(M/F) Researcher on fixed-term contract - Study of the structures and properties of hetero-interfaces in CIGS-based solar cells

The research project focuses on the prediction and optimisation of crystalline structures present at metal oxide heterointerfaces with copper, indium, gallium and selenium (CIGS) thin-film solar cells. Heterointerfaces play a crucial role in determining the performance of photovoltaic devices by influencing charge carrier transport properties and interface stability. They are also the site of many observed detrimental effects, such as cleavage, reconstruction or nucleation of an unexpected detrimental interphase region, the crystallographic parameters of which are not easy to manage with current experimental devices.
Using mainly ab initio simulations (DFT), biomimetic optimisation methods (evolutionary or particle swarm methods) - and theoretical analyses, the postdoctoral researcher will endeavour to predict and characterise the crystalline structures at the CIGS interfaces in order to propose strategies for improving their stability and photovoltaic performance.

- Use and adapt the above computer simulation techniques to predict crystal structures at CIGS heterointerfaces.
- Carry out theoretical analyses to understand the underlying mechanisms that govern the properties of the interface.
- Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of researchers in physics, chemistry and materials engineering to interpret the results and propose innovative solutions.
- Contribute to the writing of high-quality scientific articles and present the results at international conferences.
- Take an active part in group meetings and discussions on the progress of the project.

The Institut des Matériaux de Nantes Jean Rouxel (IMN) is a joint research unit (UMR) of the CNRS and Nantes University. With over 200 staff, it is one of France's leading materials research centres (https://www.cnrs-imn.fr/). The person recruited will work in the ID2M (Metallurgy and Materials Engineering) research team, under the direction of Isabelle BRAEMS. He or she will also benefit from regular interdisciplinary collaboration meetings on the IMN's computers.