Postdoctoral Research Associate

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Full-Time 41064 - 48822 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join a cutting-edge project developing efficient solar cells with international collaboration.
  • Company: The University of Edinburgh, a leading institution in science and engineering.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for international travel.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in renewable energy while advancing your research career.
  • Qualifications: PhD in photovoltaics with experience in perovskite solar cells.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with excellent research output and career growth.

The predicted salary is between 41064 - 48822 £ per year.

The University of Edinburgh – College of Science & Engineering – School of Chemistry

Location: Edinburgh, Hybrid

Salary: £41,064 to £48,822 per annum (Grade 7)

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type: Fixed-Term/Contract

Placed On: 6th March 2026

Closes: 27th April 2026

Full time: 35 hours per week

Fixed term: 12 month contract

The Opportunity

The School of Chemistry are seeking to recruit a highly motivated and enthusiastic postdoctoral scientist to work on a Royal Society International Collaboration Award (Japan)-funded project that will develop high-efficient and stable perovskite solar cells using a carbon electrode. The project will be jointly supervised by Dr. Yue Hu in the School of Chemistry at the University of Edinburgh and Dr. Zhanglin Guo at Kyushu University, Japan. The successful candidate will be based predominantly at the University of Edinburgh and will have the opportunity to visit Kyushu University.

The successful candidate will hold a PhD in the area of emerging photovoltaics, with extensive experience of fabricating and characterising perovskite solar cells. Prior experience of fabricating carbon electrodes is desirable.

Your Skills And Attributes For Success

  • A PhD degree (or equivalent) in emerging photovoltaics, or a closely related discipline.
  • PhD training (or equivalent) in fabricating and characterising perovskite solar cells.
  • Demonstrated ability to conduct, publish and otherwise disseminate high-quality research, with excellent paper outputs.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills – prepared to represent the collaborative team and interact effectively with colleagues.

Find out more and apply.

Postdoctoral Research Associate employer: UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC)

The University of Edinburgh offers a dynamic and supportive work environment for postdoctoral researchers, fostering innovation and collaboration in the field of chemistry. With access to cutting-edge facilities and the opportunity to engage in international research projects, employees benefit from professional development and a vibrant academic culture. Located in the historic city of Edinburgh, staff enjoy a rich cultural experience alongside their career growth.
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Contact Detail:

UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC) Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Research Associate

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in academia and industry, especially those who might know about opportunities at the University of Edinburgh. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to a foot in the door.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your research and the specifics of the project. Be ready to discuss your experience with perovskite solar cells and carbon electrodes in detail. Show them you’re the perfect fit!

✨Tip Number 3

Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview or networking event, drop a quick thank-you email. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.

We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Research Associate

PhD in emerging photovoltaics
Fabrication of perovskite solar cells
Characterisation of perovskite solar cells
Experience in fabricating carbon electrodes
Research dissemination
Publication skills
Excellent communication skills
Interpersonal skills
Collaborative teamwork

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your PhD experience and any relevant projects you've worked on, especially those related to perovskite solar cells. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this project and how your background makes you the perfect fit. We love enthusiasm, so let it show!

Showcase Your Research Impact: When detailing your research experience, focus on your publications and any significant contributions you've made to the field. We’re looking for candidates who can demonstrate their ability to produce high-quality research outputs.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.

How to prepare for a job interview at UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC)

✨Know Your Research Inside Out

Make sure you can discuss your PhD research and any relevant projects in detail. Be prepared to explain your methodologies, findings, and how they relate to the development of perovskite solar cells. This shows your depth of knowledge and passion for the field.

✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills

Since this role involves working with teams in both Edinburgh and Japan, highlight any previous collaborative experiences. Share examples of how you've effectively communicated and worked with others to achieve common goals, especially in a research setting.

✨Prepare Questions About the Project

Demonstrate your interest by preparing thoughtful questions about the Royal Society International Collaboration Award project. Ask about the specific goals, challenges, and expectations for the role. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.

✨Practice Your Presentation Skills

You may need to present your research or ideas during the interview. Practise explaining complex concepts clearly and concisely. Use visuals if possible, and be ready to engage in a discussion about your work and its implications in the field of photovoltaics.

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