PhD studentship in Organic semiconductor for Photovoltaics

A fully funded research position is available in the area of photovoltaic device fabrication in the research group of Dr Muhammad Sohail within Energy centre at Qatar Environment and Energy Institute (QEERI) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU) in Qatar. The project is funded by QNRF-NPRP11S-1231-170150 grant for three years in collaboration with Prof. Mohammad. K. Nazeeruddin at EPFL Switzerland.

The project deals with the design, synthesis, and characterisation of new molecular semiconductors, primarily for organic and hybrid photovoltaics applications. Strong background and interests in synthetic organic chemistry and photochemistry are desired. Experience in spectroscopic investigations of organic semiconductors in the liquid and solid phase is highly valued.

This research project is part of the research programme of the QEERI Focus Group 'Next generation emerging/disruptive photovoltaics technologies' at the HBKU. The project aims to obtain new, efficient, stable, and cost-effective molecular semiconductor for application into photovoltaic devices.

The candidate should hold a MSc/MPhil in chemistry with a strong background in organic synthetic chemistry with no more than one year gap from date of the last degree awarded. Experience in organic materials, photovoltaics, organic electronics, photochemistry and photoelectrochemistry is an added advantage.

The experience of synthetic chemistry, including manipulation of air-sensitive compounds (e.g. Schlenk-line techniques), in addition to expertise in a range of analytical tools including multinuclear NMR, Infrared and UV-vis spectroscopy, Mass Spectrometry, and electrochemistry is essential.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to write for publication in international peer-reviewed scientific journals, are expected. An ideal candidate will have experience of developing new organic materials, developing synthetic methodology and have shown a track record of excellence in their research.

A training programme is part of the agreement. You and your supervisor will make up a plan for the additional education and supervising that you specifically need. This plan also defines which activities you will be responsible.

Follow the link below for admission and application requirements
https://hbku.edu.qa/en/cse/phd-sustainable-energy/admission-requirements

If you don’t hear within two weeks of application means your application is unsuccessful.

Informal inquiries can be made to Dr Muhammad Sohail at Email: msohail@hbku.edu.qa

The position will start from April 2019 depending on the availability of the funding and will remains open until filled.