Post-doctoral Fellow – School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering

About the role

The Post-Doctoral Fellow (Level A) will contribute to the research effort of UNSW and develop research expertise through defined projects relevant to their field. The position is part of a project to develop high‑efficiency chalcogenide thin‑film solar cells and related tandem solar cells. The role reports to Scientia Prof. Xiaojing Hao and has no direct reports. It is based at the Kensington campus in Sydney, Australia.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to UNSW’s research effort and develop expertise in next‑generation solar cell technologies.
• Pursue defined projects related to high‑efficiency chalcogenide thin‑film solar cells and tandem solar cells.
• Engage in fundamental research, device fabrication, and performance optimisation.
• Conduct characterisation of compound semiconductor materials and thin‑film solar cell devices (electrical, optical, morphological).
• Develop and apply advanced characterisation techniques for thin‑film and tandem solar cells.
• Undertake high‑quality academic research and work independently with limited supervision.
• Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of the discipline and produce publications and conference presentations.

Requirements

• PhD in Photovoltaic Engineering, Materials Engineering, Physics, or a closely related field.
• Research background directly relevant to next‑generation solar cell design and characterisation.
• Eligibility to work in Australia (visa sponsorship is not available for this position).

Skills & Experience

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills in chalcogenide thin‑film solar cells and tandem solar cells, covering fundamental research, device fabrication and performance optimisation.
• Extensive hands‑on experience in basic characterisation of compound semiconductor materials and thin‑film solar cell devices, including electrical, optical, and morphological techniques.
• Proven experience in developing advanced characterisation techniques for thin‑film and tandem solar cells, either by adapting existing methods to new properties or combining technologies for complex characterisation.
• Demonstrated ability to undertake high‑quality academic research and conduct independent research with limited supervision.
• Proven commitment to staying current with discipline knowledge and developments.
• Demonstrated track record of publications and conference presentations relative to the opportunity.

Pay

Salary: $122,592 per annum plus 17% superannuation.

Schedule

Full‑time: 35 hours per week. Fixed‑term contract for 12 months.