Correlative electron microscopy and optics of perovskite thin films

AcademicTransfer; Netherlands; On-site; EUR 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

AMOLF invites applications for a recognised postdoc position in the Hybrid Nanosystems group. You will investigate how atomic-scale structure and defects in halide perovskite films govern optical signals and device performance, using TEM, 4D-STEM, and in situ TEM with laser excitation.

You will work with HELIOS and SHINE facilities, training neural networks to infer structure from light and contributing to a cutting-edge, collaborative research program at Amsterdam Science Park.

Qualifications

• PhD in physics, materials science, nanoscience, or related field.
• Strong background in transmission electron microscopy (TEM) including STEM-based techniques (4D-STEM).
• Experience with optical spectroscopy, Python data analysis, or machine learning is advantageous.
• Diversity-minded applicants encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Carry out high-throughput optical and electron microscopy studies on halide perovskite films.
• Integrate TEM/4D-STEM with PL and absorption measurements on the same regions.
• Collaborate with HELIOS and SHINE teams to train neural networks on structural inference from light.

Skills

TEM techniques

Python

Machine learning

Data analysis

Collaboration

Education

PhD in physics / materials science / nanoscience

Tools

4D-STEM

TEM

Job description

Organisation/Company AMOLF Research Field Physics » Optics Physics » Condensed matter properties Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Application Deadline 11 May 2027 - 13:01 (UTC) Country Netherlands Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Not Applicable Hours Per Week 40.0 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Work Activities

The optical properties of halide perovskite thin films are set by the positions of their atoms, including defects. Local variations in crystal phase, grain orientation, and defect density govern the photoluminescence (PL) yield and spectrum and, ultimately, solar-cell efficiency and stability. Quantifying these atomic-scale variations currently requires transmission electron microscopy (TEM), which is slow and low-throughput compared with optical measurements.
In this project we ask whether the atomic structure of a perovskite film, including its defects, can be inferred from its PL and absorption alone. If so, a fast, non-destructive optical measurement becomes a quantitative crystallographic probe. To find out, we combine two major AMOLF facilities: HELIOS, an AI-guided robotic platform for perovskite film deposition and characterization, and SHINE, a unique in situ TEM with laser excitation. The resulting optical and electron-diffraction data, acquired on exactly the same regions of the same films, are used to train a neural network that infers structure from light.
As a postdoc on this project you will work on:

• High-throughput PL screening: together with the HELIOS team, screen the photoluminescence of perovskite films prepared under varied conditions, to identify atomic structures with interesting properties that are stable in time.
• Correlative structural and optical mapping: combine 4D-STEM (spatially resolved electron diffraction) with PL and absorption measured on the same regions of films on TEM grids.
• In situ TEM under laser excitation: reproduce transient or metastable states that do not survive ex situ transfer inside the SHINE TEM.

You will work in the Hybrid Nanosystems group of Wiebke Albrecht at AMOLF, in close collaboration with the Nanoscale Solar Cells group of Erik Garnett. You will be part of the HELIOS team and join its weekly work discussions.

Qualifications

We invite applications from highly motivated candidates with a PhD in physics, materials science, nanoscience, or a related field, and a strong background in transmission electron microscopy, including STEM-based techniques such as 4D-STEM. Experience with TEM on halide perovskites or other beam-sensitive materials is a strong plus. Experience with optical spectroscopy, data analysis in Python, or machine learning is an advantage. We especially encourage individuals from underrepresented groups to apply.

Work environment

The Hybrid Nanosystems group, led by Wiebke Albrecht, uses light as a tool to probe, program, and reshape nanomaterials. By combining advanced electron microscopy, single-particle optical spectroscopy, and electromagnetic simulations, we uncover how the atomic-scale structure of nanoparticles governs their response to light, and how light can drive these structures to transform. The group runs AMOLF’s light-coupled in situ TEM facility. In this project you will collaborate closely with the Nanoscale Solar Cells group of Erik Garnett, which leads AMOLF’s robotic perovskite platform. Both groups are part of AMOLF’s LMPV–Sustainable Energy Materials department, where about 50 scientists work on semiconductors for solar energy conversion and photocatalysis, with weekly departmental colloquia.
AMOLF is a national institute that is part of NWO-I and initiate and performs leading fundamental research on the physics of complex forms of matter, and to create new functional materials, in partnership with academia and industry. The institute is located at Amsterdam Science Park and currently employs about 140 researchers and 80 support employees. www.amolf.nl

Working conditions

• The working atmosphere at the institute is largely determined by young, enthusiastic, mostly foreign employees. Communication is informal and runs through short lines of communication.
• The position is intended as full-time (40 hours / week, 12 months / year) appointment in the service of the Netherlands Foundation of Scientific Research Institutes (NWO-I) for the duration of 2 years, with the possibility of extension by one year.
• AMOLF assists any new foreign Postdoc with housing and visa applications and compensates their transport costs and furnishing expenses.

More information?

For further information about the position, please contact Wiebke Albrecht: [e-mail].

Diversity code

AMOLF is highly committed to an inclusive and diverse work environment: we want to develop talent and creativity by bringing together people from different backgrounds and cultures. We recruit and select on the basis of competencies and talents. We strongly encourage anyone with the right qualifications to apply for the vacancy, regardless of age, gender, origin, sexual orientation or physical ability.
AMOLF has won the NNV Diversity Award 2022, which is awarded every two years by the Netherlands Physical Society for demonstrating the most successful implementation of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI).
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