Research Associate in Perovskite Solar Cell Optimisation

Research Associate in Perovskite Solar Cell Optimisation

Working at Sheffield – Full Time (Hybrid) – Fixed-term – Closing Date: 04/08/2026

We seek a Physicist / Physical Chemist / Materials Scientist with expertise in the fabrication and optimisation of perovskite solar cells. This project is industry lead and includes the companies Power Roll Ltd and DYENAMO. The project objectives are to develop new self‑assembled molecular (SAM) materials supplied by DYENAMO that are designed to efficiently extract hole‑carriers from perovskite solar cells. These will be used in either conventional planar perovskite solar cells or V‑groove back‑contact devices that are being developed by Power Roll (see DOI: 10.1021/acsaem.
4c02734). A range of techniques will be used to deposit both perovskites and SAM layers, including slot‑die deposition, thermal evaporation, spin‑coating and spray‑coating. The results of this work will be used by Power Roll in their solar cell development programme.

• Design, develop and refine experiments in order to obtain reliable data.
• Carry out experimental research, including the use of chemicals and solvents in our clean‑rooms.
• Undertake basic spectroscopy and microscopy on thin perovskite and organic films.
• Fabricate solar cells and characterise their efficiency and stability.
• Analyse and record data to aid the design of future research and produce useful findings for project partners.
• Prepare papers for journals/presentations either in‑house or at national/international conferences or seminars to disseminate research findings.
• Write progress reports and present work at project meetings in the UK and Sweden.
• Read academic papers, journals and textbooks and attend conferences to keep abreast of developments.
• Plan for specific aspects of research programmes.
• If given a particular hypothesis to examine, plan for own contribution up to 3 months ahead, incorporating issues such as the availability of resources, deadlines, project milestones and overall research aims. Design individual experiments weekly.
• Interact effectively with other members of the project team, sharing data and expertise and working together to reach project objectives.
• Supervise research team/activities if required.
• Continuously monitor and check results. The unpredictability of research means that daily planning is required to accommodate new developments.
• Plan several months in advance to meet deadlines for journal publications and to prepare presentations and papers for conferences.
• As a member of staff you will be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and are respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

• A PhD or equivalent experience in physical science or engineering.
• Experience in the development and optimisation of perovskite solar cells.
• Experience in the deposition of thin organic films using both solution and thermal evaporation techniques.
• Experience in testing and characterising solar cell devices.
• Experience in using and maintaining a glovebox.
• Effective communication skills (including writing papers and making oral presentations at scientific meetings).
• Ability to communicate ideas effectively to other researchers.
• Ability to work effectively within a team.
• Ability to develop creative approaches to problem‑solving.
• Ability to analyse and solve problems.

• Experience in fabrication of thin films using roll to roll / slot die / spray‑coating.
• Experience in perovskite precursor solvent formulation.

Grade: 7

Salary: £38,249 to £46,735

Work arrangement:
Full‑time

Duration: 15 months

Line manager:
Prof D G Lidzey

Direct reports: n/a

Our website:

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

Possession of a criminal record is not an automatic bar to employment at the University of Sheffield. We recognise the value of steady employment in the rehabilitation process and examine each case in its own right. More information can be found on our information for candidates page:

For informal enquiries about this job contact
Prof David G. Lidzey: