Research Associate/Research Assistant - Photonic Coatings for Indoor Photovoltaics (Fixed Term)

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 12 months in the first instance.

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to join the Photoactive Materials Group led by Prof Rachel Evans in the Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy, University of Cambridge. The expected start date is 1st October 2024 or soon thereafter. This post is funded by European Research Council Consolidator and Proof of Concept grants.

This is an exciting opportunity to be involved the development of an innovative photonic coating technology (patent filed) that aims to improve the performance of solar cells under indoor light conditions. The key focus of the project will involve engineering solutions to translate a laboratory-process for coating fabrication to one that is better suited to scale-up and device integration, with the goal of producing a demonstrator product. The role is ideally suited for someone interested in technology translation and pathways to commercialisation.

The successful candidate will undertake a senior role in a multidisciplinary and international team working collaboratively to tackle this important challenge. You will lead the experimental development and translation of the coating technology, including the design and implementation of optical fabrication and characterisation set-ups, spectroscopic characterisation and integration with photovoltaic cells, to include data analysis, interpretation and presentation. Your application should demonstrate your ability to communicate your research effectively to diverse audiences, through scientific articles and conference participation, technology pitches, outreach or other means.

You will be expected to take responsibility for organising resources and effective decision making in support of research (including data management and accessibility). You will also participate in project meetings with external collaborators in academia, industry and technology transfer and contribute to delivery of the wider project goals. You will participate in the identification and implementation of the next phase of technology development. As a PDRA you will also be encouraged to mentor more junior members of the research team.

You should have completed, or be close to achieving, an experimental PhD in Physical Chemistry/Chemical Physics. You will have a background in solar energy harvesting, photovoltaic or photonic devices. Demonstrable experience in processing methods for thin organic films (e.g. photolithography/photopolymerisation, slot die) is essential. Knowledge of the assembly and maintenance of optical equipment would be highly advantageous. Experience in optical spectroscopy and photovoltaic device characterisation is desirable, see Further Particulars for more details.

Interviews will be conducted in early September 2024.

Successful candidates who have not been awarded their PhD by the appointment date will be appointed as Research Assistant at Grade 5 (salary scale 33,66 to £33,966 per annum).

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click the 'Apply' button above.

Documents in support of applications should include: 1. CV;  2. research statement or cover letter;  3. two letters of recommendation, or the contact details of two referees who may be contacted if an interview is offered.

If you have any queries regarding the application process, please contact Nichola Daily, nd241@cam.ac.uk

Please quote reference LJ42506 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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