PhD Scholarships on the Photochemical behaviour of new organic materials for OSCs (France)
Location: Université Blaise Pascal, Clermont-Ferrand – France
STARTING DATE: 1st September 2012
Deadline for application: April 15th, 2012
DESCRIPTION
Polymers exhibit low resistances to sunlight, temperature, oxygen and water. New polymers with increased stabilities are expected to play a key role in the development of highly stable, large-scale OSCs. One of the prime causes of short OSC lifetimes is layer delamination. New materials are expected to resolve this problem.
In ESTABLIS, the PhD Fellow will study the bulk and surface photodegradation mechanisms of new organic materials synthesised in ESTABLIS for OSCs. The work will focus on chemical and morphological stabilities with particular attention on surface and interfacial ageing phenomena.
A complementary array of sophisticated analyses, working from molecular to macroscopic scales, using spectroscopic, microscopic and nanotribologic techniques, will be employed to elucidate degradation mechanisms.
The successful candidate will resolve ageing pathways during her/his 26 months at the Host institution in Clermont-Ferrand. Co-hosting (9 months) at Aston University will make it possible for the Fellow to learn polymer synthesis. S/he will provide guidelines for the conception of stable materials. A one month secondment at the Université de Pau et des Pays de l’Adour followed by regular exchanges with this group throughout the Fellowship will enhance the Fellow’s standing in nano-rheological techniques.
TASKS
Elucidate the photodegradation mechanisms of organic materials used in OSCs
Characterise the active layer morphology and its evolution upon ageing
Characterise the surfaces and interfaces and their evolution upon ageing
Stipulate guidelines for the conception of stable materials
TRAINING
The successful candidate will receive scientific training in:
- Photochemistry
- Polymer degradation and stability
- Rheological characterisations
- Nano-tribilogy
- Polymer synthesis
S/he will also receive complementary training in field such as career development, public outreach, communication, entrepreneurial skills, financial and project management, scientific writing, and other career relevant skills. The PhD fellow is expected to actively participate in workshops, Summer Schools and conference organised by the ESTABLIS network.
Additional modules of scientific relevance will be provided by the Host Doctorial School along with appropriate language training where necessary.
BENEFITS
- A Cotutelle PhD from both of the Université Blaise Pascal, Clermont-Ferrand and Aston University
- 3 Year full time position
- Salary will be according to EU regulations
- Possible short stays (<1 month) with the Associate Partners AMCOR, EVONIK, and SIEMENS.
REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must have, or be expected to receive, prior to the 1st September 2012 the equivalent of a degree in chemistry that will allow them to register for a PhD at Université Blaise Pascal and Aston University.
The candidate should have:
- A sound background in physical chemistry and strong interest in analytical chemistry.
- Experience in rheology and synthetic chemistry would be advantageous.
- Good spoken and written English and excellent communication skills are expected.
The applicant can be of any nationality but must, as of the 1st September 2012:
- Not already have a PhD
- Have less that 4 years full-time research experience
- Not have carried out their main activity in France for more than 12 months in the last 3 years from the starting date of the fellowship
MAIN EVALUATION CRITERIA
- Skills of the Fellow
- Motivation for the project ESTABLIS and the science and training proposed
- Willingness to travel, exchange across preconceived scientific barriers and participate in
- complementary training activities
- Prior experience and publications if any
CONTACT
Welcomed discussions concerning the position should be directed to:
- Dr A. Rivaton (PhD Director) agnes.rivaton@univ-bpclermont.fr
- Dr P.-O. Bussière (PhD co-Director) p-olivier.bussiere@univ-bpclermont.fr
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit a curriculum vitae (CV), a cover letter and the names and e-mail addresses of two referees using the application form on ESTABLIS Website (www.project-establis.eu). The recruitment will be carried out in the line with the European Charter of Researcher and the Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers.
Deadline for application:
15TH OF APRIL 2012 OR UNTIL POST FILLED.
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