Postdoctoral Research Associate in Organic Electronic Devices and Organic Solar Cells (Gu group)

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.