Postdoctoral Position in Physics
University of Antwerp Faculty of Science
Belgium

Department: Department of Physics
Regime Full-time

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The EMAT research group at the Faculty of Science (University of Antwerp) is seeking to fill 1 postdoctoral position in the area of “Quantitative in situ electron microscopy of metal halide perovskite materials” under the supervision of Prof Sara Bals, Prof Van Aert and Prof Verbeeck.

Light detection and emission are crucial for displays, medical and security scanners. Given the societal relevance, there is an emerging need for novel opto-electronic materials with higher conversion efficiency and lower production cost. Metal halide perovskites (MHPs) are promising high-performance semiconductors due to their strong absorption and emission in a broad spectral range and their ease of manufacturing. So far, integration in opto-electronic devices was hampered by inherent stability issues such as the degradation from the optically active “black” phase into an inactive phase. In this project, we explore a fundamentally new route to stabilize the black phase under ambient conditions. The role of the applicant is to develop and apply novel low-dose electron microscopy techniques and perform a quantitative analysis of the obtained data. The specific job description can be found below.

Research group

EMAT is one of the leading electron microscopy centers in the world and has a vast expertise in both fundamental and applied electron microscopy. EMAT has several state of the art electron microscopes including two aberration corrected, high end FEI-Titan instruments, a dual beam FIB, an environmental SEM,... More about us at our webpage.

Job description

• You will develop and explore electron diffraction in a novel SEM based setup and apply it to the study of the MHPs covering a wide length scale from mm to nm.
• You will investigate the potential of using the electron beam to alter and pattern the structure of these materials.
• You will determine strain and grain distribution over macroscopic scales to reach an understanding of the microstructure and the relation with its macroscopic properties.
• You will investigate creative solutions to perform such measurements in conditions that most closely resemble the actual working conditions of these materials.
• You are responsible for the design of novel setups, the actual recording of data and the scientific analysis in close collaboration with the other PhD students in the project.

General

• You publish scientific articles related to the research project of the assignment.
• You present your work at national and international workshops and conferences.

Profile

• You hold a PhD degree with background in e.g. physics, applied physics, or materials science with focus on electron microscopy
• You can demonstrate excellent study results.
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.
• You act with attention to quality, integrity, creativity and cooperation.
• You are enthusiastic and greatly interested in electron microscopy.
• You can submit outstanding academic results.
• You are highly motivated, quality-oriented, conscientious, creative and cooperative.
• You have affinity with experimental work and show good practical skills
• You are greatly interested in the quantitative analysis of electron microscopy data

What we offer

• A contract for a period of 1 year. Following a positive evaluation, the contract can be renewed.
• An exciting project in which we will aim to go significantly beyond the state-of-the-art.
• The preffered start date is as soon as possible but will be adapted to the selected candidate’s availability.
• You will have the opportunity to be immersed in a world-class, dynamic and stimulating work environment with state-of-the-art instrumentation and computing facilities (see also http://www.emat.uantwerpen.be/ ).
• Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here.

Want to apply?

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform until August 3^rd 2023. Click on the 'Apply' button, complete the online application form and be sure to include the following attachments:
  • a motivation letter (please state for which of the 3 positions you are applying),
  • your academic CV (including followed courses, honours, previous work, programming skills, publications, …)
  • a weblink to a short video introducing yourself,
  • a list and grades of the courses from that you took during your studies (Bachelor and Master)
  • a short description of your PhD thesis
  • contact info of 2 professional referees.
• The selection committee will review all of the applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision has been made, we will inform you about the next steps in the selection procedure.
• If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to jobs@uantwerpen.be. Additional information about job itself can be obtained from: Dr. Lucian Covaci, Lucian.covaci@uantwerpen.be

The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees’ growth. We encourage diversity and attach great importance to an inclusive working environment and equal opportunities, regardless of gender identity, disability, race, ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or age. We encourage people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse characteristics to apply.