PhD position in "Development of bio-inspired organic nanoparticles for organic solar cells"

Mads Clausen Institute, NanoSYD, OPV Group invites applications for a fully-funded PhD fellowship in “Development of bio-inspired organic nanoparticles for organic solar cells”. The starting date is July 1st 2021 or as soon as possible thereafter, for a 3-year period.

What we offer
The PhD project is part of the Independent Research Fund Denmark project “Artplast - Artificial Chloroplasts: Nature-inspired electronic molecular nanoparticle platform for energy applications”, which is conducted in collaboration with Aarhus University, Skoltech Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology and University of Oxford. The main goal of the project is to develop stable, efficient organic semiconductor based nanoparticles for use as active layers of organic solar cells and photocatalysts for hydrogen production, by mimicking the energy converting and self-healing mechanism in a leaf. We will develop an artificial chloroplast using organic semiconductor based nanoparticles. By testing and controlling the fundamental photophysical and photochemical properties, we will identify the morphology vs. electrical properties relations in these materials, and use it to tailor highly efficient material systems.

The majority 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 three years.

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

What we expect
Candidates who have a previous master’s degree in a field relevant to the mentioned PhD-project may seek the fellowships (chemistry, physics, material science, electrical engineering and similar). Preferred candidates have experience with some of the following: nanoparticle synthesis, colloidal chemistry, 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, synchrotron-based measurements) and/or photovoltaic device physics. 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 NanoSYD OPV Group), 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 materials systems for organic photocatalysis and 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.

This project will run as a part of a larger new activity on bio-inspired systems for organic energy technologies, sponsored by Carlsberg Young Researcher Fellowship.

Contact information
For information about the Mads Clausen Institute, please see www.SDU.dk/en/mci.

Further information about this position is available from Associate Professor Vida Engmann, e-mail: [email protected].

If you experience technical problems you must contact [email protected].

Conditions of employment
Applicants are required to have a master’s degree (equivalent to a Danish master's degree) at the time of enrollment and employment. Employment as a PhD fellow is a 3-year salaried position (start salary amounts to approx. 3.378,- EURO per month incl. supplements).

Employment of a PhD fellow can only happen after the Head of the PhD School has approved the candidate for admission to the PhD school. 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 is governed by the Protocol on PhD Research Fellows signed by the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Please check links for more information on salary and taxation.

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), read more here.

The assessment process
Read about the Assessment and selection process. Shortlisting may be used.

Application procedure
The Faculty expects applicants to read the Faculty information for prospective PhD students and the SDU information on How to apply before applying.

The application deadline is 2nd May 2021.

The application must be in English and must include the following - the required forms must be found at the Faculty website:

• Completed TEK PhD application form for 5+3 applicants. Find the form at the Faculty website.
• Motivation letter stating your specific interest, motivation and qualifications for the project in question (max. 2 pages). Upload in the field called “Project description”.
• Detailed Curriculum Vitae, including personal contact information, describing research, publications (if any), along with any other relevant information, e.g. teaching experience, computational skills etc.
• Verified copies of the official bachelor diploma and master's diploma and transcripts of exams, both original and translated into English.
• Completed TEK PhD form for calculation grade point average. Find the form at the Faculty website. Upload in one of the fields called “Publication”.
• An official document describing the grading scheme of the awarding universities (if not Danish). Upload in one of the fields called “Publication”.
• An official and verified written assessment of the thesis or dissertation project from the grade giving institution, if the thesis/examination project is evaluated by approved/passed. The statement must clearly state that the candidate has been among the top 30 pct. in the graduation class for the study programme.
• Three names and emails of researcher, who can provide an informed reference letter at short notice.
• Reference letters may also be included. You're welcome to use the form for reference letter at the Faculty website.

About SDU and Sønderborg

The University of Southern Denmark was founded in 1966 and now as a multi-campus university has more than 27,000 students, almost 20% of whom are from abroad. It has more than 3,800 employees, and 115 different study programmes in the fields of the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, health sciences, and engineering. Its main campus is located in Odense, while the newest campus is located in Sønderborg.

Sønderborg encompasses both a rural idyll and the pulse of the city center. Here you will find magnificent nature with beautiful forest and a long coastline, which invites to versatile water activities, but it is in many ways a distinct study city - from the student discounts on the cafés' menu, the shopping opportunities, a festive nightlife to an active and exciting study environment characterized by professional, cultural and social networks and events. And whether you are into sports, tango, art or jazz, you will find more than 700 voluntary associations and sports clubs to back you up and give the whole family ample opportunity to unfold and cultivate their interest. Sønderborg is also a model city in Denmark on energy sustainability, in which a full CO2 neutrality will be achieved by 2029.

International applicants will be offered Danish language training as part of the employment. International Staff Office (ISO) at SDU provides a variety of services for new employees, guests and people who consider applying for a job at the University of Southern Denmark. Among other things, the staff answers questions concerning salary, taxation and housing. For further information on what it is like working at SDU, please read “10 good reasons why you should choose SDU”. Additional information about working in Denmark can be found at Work in Denmark.

SDU is actively working with UN's 17 sustainable development goals, based on the free, critical and independent research and education.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.