Postdoctoral Scientist (f/m/d) in Physics, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering, or Materials Sciences for the Characterization of Energy Conversion Devices by Hard X-ray Spectroscopies
Reference No.: SE 2024/11
The Department Interface Design studies the structure-function relationship between the chemical and electronic surface and interface properties of thin-film layer stacks and the performance of energy conversion devices (e.g. solar cells, batteries, catalysts, etc). We operate a variety of lab-based ultra-high vacuum (UHV) surface analysis tools, the HiKE (HAXPES) endstation at BESSY II, and are responsible for the UHV-based spectroscopy (PES, HAXPES, XES, XAS, RIXS) and the in-situ and operando characterization activities using photon-in-photon-out techniques in the Energy Materials In-situ Laboratory Berlin (EMIL).We are looking for a hard X-ray photoelectron and absorption spectroscopy expert to strengthen user support at HiKE. Most of the experiments done at HiKE relate to energy conversion devices (solar cells, batteries, fuel cells, etc.), and so a candidate with a background in these research areas will benefit. Furthermore, we have secured funding for the successor of the HiKE endstation: presto - which will be a flexible setup that allows for multimodal photoelectron spectroscopy in UHV and in ambient pressure conditions, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction studies on (photo)electrochemical devices and solar cells under operating conditions. Hence, candidates are expected to also contribute their expertise toward developing this facility and its future research program.
Your Tasks
- You support the user program at HiKE.
- You exploit and further develop the available characterization infrastructure at HiKE.
- You strengthen in-situ/operando research capabilities and activities.
- You develop your own research program on the study of surfaces and (buried) interfaces in energy conversion devices (e.g., solar cells, batteries, fuel cells, etc.).
- You support us in designing, procuring, and commissioning the presto endstation.
Your Profile
- Completed doctoral degree in physics, chemistry, electrical engineering, materials sciences or equivalent
- Experience in the field of characterization of solar cells and (photo)electrochemical devices using hard X-ray spectroscopies
- Experience in user support and experimental campaigns at synchrotron sources
- Ability to independently work on a scientific problem
- Experience in setting-up, operating, and maintaining UHV equipment
- Expertise in the field of the characterization of (buried) interfaces and surfaces using X-ray spectroscopies (HAXPES, XAS) and X-ray diffraction at synchrotron-based light sources
- Experience in the design and production of sample environments allowing for operando studies is of advantage
- Expertise in the study of optoelectronic devices by PL/Raman is of advantage
- Some expertise in the field of surface modifications, preparation of thin films
- Very good command of English
Your Benefits
- A job at one of the 18 Helmholtz centres
- Work in the research environment of the science metropolis Berlin. The opportunity to contribute together with researchers from all around the world to the development of renewable energies, energy stores and next-gen technologies for a climate-friendly future
- A secure, crisis-stable job
- Work-life balance
- Flexible work hours with flexitime
- 39-hour week
- 30 days paid leave
- Comprehensive counselling services for family and career
- Health management and company sports programmes
- Financial support for public transport (Deutschlandticket Job)
- Continuing education opportunities
- A company pension scheme (VBL)
- And a team that looks forward to meeting you!
Fixed term contract for 36 months. The salary is based on the Collective Agreement for the German Public Service (TVöD-Bund).
How to apply
We look forward to receiving your application via our application management system by 12.05.2024. For reasons of data protection regulations,
we are unfortunately unable to consider applications that reach us by other means (such as email or mail) in the application process.
We very much want our workplace to be diverse, and welcome applications from people with different backgrounds. It is our mission to promote equal opportunities and to improve women’s representation in the workforce. We are therefore very interested in receiving applications from women. Where the qualifications are met, we will give preference to people with disabilities.
For German version, please click on the following link: German Version.