Postdoctoral Fellow in Advanced Photoactive Materials

The School of Electronic Engineering (MIEM, HSE University) in Moscow, Russia, invites applications for postdoctoral research positions in the field of Advanced Photoactive Materials.

Advanced Photoactive Materials for Solar Energy Applications

The efficiency of photocatalytic solar energy conversion through water splitting will be experimentally investigated as a clean and efficient strategy to harness and store abundant solar energy in the form of hydrogen fuel. Recently, 2D layered materials such as MoS₂, MXenes, and g-C₃N₄ have emerged as promising candidates for water splitting applications. Unlike conventional photoactive semiconductors, these 2D materials exhibit excellent chemical and thermal stability, along with abundant reactive sites for catalytic reactions. In this proposed study, nanohybrid catalysts based on 2D materials will be synthesized and thoroughly characterized to evaluate their optical and surface properties for efficient water splitting. The synergistic effects between 2D materials with tunable optical properties will be systematically explored to enhance solar energy conversion performance.

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 the synthesis and development of efficient photoactive materials for solar energy applications in photocatalysis 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 approaches 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 School of Electronic Engineering research projects such as:

o  Machine learning approaches to predict the photocatalytic performance.

• writing research papers for international peer-reviewed journals in co-authorship with Prof. Andrey Vasenko and other members of the School of Electronic Engineering (MIEM, HSE University);
• participation in the events of the School of Electronic Engineering and other contribution to the School of Electronic Engineering 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.

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 department 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 School of Electronic Engineering – official web-site of the School 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