MSN - Post-doc Position in Perovskite Solar Cell Synthesis, Fabrication, and Scaling Technologies

ABOUT MOHAMMED VI POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY (UM6P):

Located at the heart of the future Green City of Benguerir, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), a higher education institution with international standards, is established to contribute to the development of Morocco and the African continent. Its vision is honed around research and innovation at the service of education and development. This unique nascent university, with its state-of-the-art campus and infrastructure, has woven a sound academic and research network, and its recruitment process is seeking high quality academics and professionals in order to boost its quality-oriented research environment in the metropolitan area of Marrakech. 

ABOUT MSN DEPARTMENT:

The Materials Science, Energy, and nano-engineering (MSN) is a department at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University that aims to makes use of innovative research and education in order to promote solution development and entrepreneurship (in the context of Moroccan and African challenges), while training the next generation top scientists, innovators and entrepreneurs.

Research at MSN is organized in different research clusters including Energy Transition, Surface Technology and Metallurgy, Polymers and Composites, and Sustainable Materials. With some 100 researchers and PhD students and several national and international partners, MSN is emerging as a strong actor in the Moroccan materials research scene. The department coordinates several initial and executive Master programs.

Located in the municipality of Benguerir, in the very heart of the Green City, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University aspires to leave its mark nationally, continentally, and globally.

Description of main research theme: 

We are seeking a highly motivated and talented Postdoctoral Researcher to join our team working on perovskite solar cell technology. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of high-performance perovskite-based solar cells through material synthesis, thin-film deposition, and large-scale processing. This position will focus on both laboratory-scale solar cells and the scalability of thin films using advanced coating techniques.

Work duties:

• Synthesis of Perovskite Materials: Design and synthesize high-quality perovskite materials tailored for photovoltaic applications, ensuring optimized properties for solar cell performance.
• Thin-Film Deposition using various deposition techniques such as spin coating, slot-die coating, and vapor deposition to produce perovskite thin films with controlled morphology and thickness.
• Perform comprehensive characterization of perovskite thin films using techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and UV-vis spectroscopy to study their structural, optical, and electronic properties.
• Fabricate complete perovskite solar cells, followed by detailed electrical performance testing such as current-voltage (J-V) characterization, external quantum efficiency (EQE), and stability measurements.
• Scale up perovskite thin films applications using slot-die coating and other large-area deposition methods.
• Analyze experimental data to optimize material and device performance, write scientific reports, and publish findings in high-impact journals.
• Work closely with other researchers, engineers, and external collaborators to advance the overall project objectives.
• Supervision of undergraduate and PhD students

Qualification:

• A PhD degree in physics, materials chemistry, engineering physics, materials science or similar with focus on semiconductor materials or solar cells, with a focus on perovskite solar cells.
• Strong background in perovskite material synthesis, thin-film deposition techniques, and solar cell fabrication.
• Hands-on experience with thin-film characterization techniques such as XRD, SEM, AFM, and UV-vis spectroscopy.
• Knowledge of large-scale deposition techniques such as slot-die coating or similar methods is highly desirable.
• Proven ability to conduct independent research, analyze data, and communicate results effectively through publications.
• You have good communication skills and are proficient in English and French, both written and orally.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with scalable perovskite solar cell fabrication and device testing.
• Understanding of the challenges in the stability and scalability of perovskite solar cells.
• Familiarity with industrial processing techniques and large-area solar cell manufacturing.

UM6P.