PhD position: Catch and release - Anderson localization of electrons in metal-halide perovskites

PhD position: Catch and release - Anderson localization of electrons in metal-halide perovskites

Do you want to study the flow of electrons and vibrations on ultrafast timescales (ps to ns) in materials that are very relevant to the energy-transition? Are you looking for a challenging project involving semiconductor synthesis and advanced ultrafast laser spectroscopy? Would you like to work in a friendly and collaborative environment? Then you might want to join our young team as a PhD candidate!

The Faculty of Science Leiden and Leiden Institute of Chemistry (specifically the Catalysis and Surface Science department) are looking for a PhD candidate.

Work and profile

The Faculty of Science Leiden and Leiden Institute of Chemistry are looking for a PhD candidate in experimental ultrafast spectroscopy.

Metal-halide perovskites (MHP) are optically active materials, which hold great promise as light-absorber (e.g. in photovoltaic devices and photodetectors) and as light-emitter (e.g. in LEDs). The material is both ionic and soft, meaning that electrons strongly 'talk' to the vibrations in the lattice. These lattice vibrations have frequencies in the 0-5 THz range and are thus thermally active at room temperature, meaning that the material is in a constant state of vibrational motion, which acts a source of dynamic disorder. This disorder is poorly understood, and can localize electrons on short length- and time scales.

Within this project, we aim to understand the motion of photoexcited electrons in MHPs within the framework of dynamic disorder. To this end, use ultrafast optical-pump/broadband-THz probe to probe the frequency-resolved photoconductivity on timescales spanning picoseconds to nanoseconds. You will work in a recently founded group which focuses on both advanced (nano)materials development and ultrafast spectroscopy.

Overall, during your PhD trajectory you will

• Construct advanced spectroscopic setups.
• Get experienced in solution-based perovskite synthesis (development) and steady-state characterization by means of, amongst others, X-ray diffraction, UV-Vis spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, etc.
• Collect and analyse (time-resolved/nonlinear) spectroscopic data.
• Model the acquired data using state-of-the-art theory using Python/Matlab/etc.
• Discuss with, and help, colleagues.
• Develop your own ideas to address research questions, and pose these questions yourself.
• Publish your results in peer-reviewed journals and write your PhD thesis.
• Present your results at (inter)national conferences.
• Participate in teaching activities.
• Develop yourself through additional (soft skill) courses and schools.

Selection criteria

We are looking for a motivated candidate, who has:

• A Master's degree in Chemistry, Physics, or a related discipline.
• A strong interest in ultrafast spectroscopy, solid-state chemistry/physics.
• Excellent proficiency in English, both verbally and written.
• A hands-on mentality, not afraid to tackle complex experimental setups and challenges.
• The candidate should feel comfortable working in a collaborative environment. Initiative and creativity are highly valued. Experience with ultrafast spectroscopy, optics, proficiency in (soft- and hardware) programming (for example in Python) and/or perovskite materials preparation is an advantage, but not essential: most things you will learn as you go.

Terms and conditions for PhD positions

• The position will be for a maximum of 4 years, and the candidate is expected to complete a PhD thesis at the end of this period. A contribution to classroom teaching (maximum 10% of the time) will be part of the responsibilities of the candidate, as well as supervision of BSc and MSc research projects that contribute to the goals of this PhD project.
• We offer a stimulating and interactive research environment, free use of all state-of-the-art facilities, a competitive salary.
• We offer a full-time 1 year term position for initially one year. After a positive evaluation of the progress of the thesis, personal capabilities and compatibility the appointment will be extended by a further three years. Salary range from €2.901 to €3.707 gross per month (pay scale P in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).
• Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3%), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break.
• All our PhD students are embedded in the Leiden University Graduate School of Science. Our graduate school offers several PhD training courses at three levels: professional courses, skills training and personal effectiveness. In addition, advanced courses to deepen scientific knowledge are offered by the research school.

Leiden University and the Faculty of Science

Leiden University is one of Europe’s leading international research universities.

Thanks to its committed and inspired staff and students, the university enjoys a leading role in academic research and education. Leiden also scores very well every year in prominent rankings. This means that, to maintain our position, the bar is set very high. Regardless of the work you do at our university, you are always encouraged to broaden your horizons, develop your talents and reach your full potential.

The research carried out at the Faculty of Science ranges from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organized in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelors’ and twelve master’s programs. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 2500 staff and over 6000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together.

For questions about this position, please contact Jaco Geuchies, assistant professor, j.j.geuchies@lic.leidenuniv.nl, +31 71 527 2727.