Job details Print page

In recent years, there has been an extensive focus on inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with a p-i-n architecture due to their low-temperature processing, high stability and efficiency, and compatibility with tandem architectures. To achieve high-performance PSCs, the charge transport layers play a significant role in the efficient charges transfer after their separation at the hole transport layer (HTL)/perovskite and perovskite/electron transport layer (ETL) interfaces. Thus, the foremost challenge in enhancing the device performance of inverted PSCs lies in mitigating interfacial energy loss due to non-radiative recombination. The main objective of this project is to develop new organic molecules for charge-extraction layers that would simultaneously improve the charge extraction and transport, and consequently the performance of inverted PSCs. To realize the aims, the compositional engineering of hole transporting materials based on self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) will be applied to improve the interfacial properties of MHPs. Our proposed tailored organic molecules bearing T-shaped and bipodal topologies should pave the way for stable and efficient HTLs by strict control over HOMO energy levels, tight intermolecular packing within selfassembled monolayers, and simultaneous binding to both ITO and perovskite surfaces. In addition to engineering of the HTL, the formation of an appropriate electron transport layer (ETL), with suitable energy-level alignment for perovskite and high conductivity plays a vital role in device performance and stability. This project will address this issue with novel non-fullerene small organic electron-transporting materials based on naphthalene mono- and diimides cores, promoting the development of stable and efficient inverted PSCs. Integral part of the proposal will be the study on understanding the structure-property relationship between the newly developed molecules and device performance, which would shed light on the further exploration of new materials for photovoltaics. Finally, this project will also open the opportunity to get experience in a currently growing research area related to the fabrication of perovskite/silicon tandems.

The post-doc is expected to independently design, plan and conduct experiments. In addition, he/she will oversee the work of the PhD student. Primary responsibilities are as follow:

- designing, planning, and carrying out experimental work described in project;

- fabricating high efficiency perovskite solar cells and performing accurate device characterization;

- manage project tasks towards successful completion;

- dissemination of the research outputs in project meetings, peer-reviewed journals, and at international conferences

We offer a post-doctoral position (full-time employment) in the Institute of Physical Chemistry PAS with a gross salary of Around 9650 PLN gross per month financed from the NCN OPUS 28 Project No. 2024/55/B/ST5/01268 entitled “Topology matters: rationally designed electron and hole transporting materials towards efficient and stable inverted perovskite solar cells” 100% of the work time of Postdoc will be devoted to the realization of the proposed project. The offer is for 24 months

The successful candidate will benefit in form of new knowledge and methods added to his/her toolbox. The project deals with physics and physical chemistry, so any profile of candidate will find some new knowledge to be gained upon realization of the project. We plan to publish the results of the work in high impact factor journals. The successful candidate will be eligible for all programs at the IPC PAS, including the IPC PAS Young Scientists competition and the IPC PAS Young Scientists Mobility competition. Institute provides an opportunity to participate in ERASMUS+ programme.

1. A post-doc type post is a full-time post, scheduled by the project’s principal investigator for a person who has been conferred a PhD degree in the year of employment in the project or within 12 years before 1 January of the year of employment in the project (for researchers with multiple PhDs, the date of the first PhD award is deemed the reference date). This period may be extended by a time of long-term (in excess of 90 days) documented sick leaves or rehabilitation leaves granted on account of being unfit to work. In addition, the period may be extended by the number of months of a child care leave granted pursuant to the Labour Code and in the case of women, by 18 months for every child born or adopted, whichever manner of accounting for career breaks is preferable. Additionally, the candidate for the postdoctoral position must meet the following condition:

a) has obtained a doctoral degree from an entity other than the entity where employment in this position is planned, or has completed at least a 10- month, continuous, and documented postdoctoral fellowship in an entity other than the entity carrying out the project and in a country other than the country where the doctoral degree was obtained; b) will be employed for a period of no less than 6 months;

c) during the period of receiving this remuneration, will not receive any other remuneration from funds allocated as direct costs of research projects financed under NCN competitions;

d) during the period of receiving this remuneration, will not receive remuneration from another employer under an employment contract, including an employer based outside Poland;

e) during the period of receiving this remuneration, will not receive retirement benefits from the social security system.

2. Publication record and rich scientific experience.

3. Ability to work independently as well as in a group.

4. Good experimental skills in the fabrication processes and understanding of charge transfer mechanisms in perovskite based devices.

5. Ability to communicate fluently in English (written and spoken).

6. Strong motivation to work and pursue scientific questions, creativity, and analytical thinking

The Commission will consider the following criteria: a) competencies of candidates for specific tasks in a research project (max. 60 points), b) previous scientific achievements of candidates (max. 30 points), c) awards and distinctions of the candidate resulting from the conducted research (max. 10 points). The commission evaluates applications on a point scale (max. 100 points).