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- Tasks: Join a cutting-edge project on vapour deposition of high-performance solar cells.
- Company: Be part of a diverse and inclusive research group at a leading university.
- Benefits: Access to world-class facilities, professional development, and a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in renewable energy and optoelectronics while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant fields and experience in solar cell fabrication and characterisation.
- Other info: Flexible start date with opportunities for outreach and participation activities.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Applications are invited for a Post-Doctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to work on vapour deposition of high-performance halide perovskite multijunction (tandem and triple-junction) solar cells. The candidate would be working as part of the ERC Consolidator Grant project VAPOURISE working on new deposition tools dedicated to the project. This project seeks to develop epitaxial growth of halide perovskites to enable new devices for energy generation (solar cells), conversion (solar fuels) and use (quantum emission) utilising multimodal characterisation platforms and automated analysis pipelines. This work builds on recent work in our group developing epitaxial growth by vapour deposition and multimodal understanding of materials.
Candidate Requirements
- We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic candidate with a PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, Engineering, Chemical Engineering or a related area.
- A proven track record of scientific publication and presentation at international conferences is essential.
Experience
- Experience in perovskite solar cell (and/or other optoelectronic device) fabrication and characterisation is essential.
- Experience with multijunction perovskite solar cells and/or vapour deposition of halide perovskites is highly desired.
- Experience working with coding, automation and algorithm development is desired.
- The ability to conduct self-directed work whilst working together with colleagues in a wider programme will be essential.
- The role holder will also manage the key experimental setups associated with their work and extend existing capabilities.
- The PDRA will be team-oriented and work closely with other students (including some daily supervision) and PDRAs and international collaborators.
Affiliation
The successful PDRA candidate for this post will join the Optoelectronic Materials and Device Spectroscopy group in the Department of Chemical Engineering & Biotechnology, and will also be part of the Optoelectronics Group. We are an inclusive and diverse group driving a number of active outreach and widening participation activities. Collectively, the PDRA will have access to world-leading expertise and facilities in the field of hybrid and organic electronics.
Start Date
The successful candidate would start anytime from 1st September 2026, with some flexibility.
PhD Status
Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will initially be appointed as a Research Assistant and promoted to Research Associate when the PhD is awarded.
Employment Details
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.
Application
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system and apply online.
Contact
Should you require any further details on the role, please email Mr Vito Candela, HR Administrator, at hr@ceb.cam.ac.uk.
Closing Date
Applications closing date 18th of May 2026.
Reference
Please quote reference NQ49154 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
Equality Statement
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
Legal
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Research Assistant/Research Associate in Vapour Deposition of Multijunction Perovskite Solar Cells in Cambridge employer: University of Cambridge
Contact Detail:
University of Cambridge Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant/Research Associate in Vapour Deposition of Multijunction Perovskite Solar Cells in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the field of perovskite solar cells and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. Attend conferences or seminars related to your research area, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself to potential collaborators or employers.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your previous work, especially any publications or presentations you've done. This will not only highlight your expertise but also give you something tangible to discuss during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to get comfortable discussing your research and experiences. Focus on articulating how your background in vapour deposition and multijunction solar cells makes you the ideal candidate for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly on our platform. It’s a straightforward process, and it ensures that your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll be part of a diverse team working on cutting-edge research!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant/Research Associate in Vapour Deposition of Multijunction Perovskite Solar Cells in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience with perovskite solar cells and vapour deposition. We want to see how your background aligns with the specific requirements of the role!
Show Off Your Achievements: Don’t be shy about showcasing your scientific publications and presentations. We love seeing candidates who have made an impact in their field, so include those details prominently in your application.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your skills and experiences shine through without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to apply via our recruitment system! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Cambridge
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest research in vapour deposition and perovskite solar cells. Familiarise yourself with key publications from the group, especially those mentioned in the job description. Being able to discuss these works will show your genuine interest and understanding of the field.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to talk about your previous work with perovskite solar cells or any relevant optoelectronic devices. Highlight specific projects where you’ve used vapour deposition techniques or coding for automation. Concrete examples will help demonstrate your hands-on experience and problem-solving skills.
✨Team Player Vibes
Since this role involves collaboration with students and other researchers, be ready to discuss how you work in a team. Share experiences where you’ve successfully collaborated on projects or supervised others. Emphasising your ability to work well with diverse teams will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the project and the team dynamics. Inquire about the specific challenges they face in the vapour deposition process or how they envision the role evolving. This shows that you’re not just interested in the position but also in contributing to the team’s success.