Postdoc: Using hybrid perovskite semiconductors in ultra-low energy computing devices

Metal-halide perovskites have recently been discovered as a semiconductor material that allows to fabricate high-efficiency solar cells, LEDs and other semiconductor devices. The main downside is their instability, which is often seen as a barrier to their commercialization.

In this project we will instead use the instability as a feature to fabricate computational devices that use much less energy than conventional transistors. The instability originates from the motion of ions through the perovskite when an electrical signal is applied. Much like synapses in a human brain, memorizing electrical signals allows building neural networks from perovskite devices. Here we will use ion migration to change the conductance of a perovskite device upon application of an electrical signal. These devices will use very little energy, comparable to the energy consumption of the biological brain. Such ultra-efficient computational devices open up new applications in image processing and pattern recognition.

You will work in a team with two PhD students plus additional MSc students, and will hence have the chance to explore a large parameter space of materials properties. Within the team there will be capabilities to fabricate nanostructures, materials, and devices, and characterize them. As a postdoctoral researcher you will get the opportunity to gain leadership experience within this subgroup by guiding PhD and MSc students in their research.

Within our research group, we have gathered a unique set of techniques to study ion dynamics in hybrid halide perovskites, including the optical spectroscopy mentioned above, and electrical spectroscopy like deep-level transient spectroscopy.

About the group

The Hybrid Solar Cell Group focuses on novel paths towards more efficient solar cells using both organic and inorganic materials. We aim at combining the unique properties and the richness of organic materials with the highly efficient, well-characterised inorganic materials.

Qualifications

We welcome applications from highly motivated researchers who have expertise in metal halide perovskite material and/or device fabrication and characterization. You should have a PhD in physics, chemistry, engineering or similar.

Terms of employment

The position is intended as full-time (40 hours / week, 12 months / year) appointment in the service of the Netherlands Foundation of Scientific Research Institutes (NWO-I) for the duration of 2 years (with a possibility to extend to 3 years), with a salary in scale 10 (CAO-OI) and a range of employment benefits. AMOLF assists any new foreign Postdoc with housing and visa applications and compensates their transport costs and furnishing expenses.

Contact info

Prof. dr. Bruno Ehrler
Group leader Hybrid Solar Cells
E-mail: Ehrler@amolf.nl
Phone: +31 (0)20-754 7100

You can respond to this vacancy online via the button below.
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–  Resume;
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Applications without this motivation will not be taken into account. However, with this motivation your application will receive our full attention.

Online screening may be part of the selection.

AMOLF is highly committed to an inclusive and diverse work environment. Hence, we greatly encourage candidates from any personal background and perspective to apply.

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