Researcher in Materials Physics for Solar Energy Applications

About the position

Position as Researcher in materials physics for solar energy applications is available at the Centre for Materials Science and Nanotechnology.

The position is for a period of 3 years.

Starting date as soon as possible and no later than 1 January 2026.

Place of work is the Centre for Materials Science and Nanotechnology at Gaustad, Oslo.

Project description

We are seeking a researcher with a genuine interest in novel materials for solar energy applications. You must be a team player, able to work independently and take a leading role in an interdisciplinary scientific research team. This includes coordination of the Tandem solar cell activities of the Centre for Materials Science and Nanotechnology (SMN), supervision of PhD and master students, and a proactive organization of meetings and seminars. The scientific focus of this position is on the explorative discovery of novel semiconducting materials for the top cell of Si-based Tandem solar cells using combinatorial materials science. This includes the creation of spatially-addressable material libraries by pulsed laser deposition and the determination of relevant physical properties by high-throughput experimental characterization. Promising identified materials shall be integrated in  demonstrator devices with Si-bottom cell to characterize the photovoltaic performance.

SMN comprises UiO’s focus on renewable energy, materials science, and nanotechnology. The Centre is an interdisciplinary collaboration between five research groups in physics and chemistry, and spearheads the MN Faculty's efforts for sustainable energy solutions. The successful candidate is expected to work as part of a team in SMN and together with other fellows in the SOLARIS project.

SOLARIS is an interdisciplinary flagship project at UiO, which addresses fundamental materials science on solar energy materials and solar energy harvesting with an application-oriented focus. The project combines thin film deposition and physical and chemical property mapping. The overall objective of SOLARIS is to significantly advance the field of solar energy materials science and promoting the shift towards green economy in long-term perspective.

What skills are important in this role?

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition to be among Europe's leading communities for research, education and innovation. Candidates for these fellowships will be selected in accordance with this, and expected to be in the upper segment of their class with respect to academic credentials.

• Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree in physics, nanotechnology, or a closely related subject. Doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the closing date. Only applicants with an approved doctoral thesis and completed defence are eligible for appointment.
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English.
• Background in the field of semiconductor physics.
• Understanding the principles of solar cells and tandem solar cell concepts.
• Extensive experience in characterizing the fundamental properties of semiconductor materials by, e.g., X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, transmittance, spectroscopic ellipsometry, Hall effect measurements or similar.

• Background in physical vapor thin film deposition methods
• Experience in combinatorial material science (synthesis and high-throughput characterization)
• Demonstrated ability to lead and conduct high-quality independent research within an interdisciplinary research team.
• Proven experience in preparing and submitting scientific manuscripts and articles for publication
• Demonstrated proficiency in the preparation and delivery of scientific 
  presentations in English.
• Demonstrated expertise in the supervision and mentorship of doctoral or 
  master's students
• Experience in the characterization of properties of solar cell materials and devices by, e.g., current-voltage measurements, solar simulator, life-time measurements or similar.

All candidates and projects will have to undergo a check versus national export, sanctions and security regulations. Candidates may be excluded based on these checks. Primary checkpoints are the Export Control regulation, the Sanctions regulation, and the national security regulation.

What are we looking for in you?

• Self-motivation, creativity, genuine curiosity about the subject, work discipline, professional ethics, and ambition
• Good social, communication, organization, managing (pro-active organization and planning of meetings and workshops) and collaboration skills 
• Interpersonal communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team
• Ability to work independently and in interdisciplinary scientific environment

Employment in the position is based on a comprehensive assessment of all qualification requirements applicable to the position, including personal skills.

We can offer you

• Exciting and meaningful tasks in an organization with an important societal mission, contributing to knowledge development, education, and enlightenment that promote sustainable, fair, and knowledge-based societal development.
• Committed colleagues in a good working environment. 
• Good welfare schemes.
• Opportunity of up to 1.5 hours a week of exercise during working hours.  
• A workplace with good development and career opportunities.
• Membership in the Statens Pensjonskasse, which is one of Norway's best pension schemes with beneficial mortgages and good insurance schemes.
• Salary in position as Researcher, position code 1109 in salary range NOK from 595 000 - to 708 000, depending on competence and experience. From the salary, 2 percent is deducted in statutory contributions to the State Pension Fund. 

Inclusive work life and diversity at UiO

Inclusion and diversity are a strength. The University of Oslo has a personnel policy objective of achieving a balanced gender composition. Furthermore, we want employees with diverse professional expertise, life experience and perspectives.

If there are qualified applicants with disabilities, employment gaps or immigrant background, we will invite at least one applicant from each of these categories to an interview.

We hope that you will apply for the position.

More information about gender equality initiatives at UiO can be found here.  

How to apply

• Cover letter (statement of motivation, summarizing scientific work and research interest)
• CV (summarizing education, positions, pedagogical experience, administrative experience and other qualifying activity)
• Copies of educational certificates, academic transcript of records
• Letters of recommendation
• A complete list of publications and up to 5 academic works that the applicant wishes to be considered by the evaluation committee
• Names and contact details of 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and telephone number)

Application with attachments must be submitted via our recruitment system Jobbnorge, click "Apply for the position".

When applying for the position, we ask you to retrieve your education results from Vitnemålsportalen.no. If your education results are not available through Vitnemålsportalen, we ask you to upload copies of your transcripts or grades. Please note that all documentation must be in English or a Scandinavian language.

Formal regulations

The best qualified candidates will be invited for interviews.

According to the Norwegian Freedom and Information Act (Offentleglova) information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure.

Please see Rules for the use of research posts SKO 1108, 1109, 1110 and 1183 at UiO. 

The University of Oslo has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results a.o.