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Hybrid organic-inorganic lead halide perovskites (LHPs) have emerged as promising light absorber materials in next generation of thin film photovoltaic technology due to their simple solution-processed technique and high-power conversion efficiency (PCE) exceeding 25%. The outstanding performance of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is ascribed to the excellent physicochemical properties of these ambipolar semiconductors, however, their instability under high thermal, moisture and operational conditions are issues that needs to be addressed. In this context, a great deal of current interest in the perovskite community has been focused on the understanding of chemical instability of LHPs and developing strategies for making more robust PSCs.

The overall goal of the project is to develop advantageous strategies in enhancing the stability of PSCs. To realize the aims, the compositional and additive engineering will be applied to develop the fabrication of high quality perovskite thin films with improved stability. In addition to engineering of the perovskite layer, the formation of appropriate charge-selective contacts, electron transport layers (ETLs), with suitable energy-level alignment for perovskite plays a vital role in PSCs performance and stability. In this project this issue will be addressed by surface engineering of the ETL/perovskite interface with novel fullerene derivatives and hybrid 3D porous metal organic-framework (MOF) materials, which would promote the development of stable and efficient PSCs. Integral part of the proposal will be the fully physicochemical characterization and stability analysis in complex conditions of temperature and humidity of the resulted solar cells.

The successful candidate will investigate issues related to the fabrication of perovskite solar cells and understand the phenomena and processes that determine their efficiency and stability under working conditions.

Primary responsibilities are as follow:

• Designing, planning, and carrying out experimental work described in project;
• Scientific initiative and contribution through regular reporting and publishing, as well as presenting at group meetings, national and international conferences;
• Providing supervision to junior members of the group;
• Contribution to the efficient functioning of the lab, including necessary organizational tasks.

The successful candidate is expected to start work within the project no later than 1st of May 2024. 100% of the work time of Postdoc will be devoted to the realization of the proposed project.

The successful candidate will benefit in form of new knowledge and methods added to his/her toolbox. The project deals with physics and physical chemistry, so any profile of candidate will find some new knowledge to be gained upon realization of the project.

We plan to publish the results of the work in high impact factor journals.

The successful candidate will be able to take advantage of all programs in the IPC PAS, including Young Scientists of IPC PAS competition and Mobility of Young Scientists of IPC PAS competition.

Institute provides an opportunity to participate in ERASMUS+ programme.

1.  PhD degree in chemical, physical or engineering sciences, obtained no earlier than 7 years before the starting year of the employment in the project (this period might be longer due to family reasons (according to NCN rules).

2.  Publication record and rich scientific experience.

3.  Ability to work independently as well as in a group.

4.  Experience in the electrochemical analysis e.g. impedance spectroscopy) of metal halide perovskite-based solar cells.

5. Good experimental skills in the fabrication processes and understanding of charge transfer mechanisms in perovskite based devices.

6.  Ability to communicate fluently in English (written and spoken).

7.  Strong motivation to work and pursue scientific questions, creativity, and analytical thinking.

The Commission will consider the following criteria:

a) competencies of candidates for specific tasks in a research project (max. 60 points),

b) previous scientific achievements of candidates (max. 30 points),

c) awards and distinctions of the candidate resulting from the conducted research (max. 10 points).

The commission evaluates applications on a point scale (max. 100 points).