PhD Scholarship in Computational Chemistry on Materials for Dye-Sensitised Solar Cells (NETHERLANDS)

Job description

Computational Chemistry on Materials for Dye-Sensitised Solar Cells
Singlet exciton fission is a process by which a singlet excited state can be efficiently transformed into a combination of two triplet excited states. If both these triplet states can be used effectively, this can ultimately lead to a significant increase in the efficiency of dye-sensitised (Grätzel) solar cells that are based on organic materials. Molecules in which exciton fission takes place generally consist of multiple units that absorb visible light. The mechanism of exciton fission is studied in this project by a team of PhD students and post-docs using a wide range of approaches, including time-resolved spectroscopy (fluorescence, femtosecond transient absorption), quantum chemical calculations and organic synthesis of the dyes. In this project the mechanism of singlet exciton fission will be studied theoretically using electronic structure calculations. The efficiency of the process depends on several

different coupling values between different electronic configurations. These parameters will be studied by configuration interaction calculations (ab initio and semiempericial) in order to gain fundamental understanding of te factors that influence singlet exciton fission. In this way, the calculations can lead to a rational design of new molecules for singlet fission that will subsequently be synthesized and studied spectroscopically.
Although the main focus of the project is theoretical, a combination with time-resolved spectroscopy is possible. Therefore, candidates with a strong background in time-resolved spectroscopy are also invited to apply.

Requirements

The successful candidate should have a PhD degree in (physical) chemistry or physics, preferably with experience in computational chemistry. The candidate is expected to have a good command of the English language.

Conditions of employment

The successful candidate will be employed full-time by TU Delft for a fixed period of four years within which he or she is expected to write a dissertation leading to a doctoral degree (PhD thesis). The starting salary for a PhD is €2042 gross per month increasing to a maximum of €2612 gross per month in the fourth year.
TU Delft offers an attractive benefits package, including a flexible work week, free high-speed Internet access from home, and the option of assembling a customised compensation and benefits package. Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. Delft University of Technology strives to increase the number of women in higher academic positions; women are therefore especially encouraged to apply.

Information and application

For more information about this position, please contact F.C. Grozema, phone: +31 (0)15-2783914, e-mail: F.C.Grozema@tudelft.nl. To apply, please send a detailed CV and the names of references along with a letter of application to Dr. Grozema, F.C.Grozema@tudelft.nl.
When applying for this position, make sure to mention vacancy number TNWCE10-001.

Factsheet

Department/faculty	Applied Sciences
Level	Master degree
Hours per week	38
Location	Delft
Contract	Four years
Salary	Maximum of €2612 per month gross
Closing date	04-04-2011
Vacancy nr.	TNWCE10-001

Information

For more information about this job, please contact F.C. Grozema , Assistant Professor.

T +31 (0)15-2783914
E F.C.Grozema@tudelft.nl

For more information about the application procedure, please contact F.C. Grozema/DCT.

E F.C.Grozema@tudelft.nl