The Institute of Physics (IoP) of the Faculty of Science (FNWI) has a  postdoctoral position available in the Photovoltaics and Soft Matter groups of the WZI at the University of Amsterdam.

The aim of the project is to investigate perovskite nanocrystal layers for efficient energy conversion. Recently synthesized all-inorganic perovskite nanocrystals combine advantages of hybrid perovskites with bandgap tunability and surface functionalization. We take advantage of these recent breakthroughs to assemble perovskite nanocrystal films as tunable quantum solids for PV applications.

Quantum solids (QS), created by controlled and ordered aggregation of quantum dots, represent an exciting new class of materials with tremendous potential for optoelectronic applications. Their electronic structure features a unique combination of two components – that of the quantum-confined electronic states within the quantum dots (QDs) superimposed on the “band structure” arising from the coupled, regular arrangement of the QDs, analogous to the band structure of atomic solids. So far, however, this has remained a largely theoretical concept. We will explore realization of such tailored QS using all-inorganic perovskite nanocrystals that have been synthesized very recently. Using the system CsPbX with X the halide element, this is uniquely possible since the elemental composition of both shell and core is the same (CsPbX3 for perovskite core, and Cs4PbX6 for the insulating shell). The envisaged core-shell structure will open new routes to 1. Tailor the inter-QD separation and coupling within the square super-lattice and 2. Realize continuous “in-situ” tuning of QS electronic states through in-situ expansion of the QD core at the expense of the shell. Eventually, the shell can be completely transformed into perovskite, creating a solid thin semiconducting layer.

The work will be embedded in the lively research environment of the Van der Waals-Zeeman institute, where it will strengthen the recent collaborations between the colloidal and nanocrystal group of Prof. P. Schall and the Nano-Photovoltaics group of Prof. T. Gregorkiewicz . The work is further embedded in the excellent Solar Energy Research environment in Amsterdam, where groups of the Vrije Universiteit (VU), AMOLF, and the University of Amsterdam (UvA) collaborate. The successful candidate will work in an inspiring cross-disciplinary environment with diverse expertise in nanocrystal synthesis, assembly, and optoelectronic properties.

• PhD degree in Physics, Chemistry or Chemical engineering;
• experience in the following fields: nanocrystal synthesis or assembly, energy materials, photovoltaics;
• good communication skills (English).

The full-time appointment will be on a temporary basis for a period of three years. The monthly gross salary will range between €2,640 and €4,166 (scale 10), based on a full-time appointment. We offer a pension scheme, a holiday allowance of 8% per year, an end-of-year bonus of 8,3% and flexible employment conditions. Conditions are based on the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities. Favourable tax agreements may apply to non-Dutch applicants.

University of Amsterdam

With over 5,000 employees, 30,000 students and a budget of more than 600 million euros, the University of Amsterdam (UvA) is an intellectual hub within the Netherlands. Teaching and research at the UvA are conducted within seven faculties: Humanities, Social and Behavioural Sciences, Economics and Business, Law, Science, Medicine and Dentistry. Housed on four city campuses in or near the heart of Amsterdam, where disciplines come together and interact, the faculties have close links with thousands of researchers and hundreds of institutions at home and abroad.  

The UvA’s students and employees are independent thinkers, competent rebels who dare to question dogmas and aren’t satisfied with easy answers and standard solutions. To work at the UvA is to work in an independent, creative, innovative and international climate characterised by an open atmosphere and a genuine engagement with the city of Amsterdam and society.

http://www.uva.nl/en/home

Institute of Physics

The Institute of Physics (IoP) of the Faculty of Science (FNWI) combines the Van der Waals-Zeeman Institute (WZI), the Institute of Theoretical Physics (ITF) and the Institute for High Energy Physics (IHEF) and is one of the large research institutes of the faculty.

http://iop.uva.nl/