The Technical University of Denmark offers a PhD Scholarship in Physics to highly motivated students for the academic session 2021-2022.
Table of Contents
Summary
| Scholarship Sponsor | Technical University of Denmark |
| Scholarships level | PhD scholarship |
| Award Amount | Salary |
| Fellowship Period | Three years |
| Opening date | February 24, 2021 |
| Closing date | March 21, 2021 |
Project Description
If you have competences in solid-state physics, crystallography in particular, and have a knack for scientific computing, we have the position that will allow you to hone your skills and apply them to exciting new materials for the next generation of solar cells. We work at the forefront of crystallographic methodology with a technique that allows mass identification and refinement of the crystal structure of hundreds of individual grains in situ. This holds the potential for revolutionising materials science for many functional materials, not only solar cells, and you can be part of this exciting development.
Application Deadline
The deadline for applications is March 21, 2021
Approval and Enrolment
The PhD degree scholarship is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the available planning of the PhD study programme, please see the DTU PhD Guide.
Assessment
The candidates’ assessment will be made by the primary supervisor, Professor Jens Wenzel Andreasen, in collaboration with the co-supervisors, Professor Henning Friis Poulsen (DTU Physics). Professor Morten Madsen (University of Southern Denmark), Professor Anders Østergaard Madsen (University of Copenhagen), and Head of Section, Luise Theil Kuhn.
We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognised for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterised by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.
Salary and appointment terms
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is three years.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Professor Jens Wenzel Andreasen, [email protected], phone +45 21 32 63 01. Please do not email applications but submit online as instructed below.
Eligibility Criteria
In this project, the candidate will use 3D X-ray diffraction methods (3DXRD) to quantify the texture and strain distribution of crystalline phases in 3rd generation solar cells in the completed, functioning devices. The plans will primarily be applied to inorganic materials systems, although feasibility tests on organic materials are also foreseen.
The materials systems will be chosen to connect with new work on all-oxide tandem thin-film photovoltaic devices, a sub-project which is a part of a larger project, PIloT, where the aim is to develop all-oxide thin-film photovoltaic (PV) devices for the Internet of Things (IoT). A focus here is on controlling microstructure, chemical composition and interfaces during the metal oxide thin film growth process. The work includes synthesis and integration of metal oxide electron and hole transport layers, as well as active absorber layers.
The project you apply for is part of the Centre of Excellence on hard materials, SOLID (www.solid.dtu.dk), which has a focus on research using state-of-the-art large scale facilities, ESS and MAXIV for neutron and synchrotron imaging. You will thus have interaction with an extensive network of PhD students working with imaging across Denmark.
Your focus will be on the 3D mapping of grains, identification of secondary phases, and the distribution of strain and defects through the mass refinement of crystal structures.
- The candidate will carry out 3DXRD experiments on materials, synthesised and processed at SDU or DTU, at extensive scale facilities (synchrotrons) and analyse the resulting 3D crystallographic data 3D models of crystalline texture and phase conformation.
As the direct outcome of the project, we aim to
- Acquire 3D data that allow us to quantify crystalline domain size, texture and defect concentrations with high spatial resolution and grain boundary relations in bulk absorber layers and at interfaces to the bounding electrodes.
- Image the 3D spatial distribution and strain state of the crystalline phases in polycrystalline solar cells.
- Show the dynamical degradation effects on micro-and nanocrystalline morphology by in situ 3DXRD on a 3rd generation solar cell.
You must have a two-year master’s degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master’s degree.
Application Process
Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link “Apply online”, fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:
- A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
- Curriculum vitae
- Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma
- Excel sheet with translation of grades to the Danish grading system (see guidelines and Excel spreadsheet here)
You may apply before obtaining your master’s degree but cannot begin before having received it.
All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.
