Semiconductor nanowires (NWs) are filamentary dielectric crystals with diameters of the order of few tenths to hundreds of nanometers. NWs have recently shown great potential for achieving highly efficient solar energy conversion due to their sub-wavelength features and intrinsic light management properties. A major breakthrough in the field will be to create NW solar cells by using solution-based methods with high positioning, morphology and crystal quality control. In this work, the control is aimed by using an electrochemical atomic force microscope, where the tip rules the local electrocrystallisation of semiconductors.

The ultimate goal of the 3D Photovoltaics group is to impact on solar energy harvesting and conversion and to push the frontier of nano-PV by aiming towards the achievement of low-cost / large-throughput highly efficient PV, with semiconductor nanowires as building blocks. The group focuses on the fundamental understanding of the potential benefits and/or limitations of semiconductor nano-structures when used for solar energy conversion. Non-traditional conversion principles enabled by the nanowire geometry are explored, that includes smart absorption of the solar spectrum. In parallel, we work on the fundamental development of cost-effective methods for large-throughput PV panel production.

You hold or will receive a PhD degree in experimental materials science, or chemistry. Good verbal and written communication skills in English are required.

Fixed-term contract: two years.

NWO-I, the Institutes Organisation of NWO, prefers candidates who have qualifying experience (e.g. as PhD student or postdoctoral researcher) in a scientific research institute abroad. You will be employed by NWO-I for a fixed period of two years, maximum three.  Your salary will be up to a maximum of 4,089 euro gross per month, depending on your level of experience. The salary is supplemented with a holiday allowance of 8 percent and an end-of-year bonus of 8.33 percent. The conditions of employment of NWO-I are laid down in the Collective Labour Agreement for Research Centres (Cao-Onderzoekinstellingen), more exclusive information is available at this website under Personeelsinformatie (in Dutch) or under Personnel (in English). General information about working at NWO-I can be found in the English part of this website under Personnel. The 'Job interview code' applies to this position.

AMOLF

AMOLF initiates and performs leading fundamental research on the physics of complex forms of matter, and creates new functional materials, in partnership with academia and industry. AMOLF is located at the Amsterdam Science Park, the Netherlands, and engages approximately 140 scientists and 70 support staff. See also http://www.amolf.nl