The Mads Clausen Institute, Center for Advanced Photovoltaics and Thin-Film Energy Devices (SDU CAPE) invites applications for a fully-funded Postdoc position in "Bio-inspired organic semiconductor based nanoparticles for organic solar cells and photocatalytic hydrogen production". The starting date is March 1st, 2023, or as soon as possible thereafter, for a 1-year period with the possibility of extension.

What we offerThe Postdoc project is part of the Carlsberg Young Researcher Fellowship project "ArtPlast Artificial chloroplasts: Nature-inspired electronic molecular nanoparticle platform", which is conducted in collaboration with Aarhus University, Karlstad University, IPCP of the Russian Academy of Sciences, University of Glasgow and University of Oxford. The main goal of the postdoc work will be to characterize the photophysical and photochemical processes within newly developed bio-mimetic organic semiconductor based nanoparticles. These nanoparticles are to be used as photocatalysts for hydrogen production via water splitting and as active layers in organic solar cells. We wish to identify the morphology vs. electrical properties relations in these materials, and to tailor guidelines for the synthesis of such efficient and stable systems.

The majority of your working time is devoted to research studies. As a Postdoc you are expected to develop your own ideas and communicate scientific results in English.

What we expectCandidates with a relevant PhD (chemistry, physics, material science or electrical engineering) and with previous experience relevant to the mentioned project may seek the position. Preferred candidates have experience with at least a few of the following topics: organic solar cells, photocatalysis of water for hydrogen production, organic blends morphology, device physics, design of experiment analysis, nanoparticle synthesis, colloidal chemistry, organic semiconductors, polymer additives, antioxidants, surfactants. Knowledge of characterization techniques such as Fourier Transform IR spectroscopy, scanning differential calorimetry, transient optical spectroscopy or transient electrical measurements such as CELIV, electron spin resonance spectroscopy and synchrotron-based measurements will be useful. 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 environmentWe are an international research group working in the field of green energy technologies (https://www.SDU.dk/da/forskning/cape), and we are looking for a highly motivated Ph.D. student to join our research team at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU), campus Sønderborg, in the 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 developing materials and devices for green energy technologies, the group has full access to an ISO5 cleanroom and surface science laboratory facility for preparation and characterization tasks, as well as a roll-to-roll facility for upscaling tasks. 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 a Carlsberg Young Researcher Fellowship and Independent Research Fund Denmark Green Transition funding.

Read more on: http://www.SDU.dk/en/stillinger

Contact informationFor 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]

Please be aware that we will not accept any email applications, as all applications must be submitted directly through the SDU online recruitment system.

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

Conditions of employmentEmployment as a postdoc requires scientific qualifications at PhD level. Employment as a postdoc is temporary and will cease without further notice at the end of the period.

Research will be predominant in the position. Teaching assignments can be agreed individually. Furthermore, other types of assignments may occur to a limited degree. The Faculty determines the distribution of the various assignments. The weighting of the different assignments may vary over time.

The successful applicant will be employed in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. Please check the links for more information on salary and taxation.

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

Application procedure
The faculty expects applicants to read How to apply before applying.

The application must be in English and must include the following - the required forms can be found at the above-mentioned 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, along with any other relevant information, e.g. teaching experience, computational skills etc.
• Verified copies of official Certificates/Diplomas (BSc, MSc and PhD)
• List of publications with most relevant publications highlighted.
• Up to three names and emails of researchers, who can provide an informed reference letter at short notice. (Reference letters and other relevant qualifications may also be included.)

The application deadline is December 31st, 2022.

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 programs 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 full CO2 neutrality will be achieved in the year 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 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 their age, gender, religious affiliation or ethnicity, or any other personal background.

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

Further information for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark.

Further information about The Faculty of Engineering.