Vacant job

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About the job

Organic solar cells (OSCs) are based on semiconducting carbon-based materials that absorb visible light and convert solar energy into electrical energy. Compared to commercial silicon solar cells, organic solar cells have unique advantages. For example, they can be manufactured using low-cost printing technology (organic semiconductors can be dissolved in organic solvents and thus used as ink), they can be made semi-transparent in various colors, and they can be used architecturally by integrating them into buildings, which provides both aesthetic and environmental benefits. OSCs also have a shorter energy payback time regarding energy consumption during manufacturing compared to other solar cell technologies (the energy required for the production of OSC devices is repaid after six months of use under typical sunlight conditions in Northern Europe).

Organic solar cells have traditionally been limited by their relatively low efficiency (around 10%). However, the situation has changed significantly in recent years with a recently reported efficiency of over 20%. The main reason for this significant improvement is the application of fullerene-free acceptor materials. Despite the rapid progress in efficiency, little is known about the physics and photophysics of this new type of fullerene-free solar cells. This position will focus on understanding the generation, recombination, and extraction of charges in fullerene-free OSCs, with the goal of paving the way for the rational design of donor and acceptor materials for further improved efficiency.

About you

We are looking for motivated candidates with an educational background in physics, chemistry, materials science, or engineering. Experience with organic solar cells is required. The applicant must have good teamwork skills and thrive working as part of a team. The candidate is expected to openly share research results with other group members and actively contribute to scientific discussions regarding both their own work and the research of others within the group.

The position involves conducting the research described in the project description and defined in consultation with the project leader. It includes minor project management responsibilities, including coordinating different parts of the work to ensure that set deadlines are met.

Furthermore, candidates are expected to serve as a resource for other group members by contributing knowledge and advice regarding scientific methods, experimental protocols, and techniques. At the request of the project leader, responsibility for specific research equipment and laboratory infrastructure may be included, including ongoing maintenance, to ensure an efficient and well-functioning laboratory environment.

Please include a statement of intent stating:

1. Why you are interested in this position

2. Why you believe you are qualified for this position.

Your workplace

You will work at the Department of Electronic and Photonic Materials (EFM), at the Department of Physics, Chemistry and Biology (IFM).

Read more about our activities here https://liu.se/en/organisation/liu/ifm/efm (https://liu.se/en/organisation/liu/ifm/efm)

About the employment

Special fixed-term employment (11 months and 20 days), full-time.

Start date as agreed.

Salary and benefits

Linköping University applies individual and differentiated salary setting in accordance with the current collective agreement (RALS/RALS-T) and the university's guidelines for salary formation.

Read more about employee benefits https://liu.se/jobba-pa-liu/formaner (https://liu.se/jobba-pa-liu/formaner).

Trade union contacts

Information about trade union contacts, see https://liu.se/jobba-pa-liu/hjalp-for-sokande (https://liu.se/jobba-pa-liu/hjalp-for-sokande).

Application

Welcome to submit your application with CV and cover letter by July 7, 2026. You apply for this position by clicking the "Apply" button below. Applications received after the last application date will not be considered.

We welcome applicants with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, as this enriches and develops our operations. For us, it is self-evident to uphold everyone's equal value, rights, and opportunities. Read about our work with equal treatment and diversity (https://liu.se/artikel/lika-villkor/).

We look forward to receiving your application!

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