also be placed on personal qualities such as good teamwork skills, drive, and independence, as well as how the applicant, through their experience and competence, is assessed to have the ability needed to complete the doctoral education.

Other desirable/merit-based qualifications

Previous experience in solar cell research, thin-film deposition, electrochemistry, and various spectroscopic methods is meritorious.

About the employment

The employment is time-limited, according to HF Chapter 5 Section 7. The scope is full-time. Commencement January 1, 2027, or by agreement. Location: Uppsala

Provisions for doctoral students can be found in the Higher Education Ordinance Chapter 5 Sections 1-7 as well as in the university's rules and guidelines.

Information about the employment is provided by:

Gerrit Boschloo, +46 (0)18 471 3303, gerrit.boschloo@kemi.uu.se.

Instructions for application

Your application should include:

CV (max. 2 pages) a copy of your master's degree and your course certificates (list of courses and grades) a copy of your bachelor's degree and your course certificates (list of courses and grades) names and contact details (address, email address, and telephone number) of at least two references a list of relevant publications (including master's thesis) answer the questions in the application instead of a personal letter

The application can be written in English.

Welcome with your application no later than October 27, 2026, UFV-PA 2026/3013.

Uppsala University is a broad research university with a strong international position. The ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a difference in society. Our most important asset is all 7,500 employees and 53,000 students who, with curiosity and commitment, make Uppsala University one of the country's most exciting workplaces.

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at Uppsala University

https://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/

The employment may be subject to security clearance. In the case of security clearance, approval of the applicant is a prerequisite for employment.

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Applications are received in Uppsala University's recruitment system.

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