Postdoctoral Fellow in Perovskite Materials

The Quantum Nanoelectronics Laboratory (MIEM, HSE University) in Moscow, Russia, invites applications for postdoctoral research positions in the field of Perovskite Materials.

Perovskite Materials for Solar Energy Conversion

The stability of perovskite solar cells will be theoretically investigated to address the key challenges hindering their widespread application. While perovskite materials exhibit outstanding photoelectric conversion properties, their structural degradation over time and the presence of surface and interface defects limit their practical use. In this project, density functional theory (DFT) calculations and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations will be employed to study the structural evolution of perovskite materials and to elucidate fundamental mechanisms such as carrier recombination and ion migration, extending the methodology of previous studies [W. Li, Y. She, A.S. Vasenko, and O.V. Prezhdo, “Ab initio nonadiabatic molecular dynamics of charge carriers in metal halide perovskites”, Nanoscale 13, 10239 (2021)]. Composition engineering and surface decoration strategies will be systematically studied to passivate defects and enhance material stability. This theoretical study is expected to provide crucial insights and guidelines for the development of stable and high-performance perovskite solar cells.

This research will be conducted in close collaboration with the Laboratory of Optoelectronic Materials and Energy Devices at the School of Materials Science and Engineering, Peking University (China).

Requirements

The general requirements for the postdoctoral fellowship positions are the following:

• Candidates must hold a recent PhD in the field of Quantum chemistry, Energy Science and Engineering, Condensed matter physics or related areas which was awarded over the last 5 years or received before starting work at HSE in a relevant field by an internationally recognized university and has been assessed by external reviewers as having the potential to pursue research that is publishable in leading peer-reviewed journals;
• Candidates should have a strong background in density functional theory (DFT) simulations using VASP and Quantum Espresso codes and the ability to work in a team;
  
• Fluent English is an obligatory condition as research and other activities are conducted in English. Knowledge of Russian is not required;
  
• Relevant experience in machine learning methods will be an asset although not required.

The position involves:

• working under the direct supervision of Prof. Andrey Vasenko;
• participants are encouraged to pursue their own research along with working on Quantum Nanoelectronics Laboratory research projects such as:

o  Theoretical modeling of charge and energy transfer in low-dimensional materials (e.g., perovskites, 2D semiconductors);
o  High-throughput computational screening of novel functional materials for optoelectronics and solar energy conversion.

• writing research papers for international peer-reviewed journals in co-authorship with Prof. Andrey Vasenko and other members of the Quantum Nanoelectronics Laboratory (MIEM, HSE University);
• participation in the events of the Quantum Nanoelectronics Laboratory and other contribution to the Quantum Nanoelectronics Laboratory development;
• public presentations of candidate’s own research to the academic community;
• some teaching is encouraged, though not required.

Conditions

Appointments are made for one year. Postdoctoral fellows have high opportunity of renewal of the contract (no more than two times) in case of outstanding performance.

HSE University offers postdoctoral fellows a competitive salary, the standard medical insurance plan; a working space equipped with a computer and free Internet access at the University.

The Quantum Nanoelectronics Laboratory offers access to HSE University cHARISMa supercomputer that operates at a peak computing rate of 2 petaFLOPS.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted online. Please provide a CV, a statement of research interest and a recent research paper submitted via the online application form. At least two letters of recommendation should be sent directly to the International Faculty Recruitment Office at fellowship@hse.ru before the application deadline. Please note that direct applications to the hiring laboratory may not be reviewed.

Read more about the application process here.

The deadline for the applications is January 31, 2026

Apply now

For more information:

• about Postdoctoral Fellowship -Frequently Asked Questions
  
• about HSE university –official web-site
  
• about the Quantum Nanoelectronics Laboratory – official web-site of the Laboratory or contact Prof. Andrey Vasenko at avasenko@hse.ru directly
• about international specialists' life in Moscow -International Faculty Support page

If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact the International Faculty Recruitment Office at fellowship@hse.ru