PhD in High Performance Organic Photovoltaics in University of Southern Denmark – Denmark

Summary

The University of Southern Denmark invites applications for a fully funded three‑year PhD position in High Performance Organic Photovoltaics within the SDU CAPE centre at the Mads Clausen Institute in Sønderborg. The role is part of the DFF‑funded LuminOPV project, focusing on AIE‑active molecular materials to improve organic solar‑cell performance. The successful candidate will receive a monthly gross salary of DKK 37,075, work in state‑of‑the‑art cleanroom and roll‑to‑roll facilities, and have opportunities for international research stays. The position requires a Master’s degree (or equivalent), strong analytical skills, and fluency in English. Applications are due by 15 October 2026.

Key Facts

Department	Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics and Thin-Film Energy Devices (SDU CAPE)
Position Type	PhD Research Fellow / PhD Scholarship
Discipline	Organic Photovoltaics
Research Area	High Performance Organic Photovoltaics
Degree Required	Master's degree or equivalent
Salary	DKK 37,075 gross per month including pension
Funding	Fully funded PhD fellowship (DFF-funded LuminOPV project)
Contract Duration	3 years
Language	English
Deadline	2026-10-15
Required Documents	Motivated application, Curriculum Vitae, Master's degree certificate and transcript, Bachelor's degree certificate and transcript, Official English translations of educational documents, Completed TEK PhD application form, TEK PhD grade-point-average calculation form, Official documentation describing the grading system, Assessment confirming top 30% ranking (if applicable), List of publications (if applicable), Up to two relevant publications (if available), References (if applicable), Documentation of other qualifications (if appropriate)
Employer Address	Alsion 2, 6400 Sønderborg, Denmark
Employer Contact	Email: [email protected]

About the Project

The LuminOPV project aims to develop next‑generation organic photovoltaic technologies by designing aggregation‑induced emission (AIE)‑active molecular materials. It targets improved photophysical processes, controlled molecular organization, reduced energy losses, enhanced charge extraction, and suppressed interfacial defects to achieve higher device performance and operational stability. The project also explores scalable production of organic solar cells and modules, integrating complementary interface engineering and passivation strategies.

Key Responsibilities

• Design AIE‑active molecular materials for organic photovoltaic applications
• Investigate photophysical properties of advanced molecular materials
• Study molecular organization and its influence on device performance
• Examine energy‑loss mechanisms in organic photovoltaic devices
• Develop and optimise materials for next‑generation organic solar cells
• Explore interface engineering and passivation strategies
• Investigate charge extraction mechanisms
• Contribute to suppression of interfacial defects
• Study factors influencing operational stability
• Develop scalable organic photovoltaic devices and modules
• Conduct experimental research using advanced laboratory facilities
• Develop independent research ideas within the LuminOPV project
• Communicate research results in scientific publications and presentations
• Participate in international research collaborations and stays abroad
• Collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary researchers

Required Skills

• Strong scientific curiosity
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving abilities
• Ability to work independently
• Strong collaboration and teamwork skills
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Knowledge of organic synthesis, molecular photophysics, or related techniques (advantageous)
• Experience with thin‑film preparation, material characterisation, or photovoltaic device development (advantageous)

Who Should Apply

Highly motivated researchers holding a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Materials Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering or a related discipline, with a strong interest in organic photovoltaic materials, molecular photophysics, and sustainable energy technologies. Candidates should demonstrate scientific curiosity, analytical problem‑solving abilities, independence, teamwork, and excellent written and spoken English.

Benefits

• Fully funded three‑year PhD fellowship with a gross monthly salary of DKK 37,075 including pension
• Potential placement at a higher salary step based on postgraduate experience
• Access to modern cleanroom, surface‑science, thin‑film, and roll‑to‑roll facilities
• Opportunities for international research stays abroad
• Inclusion in an international, interdisciplinary research environment
• Eligibility for PhD enrolment at the Faculty of Engineering

About the Employer

The University of Southern Denmark’s Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics and Thin‑Film Energy Devices (SDU CAPE) is part of the Mads Clausen Institute. It focuses on green energy technologies, including thin‑film solar cells, organic photovoltaics, and sustainable energy conversion, and offers modern research infrastructure and collaborations with academia and industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the PhD position start?

The expected start date is 1 December 2026, or as agreed with the successful candidate.

What is the monthly salary?

The gross monthly salary, including pension, is DKK 37,075.

How long is the contract?

The position is a three‑year appointment.

Are research stays abroad included?

Yes, research stays abroad are part of the PhD position.

In which language must the application be submitted?

All application documents must be submitted in English.