The exploitation of organic materials for converting sunlight into electricity is believed to convey several advantages such as light weight, flexibility, environmental friendliness, a low thermal budget, low cost and most notably very fast modes of production by printing techniques. Issues related to scaling to large area plastic solar cells are slowly starting to be resolved and production of very large modules up 1000 square centimetres have been reported. Some challenges remain to be addressed before organic solar cells can fulfil their potential as a pervasive, low-cost source of renewable energy, notably improving their efficiency and their long term stability.
 
The Solar Energy Programme at Risø DTU is among the world’s research leaders in organic solar cells – a cost-efficient alternative to silicon-based solar cells. The solar cell group is expanding in various scientific directions covering all possible aspects of organic solar cells. The Solar Energy Programme consists of a dynamical and versatile group of people with a positive team spirit.
 
A PhD scholarship in characterization of degradation and stability of new materials and compositions are available in the project “Organic-based photovoltaic cells with morphology control” supported by the Danish National Research Foundation (Grundforskningsfonden).

The PhD student will be a part of the team and focus on degradation mechanisms in nanoparticle composite solar cells comprising both organic and inorganic materials with the aim of lengthening the lifetime of nanoparticle composite solar cells. This is achieved by carefully designed experiments involving R2R-produced samples and state-of-the-art physical and chemical characterization using a suite of analytical techniques such as AFM, SEM, XPS, TOF-SIMS, X-ray reflectometry and ellipsometry.  
 
Project description
The aim of the PhD project is to contribute to the innovative development of stable R2R produced nanoparticle composite solar cells comprising both organic and inorganic materials. This will specifically involve:

• Design of experiments in collaboration with experts in R2R techniques
• Physical and chemical characterization of R2R-produced samples by employing the before mentioned suite of analytical techniques
• Identification of degradation mechanisms and proposal of counter measures 

Qualifications 

• Master's degree in engineering, materials science, physics, chemistry engineering or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to the master's degree in engineering
• Experience with at least some aspects of analytical work
• Ability to work independently, to plan and carry out complicated tasks, and to be a part of a large, dynamical group
• Good communication skills in English, both written and spoken

 
We offer
We offer an exciting and challenging job in an international environment. Good possibilities for professional and personal growth. A family friendly organization with flexible working hours. 

Approval and Enrolment
The scholarships for the PhD degree are subject to academic approval and the candidates will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes of DTU. For information about the general requirements for enrolment and the general planning of the scholarship studies, please see the DTU PhD Guide.

Salary and appointment terms
The salary and appointment terms are consistent with the current rules for PhD degree students. The period of employment is 3 years. Employment will be as soon as possible. The place of work is Risø DTU in Roskilde.

Application
We must have your online application in English by 6 August 2010. Please open the link "apply online" and fill in the application form and attach your application, CV and information about academic grades.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.
 
Further information
Please contact Senior Researcher Kion Norrman, +45 4677 4793 for further information.

Additional information about Risø DTU and the Solar Energy Programme can be found on risoe.dtu.dk.