PhD in Engineering Inorganic-Organic Interfacial Energy Transfer UNSW Sydney in Australia

The School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering (SPREE) at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) is internationally recognized as a leading research hub in photovoltaics and renewable energy. This PhD project, supervised by Dr Michael P Nielsen, focuses on the engineering of inorganic-organic interfacial energy transfer for next-generation optoelectronic devices. The research aims to fuse organic and inorganic materials into hybrid devices, leveraging the unique properties of both systems to surpass conventional device architectures.

A central aspect of the project is the study of ultrafast carrier and energy transfer processes at the interfaces of these hybrid systems, with particular attention to the role of triplet states in device operation. The successful candidate will develop and utilize a range of advanced ultrafast spectroscopic techniques to investigate charge and energy transfer across inorganic-organic heterointerfaces, targeting applications in photovoltaics and up-conversion technologies. Prior knowledge of singlet fission down conversion and/or triplet-triplet annihilation upconversion is considered valuable.

The project will involve the fabrication and characterization of inorganic optoelectronic devices incorporating organic molecular layers, steady-state and ultrafast optical characterization of hybrid devices, and modelling of device performance. SPREE's research activities span novel processing techniques for commercial silicon cells, advanced characterization methods, integration of silicon with novel materials for multi-junction solar cells, and innovative concepts for new energy-producing device designs.

Applicants should hold a Bachelor degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related field, with an overall GPA of at least 80% or equivalent. Preference is given to those with a Masters by research, especially with a strong materials, chemistry, or semiconductor physics emphasis and an experimental focus. Prior research experience is highly valued, particularly for international students seeking competitive scholarships.

Funding is available through the UNSW RTPi scholarship competition, offering a full scholarship for 3.5 years (covering university fees and a tax-free stipend of approximately AUD $39,206 per year). Additional allowances include support for attending an international scientific conference during the PhD, and further financial support may be available for exceptional candidates through external funding rounds. Country-specific stipend schemes are available for students from India, Indonesia, China, Vietnam, Germany, Austria, and Chile. Domestic Australian students in good standing are eligible for fully funded positions.

Applications are accepted year-round. Interested candidates should contact Dr Michael P Nielsen at [email protected] for further information and visit the group website at https://www.aos-nielsen-group.com/. To apply, submit your CV, academic transcript, and a motivation letter detailing your alignment with the project.