Job offer

CY Cergy Paris Université; France; Sur place; EUR 25 000 - 45 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

An established industry player is offering a PhD position focused on the molecular design and development of innovative materials for advanced photovoltaic applications. This role involves exploring the potential of organic and hybrid photovoltaics, addressing challenges in renewable energy. The successful candidate will work in a dynamic research environment, contributing to groundbreaking projects while developing autonomy and proficiency in a chemistry lab. Ideal for those passionate about sustainability and cutting-edge technology, this opportunity promises to enhance your research skills and impact the future of energy solutions.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in chemistry, polymer science, or materials science is required.
• Experience in organic electronics or semiconductors is a strong asset.

Responsabilités

• Conduct research on charge-transporting materials for photovoltaic applications.
• Develop multifunctional materials for optimal device performance.

Connaissances

Molecular Chemistry

Organic Electronics

Polymer Science

Materials Science

Communication Skills

Formation

Master's Degree in Chemistry

Master's Degree in Polymer Science

Master's Degree in Materials Science

Description du poste

Laboratory of Physicochemistry of Polymers and Interfaces

Organisation/Company: CY Cergy Paris Université
Department: Laboratory of Physicochemistry of Polymers and Interfaces
Research Field: Chemistry » Molecular chemistry, Chemistry » Physical chemistry, Chemistry » Organic chemistry, Chemistry » Solar chemistry
Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)
Positions: PhD Positions
Country: France
Application Deadline: 30 May 2025 - 23:59 (Europe/Paris)
Type of Contract: Temporary
Job Status: Full-time
Offer Starting Date: 1 Oct 2025
Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by an EU programme
Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

PhD Thesis Opportunity

Molecular Design and Development of Charge-Transporting and Interfacial Materials for Advanced Photovoltaic Applications
Start Date: September/October 2025
Funding Secured

Host Institution

Supervisory Team:

• Dr. Thanh-Tuan Bui – Thesis Director
• Prof. Fabrice Goubard – Thesis Co-Director

Contact for Applications and Inquiries:

Dr. Thanh-Tuan Bui
Tel: [phone]. Email: [e-mail]

Project Overview:

Emerging photovoltaic (PV) technologies, such as halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) and organic photovoltaics (OPVs), are currently the focus of intense research. PSCs offer a unique combination of advantages for large-scale production and applications, including solution processability, diverse material and device engineering possibilities, and the ability to fabricate lightweight, flexible, and stretchable devices. Over the past five years, PSCs have achieved remarkable progress in device efficiency, with single-junction cells exceeding 27%.

They can also be integrated into tandem architectures (PSC/Si, PSC/OPV, PSC/PSC, etc.), enabling high-performance systems and positioning PSCs among the most promising renewable energy technologies. Despite this impressive progress in photovoltaic conversion efficiency, challenges remain in terms of stability, safety (especially regarding heavy metal contamination), sustainability, scalability, and recyclability—all of which must be addressed for large-scale module production and commercialization.

In these multi-layered devices, light absorption and exciton generation occur in the perovskite layer. Photo-generated holes and electrons are extracted at the interfaces between the charge-transporting and active layers and are transported by the hole-transporting layer (HTL) and electron-transporting layer (ETL), respectively, toward the corresponding electrodes. These interfaces are as crucial as the photoactive component for ensuring optimal device operation and long-term stability. While much research has focused on the development of the perovskite layer itself, our project is dedicated to the design and development of organic hole-transporting materials (HTMs) and interfacial layers. Both π-conjugated polymeric and small-molecule HTMs have been widely reported. Polymeric HTMs offer good mechanical and charge transport properties but often lack synthetic reproducibility. Small molecules, on the other hand, have well-defined molecular structures and are easy to synthesize and process, but typically suffer from lower charge mobility and a tendency to crystallize, which negatively affects film morphology. Molecular interfacial modifiers have also been developed to improve the perovskite/HTL interface, enhancing both efficiency and stability. The interfacial materials should have strong perovskite passivating capacity and efficient interaction with the HTM layer. However, even with reported HTMs exhibiting passivating effects, their device efficiencies still fall short of those using Spiro-OMeTAD. In this project, we propose to develop multifunctional materials that serve both as hole-extraction and transport layers and as passivation agents for the perovskite surface. These materials will combine the advantages of both polymeric and small-molecule systems, offering excellent morphological and mechanical properties, along with self-healing capabilities at low temperatures, ensuring an optimal perovskite/HTL interface. The impact of the best-performing HTMs on device efficiency and long-term stability will be thoroughly investigated in collaboration with Prof. Thierry Pauporté’s team at IRCP Chimie ParisTech.

Key Research Areas:

• Organic and hybrid photovoltaics
• Charge-transporting materials
• π-Conjugated systems
• Molecular synthesis and characterization

Recent Related Publications from the Host Team:

• ACS Energy Lett. 2023, 8, 2267
• Energies 2020, 13, 2897
• J. Mater Sci. 2020, 55, 4820
• J. Phys. Chem. C 2018, 122, 11651
• Chem. Asian J. 2018, 13, 1302

Thesis Funding:

Candidate Profile:

Applicants must hold a Master's degree (or equivalent) in chemistry, polymer science, or materials science before the starting date. The candidate should demonstrate a strong interest in multidisciplinary research. Solid knowledge of molecular chemistry and π-conjugated materials is expected, and experience in organic electronics or organic semiconductors will be a strong asset. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong motivation to address challenges in renewable energy, with a particular focus on organic and hybrid photovoltaics. They are expected to quickly develop autonomy and proficiency in a chemistry laboratory setting. Strong oral and written communication skills in English or French are essential.

Application Procedure:

Deadline: 28 May 2025 (Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis upon receipt. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview)

Application Package: Applicants are requested to submit the following documents to Dr. Thanh-Tuan Bui:

• Detailed Curriculum Vitae (including contact details for two referees)
• Letter of Motivation
• Academic transcripts (Bachelor’s and Master’s)
• Certificate of English or French language proficiency (if applicable)

Where to apply

E-mail [e-mail]

Requirements

Research Field: Chemistry » Molecular chemistry
Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications:

Applicants must hold a Master's degree (or equivalent) in chemistry, polymer science, or materials science before the starting date. The candidate should demonstrate a strong interest in multidisciplinary research. Solid knowledge of molecular chemistry and π-conjugated materials is expected, and experience in organic electronics or organic semiconductors will be a strong asset. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong motivation to address challenges in renewable energy, with a particular focus on organic and hybrid photovoltaics. They are expected to quickly develop autonomy and proficiency in a chemistry laboratory setting. Strong oral and written communication skills in English or French are essential.

Additional Information

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available: 1
Company/Institute: Laboratory of Physicochemistry of Polymers and Interfaces, CY Cergy Paris University
Country: France
City: Neuville-sur-Oise
Postal Code: 95000
Street: 5 Mail Gay Lussac