PhD Position: Nanophotonic Metasurfaces for "Designer" Building-integrated PV Panels

Are you a highly motivated physicist with a strong interest in nanotechnology and photovoltaics? The 2D Nanophotonics group within the Institute of Physics is seeking an ambitious PhD candidate to perform fundamental research at the interface of nanophotonics and photovoltaic material physics for the project High-efficiency metasurfaces for “designer” building-integrated PV.

Integrating large-scale photovoltaics (PV) in densely populated areas poses an urgent need to integrate PV with existing buildings and infrastructure. However, large-scale building-integrated PV (BIPV) hinges on social acceptance, which is strongly improved if the visual appearance of the PV panels matches that of the surrounding structures. Optical coatings that alter the visual appearance provide a unique opportunity to manipulate the reflected spectrum of a solar panel using reflective filters or luminescent coatings. Initial demonstrations prove promising, but are typically inefficient, provide only partial colouring, or exhibit a strong angle-dependence.

Recently, nanophotonic metasurfaces have emerged as a unique tool to control the spectral, angular, and polarization state of optical wavefronts. By leveraging resonant light scattering in such local metasurfaces, the visual appearance of underlying PV modules can be manipulated.

In this project you will study the interplay of different resonant effects and use this to develop a design route for new metasurfaces that provide on-demand visual appearance for the underlying solar panels. The project will combine computer simulations, nanofabrication, optical experiments, as well as integration of the coatings on existing photovoltaic modules.

You will be joining an exciting team of researchers with a strong emphasis on collaboration. We expect you to be an active member of the research group and work closely with the other researchers on this project.

What are you going to do?
You will perform fundamental research on the light-matter interaction in nanopatterned optical coatings and apply these insights to improve building-integrated PV technology.

You will:

• use theory and computer simulations to design new metasurfaces;
• fabricate optical metasurfaces in the cleanroom of the AMOLF NanoLab Amsterdam (https://amolf.nl/nanolab);
• design and perform optical experiments;
• present your results in international workshops and conferences;
• collaborate with other members of the research group, other groups and partners within the SolarLab and SolarNL network, and (international) collaborators;
• take part in the teaching efforts of the group, including supervision of bachelor and master students.

Your profile
You have:

• a creative, curious and driven nature;
• a Master’s degree in physics or optical engineering;
• an eagerness to learn new techniques and to combine numerical simulations, theory and experiments;
• excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

You are:

• able to work both independently and collaboratively.

Other skills, experiences, and documents that would benefit your application:

• previous experience in an optics lab or cleanroom fabrication;
• demonstrated experience with programming and modelling software (matlab, python, Comsol, Lumerical);
• scientific publications.

Our offer
A temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 years (the initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended for a total duration of 4 years). This should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). We will draft an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. We also expect you to assist in teaching undergraduates and master students.

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 2,872 to € 3,670 (scale P). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable.

Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at Science Park we offer you multiple fringe benefits:

• 232 holiday hours per year (based on fulltime) and extra holidays between Christmas and 1 January;
• multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre;
• a complete educational program for PhD students;
• multiple courses on topics such as leadership for academic staff;
• multiple courses on topics such as time management, handling stress and an online learning platform with 100+ different courses;
• 7 weeks birth leave (partner leave) with 100% salary;
• partly paid parental leave;
• the possibility to set up a workplace at home;
• a pension at ABP for which UvA pays two third part of the contribution;
• the possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch;
• help with housing for a studio or small apartment when you’re moving from abroad.

Are you curious to read more about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits, take a look here.

About us
The University of Amsterdam is the Netherlands' largest university, offering the widest range of academic programmes. At the UvA, 30,000 students, 6,000 staff members and 3,000 PhD candidates study and work in a diverse range of fields, connected by a culture of curiosity.

The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 8,000, as well as 1,800 members of staff working in education, research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, be it elementary particles, the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain.

This PhD project is funded by the national SolarNL program and embedded in the SolarLab scientific network. The project will be carried out in the 2D Nanophotonics lab headed by Dr Jorik van de Groep within the Van der Waals-Zeeman Institute (WZI), the experimental division of the Institute of Physics of the University of Amsterdam. Our laboratory focusses on photonic metasurfaces and 2D materials and benefits from an exceptional scientific environment in hard condensed matter, nanophotonics, and materials science. The Institute of Physics is part of the Faculty of Science.

Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.

Any questions?
Do you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:

• Jorik van de Groep, Assistant Professor
• Tel: + 31 (0)20 525 5643
• Email: j.vandegroep@uva.nl

Job application
If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your application. You can apply online via the button below. We accept applications until and including 30 September 2024.

Applications should include the following information (all files besides your cv should be submitted in one single pdf file):

• a detailed curriculum vitae;
• a motivation letter (max 1 page) that explains why you choose to apply for this position, including a statement of your research experience and interests;
• list of scientific publications, if applicable;
• the name and email address of at least two references, who will be asked for their recommendation letters when you are shortlisted.

Applications without the motivation letter will not be taken into consideration. However, with this motivation letter your application will receive our full attention.

A knowledge security check can be part of the selection procedure.
(for details: national knowledge security guidelines)

The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritize diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.

No agencies please.

38 hours per week

Science Park 904