Thin Film Scientist

CK Group are recruiting for a Thin Film Vacuum Coating Scientist on behalf of an innovative developer of microgroove solar technology products, to be based at their site in Seaham on a permanent basis.
About the company:
Our client has proven its unique micro-groove solar technology in >200cm2 modules, which contain over 80,000 individual solar cells, in its pilot facility in the North East of England. They are now working with world leading research partners to further improve and scale-up this new innovative technology to market.
About the role:
The main purpose of this role is the development of Thin Films through vacuum coating techniques tailored to the organisation's microgroove architecture. The role also involves the selection and use of appropriate materials and device characterisation techniques.
Your responsibilities will include:

• Selection and development of Thin Film layers, and characterisation of materials and devices:
• Selection of materials for substrates for stable and efficient devices
• Selection and optimisation of vacuum coating protocols
• Working alongside the Perovskite Physicist and Materials Surface Scientist to optimise the device materials stack
• Working alongside the Vacuum Coating Engineer to scale up the technology
• Driving the development process through detailed characterisation of the Thin Films, devices and interfaces
• Identifying, planning and leading external collaborations and projects
• Identifying in advance, planning and implementing resources required for efficient work progress
• Planning, managing and reporting on development trials in a timely manner
• Oversight of large data sets and identification of trends and conclusions
• Keeping up to date with relevant research literature and technical breakthroughs in the field
• Developing and improving internal and external testing regimes
• Preparing and implementing relevant H&S documentation (e.g. COSHH assessments and Risk Assessments)
• Creating and implementing process documentation such as SOPs and testing protocols
• Identifying and capturing IP

About you:
To be considered for the position, you should ideally have the following skills and experience:

• Qualified to PhD or EngD, or possess equivalent experience in a field focusing on vacuum coating of Thin Films for optoelectronics
• Laboratory experience of photovoltaics (or similar field) development with the focus on sputtering methods.
• Competence in material characterization using methods such as XRD, XRR, Ellipsometry, Hall effect, UV-Vis-NIR, PL, XPS, UPS, TEM, SEM, AFM, EDX, profilometry etc.
• Experience of Sputtering deposition and Physical vapour deposition (PVD)
• Deep subject matter knowledge on PV device and materials physics, from literature, laboratory experience and from interaction with experts in the field.
• The ability to plan development trials, critically analyse and interpret data, identify bottlenecks, and recommend and implement strategies to address them.

The following skills would be beneficial but not essential:

• Experience of developing e-beam and thermal evaporation processes is of benefit.
• Experience of work with flexible substrates, such as PET, especially in R2R processes
• Experience with in-situ monitoring or diagnostic techniques during Thin Film deposition
• Good understanding of industrial requirements towards optoelectronics manufacturing processes, including supply chain and mass production.

Apply:
It is essential that applicants hold entitlement to work in the UK. Please quote job reference 56376 in all correspondence.