2 postdoctoral researchers and 1 Ph.D. student
In the PHOCONA project, we aim to develop a new class of highly fluorescent 2D and quasi-2D colloidal nanomaterials for solution-processed coherent light sources and ultrafast single-photon emitters. The materials will consist of suspended semiconductor nanoplates with a thickness below 5 nm, and transition-metal dichalcogenide monolayers. Prepared by colloidal chemistry or, in the latter case, also liquid-phase exfoliation, they take advantage of both quantum confinement through their nanoscale dimensions, as well as dielectric confinement via the dielectric mismatch between nanomaterials and surrounding host. With smart nanocrystal design, the nanomaterials will be shaped toward efficient multiexciton and stimulated emission, as well as stable, blinking-free single-photon emission. The intrinsic opto-electronic properties will be further modified toward ultrafast exciton recombination by coupling the nanomaterials to small mode-volume plasmonic nanocavities, hereby placing them in a local photon density-of-states that will lead to a strong Purcell enhancement.
Profile of the candidate
- The first postdoctoral researcher position (postdoc 1) will focus on the development of fluorescent 2D layered materials (MoX2, WX2 and associated materials), the investigation of their linear and nonlinear emission properties, and their exploration as solution-processed gain materials. The work will also involve interaction of 2D nanomaterials with plasmonic nanocavities.
- The second postdoctoral researcher position (postdoc 2) will focus on the development of deposition methods for size-controlled 2D nanoplatelets into ordered thin films, the influence of self-assembly on their nanoplatelets emission characteristics and the integration of the films into microcavities for optical gain and lasing. The work will also involve synthesis of 2D heterostructured nanoplatelets.
- The Ph.D. student will focus on the synthesis of 2D core/shell nanoplatelets with tunable lateral and vertical size, of various core and shell composition (in order to passivate the nanoplatelet surface and control strain at the core/shell interface), and with different crystal structures. The nanoplatelets will be mainly based on the materials class of II-VI semiconductors.
REQUIREMENTS:
- The Ph.D. candidate must hold a degree in physics, chemistry, or materials science, and show a strong interest in nanocrystal synthesis and photonic nanomaterials.
- The postdoctoral researchers must hold a Ph.D. degree in in physics, chemistry, or materials science. For the first position, we are looking for a person with extensive expertise in the colloidal synthesis and characterization of transition metal dichalcogenides, and/or expertise in the fabrication of plasmonic nanomaterials. For the second position, we are looking for a person with strong expertise in the synthesis and processing of colloidal 2D nanocrystals, and/or nanocrystal-based device fabrication.
- The work will be executed in the Physics and Chemistry of Nanostructures Group at Ghent University, Belgium. The Ph.D. candidate will be offered a 2-year scholarship, with the possibility to extend by two more years, and will be enrolled at Ghent University. The postdoctoral researchers will be offered a one-year scholarship, renewable up to a maximum duration of three years. The postdoctoral scholarships are subject to a mobility rule: researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in Belgium for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the recruitment date.
How to apply
To apply for a position, please send your c.v., motivation letter and contact information for 2 references to "iwan.moreels@ugent.be", using the subject line “application PHOCONA postdoc 1”, ““application PHOCONA postdoc 2”, or “application PHOCONA Ph.D. 1”, respectively. Evaluation of the applications will start on the 24th of October and will continue until the positions are filled.
For more information please click "Further Official Information" below.
This opportunity has expired. It was originally published here:
https://www.ugent.be/en/work/vacancies/scientific/2-postdoctoral-researchers-and-1-ph-d-student-72ipy