Multiple, 2-year or 3- year full time, fixed term positions, located on the Camperdown Campus at the School of Physics
Opportunity to make valuable contributions to research in single junction and tandem solar cells
Base Salary Academic Level A $113,400 - $121,054 p.a or Academic Level B $127,436 - $141,774 p.a. + 17% superannuation

About the opportunity

The School of Physics are seeking to appoint a number of Postdoctoral Researchers in Perovskite Solar Cell Research (Level A or Level B) to work within a research group led by Prof. Anita Ho-Baillie – John Hooke Chair of Nanoscience based at the Sydney Nano Hub and the School of Physics at the University of Sydney.

The group has advanced research on perovskite single-junction and tandem solar cells with breakthroughs in cell efficiencies and durability for various practical applications. You will be given the opportunity to work collaboratively with a high performing team with increasing capability and capacity expanding research areas to double junctions and triple junctions tandeming perovskites with perovskites, CIGS, OPV and Si for large area cells or modules. Their true sustainability, cost effectiveness and how they are integrated into circularly economy are also of research interests within the group. Learnings in perovskite photovoltaic is have also been actively applied to other optoelectronics, photonic devices, dosimeters, storages and electronic devices. Within the group, you will be given the opportunity to expand your research skills and experience and to grow in your career as a mentee and a mentor, and to expand your research network when liaising with collaborative research partners.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

develop advanced modelling, novel material synthesis, processing, fabrication and manufacturing sequence, advanced characterisation and measuring methods for high performance perovskite devices relevant to commercial applications (terrestrial and space) Additional criteria include sustainability considerations and commercial viabilities
develop low-cost encapsulation technologies for devices passing industry standards and qualifications
develop and refine independent research skills under the supervision of more senior academic staff (with an increasing degree of autonomy)
ensures quality, standards and excellence are maintained in any research activities and output
provide informal mentoring and guidance to students within discipline (where appropriate)
carry out administrative tasks and contribute to faculty/school meetings
contribute to a positive workplace culture in which diversity of thought, contribution, collaboration, excellence and achieving outcomes are valued and enabled
interacts with students, staff and other members of the University community in a professional, collegial and respectful manner
maintains an understanding of the University’s strategic agenda
contributes to the strategic direction of the Faculty/School/Portfolio as articulated through the Faculty/School/Portfolio’s Strategic Plan/s or equivalent
undertake other duties and contribute to projects appropriate within the classification level as required.

Additional responsibilities for Level B appointment:

bring and maintain a research profile including (as appropriate) publication of book chapters/ peer-reviewed journal articles, producing conference/ seminar papers either independently or as part of a team (within the University or externally)
develop research collaborations and engage in translational research that result in knowledge or technology transfer leading to commercialisation, improved policy or practice, or enhancement to industry, the profession or community
contribute significantly to successful applications for competitive research grants and/ or funding to deliver research impact
provide training, informal mentoring, and guidance to lower-level academics and supervise postgraduate research students or projects where appropriate
contribute expertise and knowledge through communication with industry, forums of public debate, organisation of public events, seminars, and conferences
develop productive relationships, collaborations and partnerships with external parties (including research partners, government bodies and industry) which will ultimately contribute to improved outcomes for the profession, industry and/or community.

About you

The University values courage and creativity; openness and engagement; inclusion and diversity; and respect and integrity. As such, we see the importance of recruiting talent aligned to these values and are looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Perovskite Solar Cell Research who has:

a PhD (or near completion) in physics, chemistry, photovoltaics, materials science or related science or engineering subjects
experience with 3D, 2D, lead free, and inorganic perovskites; perovskite-based tandems, large area solar cells or modules
a strong track record of modelling, characterising and demonstrating innovative device designs and reflected by publications in high quality journal publications
excellent communication skills with the ability to work dynamically and collaboratively with research group members, research partners, industry partners, suppliers and manufacturers and the ability to meet milestones and deadlines
good analytical skills and attention to detail and ability to utilise data analytics and modelling software accordingly
experience in space solar cells qualification, acceptance standards and tests.

To be considered for appointment at Level B, we’re looking for evidence of:

experience working in a commercial industry setting
experience in demonstrating perovskite solar cells with record (Certified) efficiencies and/or durability
willingness to engage in commercialisation activities talking to potential customers, industry partners, suppliers, manufacturers and venture capitalists
experience in supervising or mentoring others and securing research funding for new research projects

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTIQ+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Gold employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion.

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page. In your cover letter please confirm if you are applying for a Level A or Level B role and please address the key responsibilities of the role. Your cover letter should be a maximum of 2 to 3 pages.

For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard. Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Rebecca Astar or Cherie Goodwin, Recruitment Operations by email to recruitment.sea@sydney.edu.au

The University reserves the right not to proceed with any appointment.

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Applications Close

Thursday 30 April 2026 11:59 PM

University of Sydney

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Postdoctoral Researcher in Perovskite Solar Cell Research