12 PhD Positions on Organic Semiconductors - TADFsolutions
Categories: News | opportunities
Tags: PhD in Europe | PhD | MSCA
TADFsolutions - addressing the challenges of high-performance solution-processed OLEDs using sustainable materials
Applications are invited for 12 PhD positions (“Doctoral Fellows”, DFs) to be funded by the Marie-Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Network TADFsolutions within the Horizon 2021 Programme of the European Commission.
TADFsolutions will train a cohort of dynamic researchers to devise, develop and implement sustainable solutions for improving the device performance of solution-processed OLEDs for display applications. In the 21st century, displays play a central role. They are embedded in almost every type of electronic device and it is difficult to imagine a world without mobile phones, monitors and televisions. The pervasiveness of displays is driven by the disruptive organic light-emitting diode (OLED) technology. There are, however, some structural weaknesses in state-of-the-art vacuum-deposited OLEDs. These include the use of scarce metals within the materials of the device and the reliance on energy-intensive and expensive vacuum deposition fabrication methods. Solutions are required to make these devices more sustainable from the choice of materials to manufacturing processes.
The 12 PhD scientists will undertake multidisciplinary research to meet this design challenge. Despite being cheaper, the current best solution-processed OLEDs (SP-OLEDs) still rely on scarce noble-metal based phosphorescent emitters and underperform compared to vacuum-deposited OLEDs. Starting from bespoke organic thermally activated delayed fluorescence emitter materials, the performance of SP-OLEDs will be maximized based on improved predictive models of charge transport, film processing techniques, and device structures. A strongly interconnected approach is required not only to effectively train the doctoral fellows but to meet the objectives. The TADFsolutions network consists of 8 leading European academics, 3 companies and 5 international partners that are equipped and experienced to not only confront the materials and device design challenges but to provide a robust multidisciplinary and intersectoral training environment to ensure that the DFs have the requisite skills, both soft and technical, to enter the employment market and contribute to securing Europe’s leading role in OLED materials.
This highly interlinked program gives a fantastic opportunity for the brightest young chemists, spectroscopists, theoreticians and device physicists to work together and learn complimentary skills that will be in high demand from European OLED industries. Leading experts will give courses on core scientific skills along with soft skills and international secondments will be offered, all to properly prepare them for their future careers. They will be part of a network answering a real industrial need and help to secure the future of our European OLED industries in the global OLED materials arena.
The network comprises universities and companies in Germany, UK, France, Spain, The Netherlands and Switzerland. The positions include interdisciplinary training, internships in European and Non-European countries, summer schools and yearly international meetings.
Applicants for the PhD positions must not yet have been awarded a PhD degree and must be in the first 4 years (full-time equivalent) of their research careers prior to the recruitment. All applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the organization they are applying to for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the recruitment.
Applications are to be sent to the respective contacts for the individual positions as detailed below.
* All monthly salaries listed are approximate gross amounts, including employer costs of employee according to MSCA ITN rules.
Specific Requirements
Applicants for the PhD positions must not yet have been awarded a PhD degree and must be in the first 4 years (full-time equivalent) of their research careers prior to the recruitment. All applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of the organization they are applying to for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the recruitment.
Positions currently available:
Fellow 1: The impact of solution processing on the optoelectronic properties of TADF emitters
The PhD student will focus on (i) Evaluation of materials-dependent parameters determining the exchange energy and RISC rate and yield, (ii) Assessment of the role of intermolecular interactions for TADF.
The PhD student will combine in-situ and ex-situ time-resolved photoluminescence and absorption measurements during film formation to obtain a detailed understanding on process of film formation and its impact on the photophysics of OLEDs
Requirements: M.Sc. in Physics, Physical Chemistry, Materials Science or equivalent graduation. Proof of English proficiency, as communication and teaching language throughout TADFsolutions is English (e.g. TOEFL or similar test, not for native speakers). Basic knowledge of German is welcome, yet not required.
Start date (planned): 1st October 2022 – 28th February 2023
Application deadline: 30th June 2022
Monthly Salary*: 3342€ + 600€ Mobility allowance + 660€ Family allowance.
Contact
Prof. Anna Köhler
University of Bayreuth
Soft Matter Optoelectronics
Fellow 2: Modelling solution-processed TADF emitter layers using kinetic Monte Carlo
Simbeyond and the University of Bayreuth are looking for a talented researcher with knowledge of semiconductor physics and interest in organic electronics and simulations, to join our young and dynamic teams in Eindhoven and Bayreuth. This position offers the opportunity to work in a company setting simultaneously towards a PhD degree in collaboration with prof. Anna Koehler at the Bayreuth University. This 36 month-position requires the researcher to live for 18 months in Eindhoven, The Netherlands, and another 18 months in Bayreuth, Germany. The PhD student will evaluate and improve the 3D KMC model for predicting OLED device degradation and lifetime, identify of the critical stack parameters and physical processes that most impact device degradation and lifetime of solution processed and hybrid OLEDs.
Requirements: M.Sc. in (Applied) Physics, Chemistry or related fields and interest in the field of organic electronics, semiconductor physics or optics, preferably using simulation tools. Strong presentation and writing skills are required, as well as a quality mindset and good problem-solving skills. The candidate should be fluent in English, both in written and verbal form and should not have lived in The Netherlands or Germany for 12 months in the last 3 years.
Start date (planned): 1st October 2022 – 28th February 2023
Application deadline: 30th June 2022
Monthly Salary*: In NL: 3726€ + 600€ Mobility allowance + 660€ Family allowance.
In DE: 3342€ + 600€ Mobility allowance + 660€ Family allowance.
Contact
Dr. Stefano Gottardi
Senior Researcher
Simbeyond B.V.
stefano.gottardi@simbeyond.com
Contact
Prof. Anna Köhler
University of Bayreuth
Soft Matter Optoelectronics
Fellow 3: Chiral dendrimeric and polymeric TADF emitters for solution processed CP-OLEDs
The PhD student will synthesize chiral TADF-emitting dendrimers, liquid crystals and polymers. The photophysical and chirality-related properties will be studied through spectroscopic methods. The optimized TADF materials will be incorporated into solution-processed circularly polarized light-emitting organic diodes (CP-OLEDs).
Requirements: M.Sc. in Chemistry. Proof of English proficiency (e.g. TOEFL or similar test, not for native speakers).
Start date (planned): 1st October 2022 – 28th February 2023
Application deadline: 30th June 2022
Monthly Salary*: 3975 € + 600€ Mobility allowance + 660€ Family allowance.
Contact
Dr. Jeanne Crassous
CNRS, Institut des Sciences Chimiques de Rennes
jeanne.crassous@univ-rennes1.fr
Fellow 4: The impact of solution processing on the optoelectronic properties of TADF emitters
The PhD student will focus on: (i) Experimental determination of the effect of solution processing on the charge transport and excitonic processes in solution-processed TADF-based OLEDs, leading to a full mechanistic description of these processes that can be used in 3D-KMC simulations. (ii) Application of these studies to 3D-KMC modelling of solution-processed low roll-off and long-lifetime devices, indicating the limitations and opportunities achievable using solution processing.
Requirements: M.Sc. in Chemical or Physical Sciences or equivalent graduation. Proof of English proficiency as communication and teaching language (e.g. TOEFL or similar test, not for native speakers).
Start date (planned): 1st October 2022 – 28th February 2023
Application deadline: 30th June 2022
Monthly Salary: 3726€ + 600€ Mobility allowance + 660€ Family allowance.
Contact
Prof. Reinder Coehoorn
Technical University Eindhoven
Department of Physics
Fellow 5: Optimizing and tuning the optical characteristics of solution processed TADF OLEDs
Solution processed organic films are characterized by intrinsic disorder and inhomogeneity on different length scales. The PhD student will investigate how these inhomogeneities affect the optical characteristics of TADF OLEDs. New optical designs will be tested that to mitigate detrimental effects of inhomogeneity while still offering efficient emission and well-saturated colour. Specifically, the PhD student will focus on two aspects: (i) Develop and use Fourier plane angle-resolved photoluminescence mapping to monitor variations in molecular orientation in solution processed TADF OLEDs with high spatial resolution. (ii) Introduce and optimize microcavity device architectures to improve colour saturation compared to conventional TADF OLEDs whilst retaining robustness against any local film inhomogeneities introduced by the solution-based deposition of the organic materials.
Requirements: M.Sc. in Physical or Chemical Sciences or equivalent degree. Proof of English proficiency as communication and teaching language throughout TADFlife is English (e.g. TOEFL or similar test, not for native speakers).
Start date (planned): 1st October 2022 – 28th February 2023
Application deadline: 30th June 2022
Monthly Salary*: 3342€ + 600€ Mobility allowance + 660€ Family allowance.
Contact
Prof. Malte Gather
University of Cologne
Department of Chemistry
Fellow 6: Perovskite based charge transport and light emitting materials
The PhD student will develop perovskite based charge transport and light-emitting materials and integrated them in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) that are based on thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF). Molecular design, synthesis and processing into high quality thin films are key components of this activity. The photophysical and charge transport properties of the thin films will be analysed with advanced spectroscopic and related techniques.
Requirements: M.Sc. in Chemistry, Physics or Materials Science or equivalent graduation. Proof of English proficiency, as communication and teaching language throughout TADFsolutions is English. Basic knowledge of Spanish is welcome, yet not required.
Start date (planned): 1st October 2022 – 28th February 2023
Application deadline: 15th July 2022
Monthly Salary*: 3104€ + 600€ Mobility allowance + 660€ Family allowance.
Contact
Prof. Hendrik (Henk) Bolink
Instituto de Ciencia Molecular
Universidad de Valencia
Spain
Fellow 7: Solution-processing multilayer OLED devices with designed optical management
The PhD student will investigate the fabrication process of multilayer OLEDs. This will include the study of the solidification of OLED materials, gaining detailed knowledge of relevant thermodynamic and kinetic factors, the characterization of interfaces, and the design of light management structures. The latter may include some materials synthesis. Hence, the student will be exposed to materials chemistry processing and characterization, optics and device engineering, working in a highly interdisciplinary team of chemists, materials scientists and physicists.
Requirements: M.Sc. (or equivalent) in Materials Sciences or Chemistry. A strong background in materials processing and characterization is required, skills in organic/polymer synthesis are welcome. Provide detailed curriculum and ranking for the last grade (M.Sc. or equivalent). An average grade of at least 12/20 (or equivalent) is required. English proficiency as communication and teaching language is highly recommended.
Start date (planned): 1st October 2022 – 28th February 2023
Application deadline: 30th June 2022
Monthly Salary: 3957€ + 600€ Mobility allowance + 660€ Family allowance.
Contact
Pr Natalie Stingelin and Pr Cyril Brochon
University of Bordeaux
natalie.stingelin@mse.gatech.edu
Fellow 8: Electro-optical simulations for solution processed TADF and hybrid OLEDs
The PhD student will investigate charge and exciton dynamics as well as optical properties of solution processed OLEDs with a special focus on device simulations. This position offers the opportunity to work in an industrial environment and actively contribute to future versions of the commercial simulation software Setfos. In particular, new models for thermal, optical and ionic transport in thin-film OLED devices will be developed and validated with experimental data in close collaboration with the other PhD students. Application of existing tools to gain understanding in efficiency and lifetime will complement the work.
Requirements: M.Sc. in Physics or Engineering or Computational Science and interest in the field of organic electronics, semiconductor physics or optics, with an affinity to explore physical simulation tools. Experience in programming languages (C++, Python, Matlab) is considered a plus. Proof of English proficiency.
Start date (planned): 1st November 2022 – 28th February 2023
Application deadline: 15th July 2022
Monthly Salary*: 4372€ + 600€ Mobility allowance + 660€ Family allowance.
Contact
Prof. Beat Ruhstaller, CEO
Dr. Sandra Jenatsch, R&D Manager
Fluxim Inc.
Fellow 9: Accessing OLED degradation by combining device simulations and characterization
The PhD student will devise efficient ‘benchtop’ R&D methods and tools for the characterization of solution processed TADF OLED materials and devices. A focus is given to the analysis of microscopic degradation mechanisms and the acceleration factors due to temperature and current enhancements. This position offers the opportunity to work in an industrial environment and actively contribute to future versions of the commercial measurement tool Litos. By combining advanced electro-optical characterization techniques (impedance spectroscopy, transient electroluminescence, etc.) and device simulations, different hypothesis for device failure are scrutinized. Studying the temperature in the emissive devices and its dependence on layer inhomogeneities will provide input to colleagues working on fabrication of OLEDs.
Requirements: M.Sc. in Physics or Engineering or Computational Science and interest in the field of organic electronics, semiconductor physics or optics. An analytical approach to experimental planning and data analysis is key. Experience in data analysis, programming and hardware control languages (Python, Matlab, Labview) is considered a plus. Proof of English proficiency.
Start date (planned): 1st November 2022 – 28th February 2023
Application deadline: 15th July 2022
Monthly Salary*: 4372€ + 600€ Mobility allowance + 660€ Family allowance.
Contact
Prof. Beat Ruhstaller, CEO
Dr. Sandra Jenatsch, R&D Manager
Fluxim Inc.
Fellow 10: The Development of Strongly Emissive TADF Dendrimers for High-Efficiency SP-OLEDs
The PhD student will design, model, synthesize and characterize a set of novel blue, green and red TADF dendrimer emitters.
Requirements: M.Sc. in Chemical or Physical Sciences or equivalent graduation. Proof of English proficiency as communication and teaching language throughout TADFsolutions is English (e.g. IELTS or similar test, not for native speakers).
Start date (planned): 1st October 2022 – 28th February 2023
Application deadline: 15th June 2022
Indicative Monthly Salary*: 4655€ + 600€ Mobility allowance + 660€ Family allowance.
Contact
Dr. Eli Zysman-Colman
University of St Andrews
Department of Chemistry
eli.zysman-colman@st-andrews.ac.uk
Fellow 11: The Development of liquid crystalline (LC) TADF Emitters Showing Preferential Horizontal Orientation for High-Efficiency OLEDs
The PhD student will design, model, synthesize and characterize LC TADF materials that show preferential orientation of their transition dipole moment (TDM), (ii) Design and synthesis of chiral LC TADF materials that show both preferential orientation of their TDM and high dissymmetry values.
Requirements: M.Sc. in Chemical or Physical Sciences or equivalent graduation. Proof of English proficiency as communication and teaching language throughout TADFsolutions is English (e.g. IELTS or similar test, not for native speakers).
Start date (planned): 1st October 2022 – 28th February 2023
Application deadline: 15th June 2022
Indicative Monthly Salary*: 4655€ + 600€ Mobility allowance + 660€ Family allowance.
Contact
Dr. Eli Zysman-Colman
University of St Andrews
Department of Chemistry
eli.zysman-colman@st-andrews.ac.uk
Fellow 12: Solution processed hyperfluorescent TADF OLEDs
The PhD student will investigate the excited state processes occurring in hyperfluorescent TADF OLED materials and devices made by solution processing. Optical spectroscopy including time resolved fluorescence and delayed fluorescence measurements will be used. Energy transfer between TADF sensitizer and hyperfluorescent multi-resonance emitters will be studied and optimized as a function of film processing. Optical results will be compared to device performance to fully understand the role of different guest host interactions in hyperfluorescent TADF OLEDs. You will learn to fabricate OLEDs and fully parameterize them.
Requirements: M.Sc. in Chemical or Physical Sciences or equivalent graduation. English language at the required UK level required to obtain the required UK visa.
Start date (planned): 1st October 2022 – 28th February 2023
Application deadline: 30th June 2022
Monthly Salary*: 4655€ + 600€ Mobility allowance + 660€ Family allowance.
Contact
Prof. Andrew Monkman
Durham University
Department of Physics