Research Associate in Encapsulation of Perovskite Solar Cells

Job description:

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher in Physics, Physical Chemistry, or Materials Science to join Professor David Lidzey's laboratory on a project funded by the Advanced Research and Invention Agency (ARIA) as part of their 'Enduring Flight' programme. This initiative focuses on developing high-specific-power perovskite solar cells spray-coated directly onto carbon fibre substrates for aerospace applications, specifically targeting unmanned aerial vehicles. Working alongside an interdisciplinary team and collaborating closely with partners at the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC), your focus will be to design, deposit, and test robust encapsulation layers that ensure exceptional operational stability under demanding real-world conditions.

In this role, you will fabricate thin-film encapsulation layers on carbon-fibre-based perovskite devices using a range of techniques, including e-beam evaporation, spray-coating, and powder-coating. A major aspect of your research will involve characterizing the specific power of devices and evaluating long-term operational lifetimes under environmental stress, such as low-temperature operation and rapid thermal cycling. As the project progresses, you will build functional demonstrator devices, analyze their performance, and regularly communicate your findings through formal reports, presentations, and publications.

The ideal candidate will hold a PhD (or be near completion) in a relevant field, with hands-on experience in perovskite solar cell fabrication and encapsulation techniques. We are looking for a collaborative, practical researcher who thrives in a team environment, possesses strong communication skills, and is eager to bridge academic research with real-world manufacturing challenges. To apply or make an informal inquiry, please contact Professor David Lidzey d.g.lidzey@sheffield.ac.uk by 29 September 2026.

• Sheffield Physics and Astronomy was the highest-ranked department in the UK in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF).
• The School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences has an outstanding reputation for work in photonics, solar cell technology, nanophotonics and quantum technologies.
• Informal enquiries should be addressed to Prof David Lidzey (d.g.lidzey@sheffield.ac.uk)
• Further details about our current research group are available at https://epmm.sites.sheffield.ac.uk

What We Offer

The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.

We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities,a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more.

Find out more at www.sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits and join us to become part of something special.We are committed to exploring flexible working opportunities which benefit the individual and University.

We build teams of people from different heritages and lifestyles from across the world, whose talent and contributions complement each other to greatest effect. We believe diversity in all its forms delivers greater impact through research, teaching and student experience.

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