Research Assistant (Perovskite Photovoltaics)

The School of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) provides a vibrant and nurturing environment for staff and students to carry out inter-disciplinary research in key areas such as Computational Materials Science, Characterisation Materials Science, Defence Composite Materials, Functional Composite Materials, Energy, Nanomaterials, Low Dimensional Materials, Biomaterials Materials, Biological Materials, Bioinspired Materials and Sustainable Materials.

The Andrei laboratory develops unconventional approaches to renewable energy harvesting, focusing on solar-driven conversion of small building blocks into useful fuels and chemicals. To this end, our team specializes in rational photo(electro)catalyst design to increase device efficiency and steer product selectivity, moisture encapsulation techniques to improve stability, as well as reactor engineering towards real-world applications. Our recent highlights include the introduction of floating artificial leaves, pixelated oxide-based photocathodes for long-term hydrogen production, thermoelectric modules for solar waste heat harvesting, or perovskite-silicon devices for light-driven chemical synthesis.

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We are seeking to hire aResearch Assistant to develop perovskite photovoltaic devices for solar energy harvesting. The role will primarily focus on designing layered device architectures based on metal halide perovskite semiconductors via a range of solution- and vacuum-based techniques. The successful candidate will contribute substantially to the fabrication and material characterization of devices for collaborative projects within the group. The applicant is expected to develop novel concepts in the areas outlined below, by combining their own expertise with the core capabilities of the lab.

Key Responsibilities:

• Participate in the conduct of research project with team members to ensure completion of deliverables

• Produce high quality reports and documents that consolidate research findings

• Develop a bespoke photocatalytic characterisation setup and protocols for product analysis

• Material characterization of photoelectrodes and electrocatalysts developed within the group

• Maintenance of equipment and supplies that include procurement and liaison with suppliers

• Work together with internal and external collaborators on renewable energy projects

• Daily mentoring of junior group members

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related fields

• Proficiency in solution-based device fabrication and material characterization (SEM, EDX, XRD, AFM, UV-vis, PL) is essential

• Expertise in vacuum-based processing techniques (thermal evaporation, ALD, PVD, sputtering) is highly desirable

• Expertise working in cleanroom environments is desirable but not essential

• Competency in data analysis, plotting and interpretation, manuscript drafting

• Good written and oral communication skills

• Ability to work independently and in a team, excellent organizational and time management skills

• Entry level candidates are welcome to apply

We regret to inform that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.