Postdoctoral Research Assistant Part-time

Postdoctoral Research Assistant

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Researcher who is highly experienced in metal halide perovskite solar cells research. They must have expertise with tandem solar cells as well as in advanced characterisation, either crystallographic, microscopic or spectroscopic.

The position is available for a fixed term of 36 months. This is an exciting new centre-to-centre collaborative project where we have paired leading research activities in perovskite, tandem and silicon photovoltaics from Oxford with corresponding leading activities in Japan. The University of Oxford principal investigators include Profs Henry Snaith and Sebastian Bonilla, and the Japanese groups include those at AIST (National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology) led by Takurou Murakami, Kyoto University led by Professor Atsushi Wakamiya and Nagoya University led by Noritaka Usami. We are also collaborating with industrial partners, Oxford PV from the UK and Enecoat from Japan. This consortium will develop ultra-high-efficiency three-junction solar cells by leveraging Japan's expertise in thin-film growth with Oxford's capabilities in solar cell fabrication, characterisation, and modelling.

We aim to fabricate the world's first monolithic 3J devices with >35% efficiency on “all-perovskite” tandems and >40% for perovskite/silicon combinations. We focus on developing high-efficiency, stable perovskite semiconductors interconnected with advanced charge-transport materials to enable full tandem integration. We will exploit new methods to grow thin-film perovskites with ideal bandgaps led by our Japanese partners, and we will embed these into Oxford's device engineering and characterisation pipeline. By tackling key technical challenges, we seek to push the boundaries of PV efficiency and durability, making a significant contribution to PV science and technology.

The Oxford PDRA role will focus on the advancement and characterisation of perovskite absorber materials and multi-junction solar cells. The researcher will work collaboratively within the group as well as with external project partners. They will make use of the extensive laboratory facilities in the physics department at Oxford, including cleanroom and chemical processing, access to the thin-film cluster deposition facility for advanced functional materials, and a range of spectroscopic, microscopic and crystallographic characterisation tools. The post holder will also have an opportunity to apply for beam-time at the Diamond Light Source, should that fit with the direction of research of the individual.

The post will be based in the sub-department of Condensed Matter Physics and will report to Professor Henry Snaith. Applicants should possess or be close to obtaining a PhD in Physics, Materials Science, Chemistry or Engineering. They should be highly experienced in metal halide perovskite solar cell research. Have expertise in tandem solar cells and advanced characterisation methods, either crystallographic, microscopic or spectroscopic.

Applicants should be highly motivated and have excellent skills in working collaboratively as part of a team. A good track record of high-quality publications is essential. Having the ability to direct your own research and interpret your results independently is a must.

The University of Oxford and the Department of Physics offer an inclusive and diverse environment and workplace. We strongly encourage applications from all backgrounds and genders to apply. A teaching clause is mandatory for all grade 7 and above contracts. The post-holder will have the opportunity to teach.

Only applications received before midday on the 4th of August 2026 can be considered. You will be required to upload a brief statement of research interests, CV and details of two referees as part of your online application.