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The Opportunity

• Do you have a PhD in materials science and engineering, chemistry, physical chemistry, physics or other areas relevant to photovoltaics?
• Keen to join an exciting, interdisciplinary team in the priority area of Perovskite semiconductors?
• Great opportunity to work independently with guidance and support from experienced scientists and collaborators

CSIRO Early Research Career (CERC) Postdoctoral Fellowships provide opportunities to scientists and engineers who have completed their doctorate and have less than three years of relevant postdoctoral work experience. These fellowships aim to develop the next generation of future leaders of the innovation system.

CSIRO Manufacturing has dedicated group of teams focusing on renewable energy technologies, particularly towards developing scalable materials and manufacturing processes. Next generation of photovoltaic materials, processes, and manufacturing is a key focus area. Our Printed PV group now welcomes a self-motivated and innovative CERC Fellow from a physical chemistry, chemistry, physics, engineering or materials science background wanting to join an exciting, interdisciplinary team in the priority area of Perovskite semiconductors.

Science Background – Perovskite solar cells

Metal-halide perovskite materials have emerged as an inexpensive and revolutionary family of photoactive semiconductors in thin-film photovoltaics Metal-halide perovskite have emerged as an inexpensive and revolutionary family of photovoltaic (PV) materials owing to their simple fabrication processes and inexpensive and abundant raw materials, which can rapidly penetrate an expanding PV market. Our research team is investigating materials and processes to increase device performance, and stability unique to requirements of certain PV markets. This Fellowship will work on materials investigation, their characterization in collaboration with university partners on the project and developing upscaling processes.  The CERC Fellow will have access to world class facilities at CSIRO and at our partners and is expected generate high quality scientific manuscripts and explore opportunities at generating IP.

The CERC Fellow must have a high motivation for innovation, excellence, and flexibility to work and deliver results. Candidates are expected to bring excellent organisational and time-management skills; excellent communication skills, including the capacity to offer thoughtful and clear technical guidance on research projects; and clear and efficient writing.

Your duties will include:

• Planning and carrying out research investigations requiring originality, creativity, and innovation that contributes and expands on existing photovoltaic research within the Printed PV team.
• Designing, implementing and conducting research in the fabrication and characterisation of perovskite solar cells.
• Incorporating novel approaches to scientific investigations by adapting and/or developing original concepts and ideas for new, existing and further research.
• Researching and developing new device designs, fabrication processes and characterisation methods for the fundamental understanding of photovoltaic function as it applies to cell performance of perovskite semiconductors.
• Undertaking regular reviews of relevant literature and patents.

   

Location: Clayton, Victoria

Salary: AU$89k - AU$98k plus up to 15.4% superannuation

Tenure: Specified term of 3 years

Reference:  86969

To be considered you will need:

• A doctorate (or will shortly satisfy the requirements of a PhD) in a relevant discipline area, such as Materials Science and Engineering, Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, Physics, or other areas relevant to Photovoltaics. Please note: To be eligible for this role you must have no more than 3 years (full-time equivalent) of postdoctoral research experience.
• Detailed fundamental knowledge of physical chemistry and solid-state physics as it relates to photovoltaic function.
• Experience in perovskite solar cells and a strong understanding of the fundamental issues and present challenges relating perovskite solar cells.
• Enthusiasm for and experience with laboratory work including fabrication of devices and the physical, chemical and electrochemical characterisation of PV devices, particularly perovskite solar cells.
• Relevant experience in solution processed thin-film photovoltaics, especially perovskite solar cells, such as fabrication and device characterisation.
   

For full details about this role please view the Position Description

Eligibility

Applications for this position are open to Australian/New Zealand Citizens, Australian Permanent Residents or Australian temporary residents currently residing in Australia and be able to commence in the role by 31 January 2023.

Appointment to this role is subject to provision of a national police check and may be subject to other security/medical/character requirements.

Flexible Working Arrangements

We work flexibly at CSIRO, offering a range of options for how, when and where you work. 

Diversity and Inclusion

We are working hard to recruit people representing the diversity across our society, and ensure that all our people feel supported to do their best work and feel empowered to let their ideas flourish. 

About CSIRO

At CSIRO Australia's national science agency, we solve the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology. We put the safety and wellbeing of our people above all else and earn trust everywhere because we only deal in facts. We collaborate widely and generously and deliver solutions with real impact. 

Join us and start creating tomorrow today!

How to Apply

Please apply on-line and provide a cover letter and CV that best demonstrate your motivation and ability to meet the requirements of this role.

Applications Close

31 August 2022, 11:00pm AEST