Doctoral Researchers within doctoral pilot IDEEP, 2 paikkaa, Åbo Akademi, Turku

Åbo Akademi University (ÅAU) is an internationally acknowledged research university with an extensive responsibility for providing education in Swedish in Finland. With its international research community and its strong Nordic ties, Åbo Akademi University has an acclaimed and recognized position within research and education both nationally and internationally.

The Faculty of Science and Engineering offers 1-3 funded positions for doctoral researchers (3 years/position) within the doctoral pilot Innovative Doctoral Education Ecosystem for Photonics ( https://www.abo.fi/en/research-at-aau/postgraduate-and-doctoral-studies/doctoral-education-pilots-at-abo-akademi-university/%22%20/l%20%22innovative-doctoral-education-ecosystem-for-photonics-i-deep).

The doctoral pilot programme Innovative Doctoral Education Ecosystem for Photonics - I?DEEP reaches all Finnish universities with research activities in light-based technologies. Furthermore, with Photonics Finland and VTT as I?DEEP associate members, excellent possibilities for collaboration with the industry exist.

Two of the positions start on August 1, 2024, and one position starts on January 1, 2025 (separate application process in autumn 2024). The positions are within the three projects listed below.

Project 1: Modelling of signal enhancement and fluorescence imaging in nanowire-based fluorescence biosensors. PI Associate Professor https://www.abo.fi/en/contact/nicklas-anttu/. The position connected to this project is within the following doctoral programme at ÅAU: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Geology (main subject: Physics).

High refractive-index nanowires could offer considerable signal enhancement in fluorescence-based biodetectors. To understand how light behaves in such applications and how to optimize the device materials and geometry, modelling is an effective approach. Here, we will model with the Maxwell equations the enhancement of excitation light, directionality of emitted photons from the fluorophore marker for enhanced collection of fluorescence signal, and enhanced quantum yield of the fluorophore through the Purcell factor. Furthermore, we will model the image sharpness from fluorophores from the vicinity of the nanowires, in which case the standard point-spread function in optical microscopy breaks down due to the strong diffraction of light by the high refractive-index nanowires.

Project 2: Optimal nanoparticle deployment for passive cooling skylight day-time performance, PI Professor https://www.abo.fi/en/contact/ron-zevenhoven/. The position connected to this project is within the following doctoral programme at ÅAU: Chemical Engineering (process- och energiteknik)

Passive systems for cooling that do not need external energy input (electricity) are dearly needed in these times of climate change and global warming. Controlling visible and non-visible short wavelenght (SW) thermal radiation at the same time as long wavelength (LW) thermal radiation entering or leaving buidling spaces offers opportunities for passive systems that selectively absorb/emit/reflect/transmit these different wavelength ranges. In this project, we consider passive cooling performance of a building roof skylight window. The focus is to approach from a material physics viewpoint the photonics-material selection challenges combined with aspects of costs.

Project 3: Enhancing efficiency and stability of organic and perovskite photovoltaic cells, PI Prof. https://www.abo.fi/en/contact/ronald-osterbacka/. The position connected to this project is within the following doctoral programme at ÅAU: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Geology (main subject: Physics)

Organic semiconductors and metal halide perovskites are two materials showing great promise for future thin-film solar cells. In such devices, the degradation of electrical contacts is a major effect. The aim of this project is to better understand contact degradation processes for increased long-term operation. We will use charge-extraction transient techniques to better understand the degradation processes in organic and perovskite photovoltaic cells. To support the characterization analysis, new models are developed for integrated optical and electrical device simulations, taking the contacts in particular focus.

The doctoral degree promotes the appointees' future career orientation and prepares for work as an independent researcher or in demanding expert work in the academic and other work life-sectors.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EVALUATION

This announcement is open for those who have a master's degree AND a supervisor or a potential supervisor at the Faculty of Science and Engineering at ÅAU. Applicants must have accomplished their Master's studies (or equivalent) on July 31 2024, at the latest (a copy of degree certificate or a certificate of completed degree can be sent later to graduateschoolabo.fi ).

Please note that there is a https://www.abo.fi/en/research-at-aau/postgraduate-and-doctoral-studies/apply-for-doctoral-studies/. Applicants can apply for admission to a doctoral programme after receiving the decision on employment. An applicant, who is not yet accepted as a doctoral student at the Faculty, needs to fulfil the requirements for doctoral studies according to the principles for admission to the doctoral programmes within the faculty. When the employment commences, the doctoral researcher needs to have a study right for a doctoral degree awarded no earlier than 1.11.2023 or be at a stage that allows the candidate to be awarded a right to study for a doctoral degree during the probationary period (i.e. within six months of the start of employment).

In the recruitment, the applicants are assessed on the basis of their study achievements, research plan and its feasibility, and possible results of previous research in the relevant field or related subjects. The evaluation also takes into account how the planned research project promotes the applicant's capability for different career opportunities after completing the dissertation.

Applicants should have excellent communication skills in English.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

Doctoral researchers employed by Åbo Akademi University should actively take part in the research and education within the faculty, in Turku or in Vaasa.

Åbo Akademi University applies the salary system of F