PhD Studentship: Characterising Interfaces to Drive Next-Generation Halide Perovskite Development (Fixed Term)

Applications are invited for 3.5-year fully funded PhD studentship based in the Department of Chemical Engineering & Biotechnology, University of Cambridge and industry partner Swift Solar. This proposed project will comprise the development and utilisation of advanced characterisation tools based on electron, X-ray and/or photon modalities to understand power losses and instabilities in next-generation halide perovskite photovoltaic technologies. This information will drive further device development and facilitate commercialisation of this exciting technology.

The successful candidate will join the Optoelectronic Materials and Device Spectroscopy group (https://www.stranks.oe.phy.cam.ac.uk/) at the University of Cambridge, led by Professor Sam Stranks. The group is an inclusive and diverse group driving a number of active outreach and widening participation activities. The student will have access to world-leading expertise and facilities in the field of hybrid and organic electronics.

The student will work closely with Swift Solar, a fast-growing US company developing next-generation solar photovoltaic products based on perovskite tandem technology. The company has strong links to the UK through co-founder Professor Stranks. The student will have an industry supervisor at Swift Solar and will have the opportunity to spend a proportion of their time (around three months over the duration of the project) at a Swift Solar facility.

We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual capable of thinking and working independently, and with inclination to work closely with industry. Applicants should have or shortly expect to obtain a first or high second-class degree from a UK university in all previous degrees, or an equivalent standard (https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/international/international-qualifications) from an overseas university, in a relevant subject such as Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Engineering or a related discipline. Strong organisational and communication skills are essential. Experience with halide perovskite and optoelectronic/material characterisation tools is highly desired. This position is open to UK citizens or overseas students who meet the UK residency requirements (https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/finance/fees/what-my-fee-status) or are able to augment the funds to cover the extra costs associated with overseas student fees. (Note for Overseas Fee Rate applicants: Unfortunately, there is no additional funding available to cover the difference in Home and Overseas Fee rates.)

Full details of the University's entrance requirements are specified at the following link: http://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/application-process/entry-requirements.

Full funding covering Maintenance and the University Composition Fee at the Home rate is provided for the studentship, with effect from 1st October 2024.

Information on our PhD programme, along with further information on the Department's entry requirements and a link to the on-line application, is available via the University's Course Directory: PhD in Chemical Engineering ' Postgraduate Admissions (cam.ac.uk) https://www.postgraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/courses/directory/egcepdcng?gl=1*iv0l7c*gaMTI0NTUyNzYwNS4xNjY3Mzg1MzA0gaP8Q1QT5W4K*MTY2NzM4NTMwNC4xLjEuMTY2NzM4NTU0NS4wLjAuMA.

To be considered for this studentship, applicants must submit a formal application for admission along with all required supporting documents (please see above link). Applicants must note Prof Sam Stranks as the prospective University supervisor and that you wish to be considered for studentship NQ41436 in the research proposal field of the application. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Please quote reference NQ41436 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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