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*NEW* PDRA Position in Polymer Materials (2 year) available

This is a fantastic opportunity to take part in a new and innovative project funded by an ERC consolidator grant to design and implement spectral conversion materials that boost the performance of solar cells. This is expected to expedite the widespread deployment of photovoltaic cells in the urban environment.

The successful candidate will undertake a senior role in a multidisciplinary team working collaboratively to tackle this important challenge. They will lead the design of polymeric host materials (organic, inorganic or hybrid) that deliver the requisite optical, thermal and mechanical properties to enhance spectral conversion. Emphasis is placed on structure-property analysis and correlation. As the project progresses, promising materials will be tested in luminescent solar devices through collaboration with spectroscopists and device physicists.

Further information on the expertise and qualifications required for the post and details of how to apply can be found here. All applications must be made through the Cambridge University jobs website.

PhD Studentships available

Two ERC-funded PhD studentships are available in the Photoactive Materials group at the University of Cambridge under the supervision of Dr Rachel Evans for an October 2019 start. Both projects are part of a larger endeavour investigating the use of integrated spectral converters to boost the performance of solar cells.

Each studentship is fully funded for 3.5 years, covering fees and a tax-free stipend for “home fees” students only (funding restrictions).

Informal enquiries before the application deadline are welcomed and may be made to Dr Rachel Evans (rce26@cam.ac.uk). Please note that I will not be able to respond to applicants who do not meet the eligibility criterion for funding.

Application forms and the Graduate Studies Prospectus are available from the Graduate Admissions Office at https://www.graduate.study.cam.ac.uk/. Further information on the application process is available from Rosie Ward (remw2@cam.ac.uk).

PhD Studentship 1: New Polymer Hosts for Luminescent Solar Upconverters

This specific project will focus on the design of polymer host materials for luminescent upconverters that capture and regenerate wasted infrared light from the sun. The successful candidate will synthesise and characterise new polymer host materials and evaluate their suitability for spectral upconversion. Through this project, the successful candidate will develop extensive skills in polymer chemistry, thermal and structural characterisation, and advanced fluorescence spectroscopy.

Candidates should have or expect to obtain a first class or upper-second class degree, at the level of MChem, MSci, MEng (or overseas equivalents) in a relevant subject (Chemistry, Materials Science). Experience of practical synthetic chemistry, particularly polymer chemistry, would be advantageous, although training will be provided. You should be capable of working independently and within a small research team, so excellent communication and organisational skills are also required.

PhD Studentship 2: Hybrid Luminescent Solar Downconverters

An ERC-funded PhD studentship is available in the Photoactive Materials group at the University of Cambridge under the supervision of Dr Rachel Evans.
This project is part of a larger endeavour investigating the use of integrated spectral converters to boost the performance of solar cells. This specific project will focus on the design of hybrid lumophore-polymer materials for spectral downconverters that capture and convert UV/visible light from the sun. The successful candidate will synthesise and characterise new hybrid spectral converters and evaluate their suitability as luminescent solar concentrators. Through this project, the successful candidate will develop extensive skills in sol-gel chemistry, materials characterisation, and advanced fluorescence spectroscopy.

Candidates should have or expect to obtain a first class or upper-second class degree, at the level of MChem, MSci, MEng (or overseas equivalents) in a relevant subject (Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics). Experience of optical characterisation techniques would be advantageous, although training will be provided. You should be capable of working independently and within a small research team, so excellent communication and organisational skills are also required.

PhD positions are available in our group each year, usually starting in October. If you are interested in doctoral studies in the group then please get in touch as early as possible. An application should consist of your CV (2 page max) including grades and research experience and the names of two referees.

Applicants should have an honours degree (at least II.1 or equivalent) in chemistry, materials science or other relevant discipline.

Please note that if you wish to be considered for internal funding sources from the University of Cambridge, the deadline for applications is December each year. Early contact is advised!

Postdoctoral Researchers/Fellowships

Open positions will appear here when available.

We are happy to support talented researchers to apply for independent research fellowships to join the group at any time. Please contact us with sufficient time in advance of the a deadline (2-3 months) to discuss your application.

Potential funding sources: