Postdoctoral Research Associate in Organic Electronic Devices and Organic Solar Cells (Gu group)
The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Postdoctoral Research Associate in Organic Electronic Devices and Organic Solar Cells (Gu group).
| Position Details |
| Location |
Hattiesburg
118 College Drive
Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001
United States
|
| Division |
Polymer Science and Engineering |
| Position Type |
Staff |
| Employment Status |
Full Time |
| Grant Funded |
Yes |
| Pay Grade |
|
| Posting Close Date |
March 1, 2027 |
Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the
United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The
University will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).
Job Summary
The
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Organic Electronic Devices and Organic Solar
Cells (Gu Group) conducts research focused on organic electronic device
fabrication, particularly organic solar cells, performance testing, and
operational stability. This position investigates how materials, processing
methods, device architecture, and encapsulation affect photovoltaic performance
and degradation under light, heat, and environmental exposure. The position
coordinates research and laboratory activities, analyzes and interprets data,
communicates research findings to sponsors and collaborators, and prepares
publications and presentations. The Postdoctoral Research Associate also
assists faculty with sponsored project management and reporting and provides
research guidance to graduate and undergraduate researchers.
Primary
Job Duties and Responsibilities
- Fabricates and optimizes organic electronic devices, particularly organic solar cells. Develops reproducible procedures for substrate preparation, active-layer and interfacial-layer processing, electrode deposition, and encapsulation. Investigates the effects of processing methods and device architecture on performance.
- Characterizes device performance using current-voltage, external quantum efficiency, and complementary electrical and optical measurements. Investigates performance-limiting mechanisms, establishes testing procedures, and evaluates reproducibility across fabrication batches.
- Evaluates device stability through operational and accelerated aging studies under controlled illumination, temperature, atmosphere, and humidity. Performs maximum power point tracking, analyzes lifetime metrics, and investigates degradation mechanisms and strategies to improve stability.
- Prepares peer-reviewed publications, research proposals, presentations, technical reports, and related documentation. Maintains experimental records, analyzes and interprets research results, assists faculty with sponsored project management and reporting, and communicates project progress to collaborators and funding organizations.
- Trains and mentors graduate and undergraduate researchers in device fabrication, characterization, stability testing, laboratory safety, and data analysis. Provides guidance in establishing research priorities and developing reproducible experimental practices.
- Participates in research collaborations, project meetings, conferences, and travel to collaborating institutions, national laboratories, or sponsor locations as needed. Adheres to University and departmental policies and procedures and supports safe laboratory operations and equipment maintenance.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Ph.D.
from an accredited college or university in Materials Science and Engineering,
Polymer Science and Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Physics,
Electrical Engineering, or a related field. Three (3) years of experience in
organic electronic device fabrication and characterization. Three (3) years of
experience with organic semiconductor materials, thin-film processing, and
materials-device performance relationships. A peer-reviewed publication record
is required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA)
- Knowledge of organic semiconductor materials, device physics, thin-film processing, and photovoltaic characterization.
- Knowledge of organic electronic device fabrication, characterization, and stability testing methods.
- Knowledge of experimental research methods and laboratory safety practices.
- Ability to design and conduct controlled research experiments.
- Ability to troubleshoot device fabrication, instrumentation, and measurement processes.
- Ability to analyze and objectively evaluate device performance, reproducibility, stability, and degradation data.
- Ability to maintain accurate experimental records and research documentation.
- Ability to conduct research independently and collaborate with faculty, scientists, engineers, students, and research partners.
- Ability to prepare scientific publications, research proposals, technical reports, and presentations.
- Ability to train and provide research guidance to graduate and undergraduate researchers.
- Ability to coordinate research activities, priorities, and sponsored project requirements.
- Skill in written and verbal communication
- Skill in technical writing and scientific presentations.
- Skill in organization, problem-solving, and data analysis.
- Ability to travel to conferences, collaborating institutions, national laboratories, and sponsor locations as needed.
Preferred
Qualifications
Three (3) years of experience with organic solar cells, including non-fullerene
acceptors, is preferred. Three (3) years of experience with spin coating, blade
coating, slot-die coating, or related solution-processing methods is preferred.
Three (3) years of experience with glovebox operation, vacuum deposition,
interfacial-layer engineering, encapsulation, current-voltage measurements,
external quantum efficiency measurements, light-intensity-dependent
measurements, or maximum power point tracking. Three (3) years of experience
with operational and accelerated aging studies, International Summit on Organic
Photovoltaic Stability (ISOS) protocols, and photoinduced, thermal,
oxygen-related, or moisture-related degradation is preferred. Three (3) years
of experience with electrical, optical, or morphological characterization
methods used to evaluate relationships among materials, interfaces, device
performance, and stability. Three (3) years of experience with automated data
acquisition, instrument control, or performance and lifetime data analysis.
About The University of Southern Mississippi
Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern
Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing
students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students
in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the
Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We
are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of
the nation's leading research institutions.
Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in
polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing
language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national
leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography,
nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.
We produce graduates ready to enter
fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such
as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation of
business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by
producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of
excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation
accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our
student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and
persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.
The University of Southern Mississippi is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. EOE/VETS/DISABILITY.
