Researcher in Materials Physics for Solar Energy Applications

About the position

Position as Researcher in materials physics for solar energy applications is available at the Centre for Materials Science and Nanotechnology (SMN).

The position is for a period of 3 years.

Starting date as soon as possible.

Knowledge development in a changing world - Science and technology towards 2030

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences

. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4wvWQEhDEs
Job description/project description:

We are seeking a researcher with a genuine interest in novel materials for solar energy applications. You must be a team player, able to work independently and take a leading role in an interdisciplinary scientific research team. This includes supervision of PhD and master students. Further, you will coordinate the Tandem Solar cell activities of the Centre for Materials Science and Nanotechnology (SMN). This includes a pro-active organization of meetings, seminars and communication of results and decisions to collaborators at SMN. The scientific focus of this position is on the explorative discovery of novel semiconducting materials for the top cell of Si-based Tandem solar cells using combinatorial materials science. This includes the creation of spatially-addressable material libraries by pulsed laser deposition and the determination of relevant physical properties by high-throughput experimental characterization.

SMN comprises UiO’s focus on renewable energy, materials science, and nanotechnology. The Centre is an interdisciplinary collaboration between five research groups in physics and chemistry, and spearheads the MN Faculty's efforts for sustainable energy solutions. The successful candidate is expected to work as part of a team in SMN and together with other fellows in the SOLARIS project.

SOLARIS is an interdisciplinary flagship project at UiO, which addresses fundamental materials science on solar energy materials and solar energy harvesting with an application-oriented focus. The project combines thin film deposition and physical and chemical property mapping. The overall objective of SOLARIS is to significantly advance the field of solar energy materials science and promoting the shift towards green economy in long-term perspective.

Qualification requirements:

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition to be among Europe's leading communities for research, education and innovation. Candidates for these fellowships will be selected in accordance with this, and expected to be in the upper segment of their class with respect to academic credentials.

• Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree in physics, nanotechnology or a closely related subject. Doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the closing date. Only applicants with an approved doctoral thesis and completed defence are eligible for appointment
• The position's subject area may require licensing under the Norwegian Export Control Act. In order to be considered for the position, it is a prerequisite that UiO must be able to be granted such licence 
  https://www.uio.no/english/studies/admission/master/export-control.html
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English
• Experience in writing and publishing scientific manuscripts and articles
• Experience in preparation and presentation of scientific talks in English
• Experience in supervision and mentoring of PhD and master students
• Background in condensed matter physics
• Experience on solar cell materials, tandem solar cell concepts
• Experience in characterization of fundamental properties of solar cell materials and devices, e.g., X-ray diffraction, secondary electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, transmittance, spectroscopic ellipsometry, Hall effect measurements, current-voltage measurements
• Ability to lead and conduct high-quality independent research within an interdisciplinary research team
• Background in physical vapor thin film deposition methods

Personal skills:

• Self-motivation, creativity, genuine curiosity about the subject, work discipline, professional ethics, and ambition
• Good social, communication, organization, managing (pro-active organization and planning of meetings and workshops) and collaboration skills 
• Interpersonal communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team
• Ability to work independently and in interdisciplinary scientific environment

We offer:

• Salary NOK minimum 575 400 – 708 000 per annum depending on qualifications in position as Researcher (position code 1109)
• Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement
• Professionally stimulating working environment
• Vibrant international academic environment
• Oslo’s family-friendly surroundings with their rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities

The application must include:

• Cover letter (statement of motivation, summarizing scientific work and research interest)
• CV (summarizing education, positions, pedagogical experience, administrative experience and other qualifying activity)
• Copies of educational certificates, academic transcript of records and letters of recommendation
• A complete list of publications and up to 5 academic works that the applicant wishes to be considered by the evaluation committee
• Names and contact details of 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and telephone number)

The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system, please follow the link “apply for this job”. Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University's grading system. Please note that all documents should be in English (or a Scandinavian language).

In assessing the applications, special emphasis will be placed on the documented, academic qualifications, the project description (whenever this is required in the call for applicants), and the quality of the project as well as the candidates motivation and personal suitability.  Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged.

It is expected that the successful candidate will be able to complete the project in the course of the period of employment.

Formal regulations:

According to the Norwegian Freedom and Information Act (Offentleglova) information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure.

The University of Oslo has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results a.o.

The University of Oslo aims to achieve a balanced gender composition in the workforce and to recruit people with ethnic minority backgrounds.

Contact persons:

For further information about the position please contact: Prof. Holger von Wenckstern, e-mail: h.von.wenckstern@fys.uio.no.

For technical questions regarding the recruitment system please contact: HR-adviser Olga Holmlund, e-mail: olga.holmlund@mn.uio.no.