Postdoctoral Research Assistant

Job Details

This project is a collaboration with the Centre for Renewable Energy Solar Technology (CREST) at Loughborough, who are experts in thin-film solar cell fabrication and advanced characterisation. The position is available for a fixed term of 24 months (with the possibility of a 12 month extension).

Solar photovoltaics has become the most important renewable energy technology worldwide. It is forecast that 2.35TWp will be deployed by 2027. The extraordinary growth of solar over the past decade has been driven by cost reductions. However, it is now clear that the efficiency of single junction solar cells is approaching its limit. The next step change in solar photovoltaics will be the development of tandem cells capable of large-scale manufacturing. Perovskite-on-silicon tandem cells have been developed and are now commercially available. However, concerns remain about the long-term stability of the perovskite top cell especially for application in large scale utilities. Here we propose to develop cadmium selenide as a photo-absorber as an inorganic and stable top cell. Cadmium selenide is an n-type semiconductor with a bandgap of1.72 eV which is ideal for use with a silicon bottom cell. The bandgap is similar to a perovskite. Cadmium selenide is already used as a precursor layer to form an CdSeTe alloy at the front of cadmium telluride solar cells. The challenge will be to maximise the photoactivity of cadmium selenide and to develop suitable contact electrodes to extract the charge carriers.

The objective is to create a 4-terminal and then a 2-terminal tandem solar cell on silicon with a conversion efficiency exceeding 25%. This will establish proof of principle. The materials used in cell fabrication will be sustainable and the stability of the devices will be proven using accelerated environmental laboratory tests and real outdoor trials at a number of locations. A cadmium selenide-on-silicon tandem will de-risk the possible stability issues with perovskites but will also open up new application areas where high irradiance and high temperatures are common.

The Oxford PDRA role will focus on the post deposition passivation and spectroscopic/optoelectronic characterisation of CdSe absorber layers. Furthermore, the researcher will undertake the integration of CdSe absorbers into semi-transparent single junction and CdSe-on-Silicon tandem cells, followed by detailed device characterisation and stability investigations.

Applicants should possess or be close to obtaining a PhD in physics, materials science or physical chemistry. Be highly experienced in semiconductor material growth/fabrication and characterisation, photovoltaic device research and have expertise in crystallography and/or spectroscopy.

Desirable criteria for the position includes previous experience with fabricating tandem solar cells and expertise with thin-film photovoltaic materials, for example CdTe, CIGS or less well studied chalcogenides.

Applicants should be highly motivated and have excellent skills in working collaboratively, as part of a team. A good track record of high quality publications is essential. Having the ability to direct your own research and interpret your results independently is a must.

The University of Oxford and the Department of Physics offer an inclusive and diverse environment and workplace. We strongly encourage applications from all backgrounds and genders to apply. The post-holder will have the opportunity to teach.

Please direct inquiries about the role to Henry Snaith (henry.snaith@physics.ox.ac.uk) or Clare Moloney (clare.moloney@physics.ox.ac.uk).

Only applications received before midday (UK time) on Monday 27 April 2026 can be considered. Please do not upload any documents other than your CV and supporting statement as they will be disregarded.

Contact Person: HR Team | Vacancy ID: 185581 | Closing Date & Time: 27-Apr-2026 12:00 | Pay Scale: RESEARCH GRADE 7 | Contact Email: recruitment@physics.ox.ac.uk | Salary (£): £39,424 - £47,779 per annum