Improving the performance of organic light emitting diodes

Overview

A fully-funded PhD scholarship is available to study the physics of organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs). An OLED uses organic semiconductor materials to generate light, for example, in mobile phone screens and TVs. OLED displays are already in the market, but there is still significant room for improvement. A major gap in understanding is the impact of nano- and microscale film structure on device performance, for example, how the molecular packing in the film influences the physical and electronic behaviour. There is an opportunity for a motivated PhD student to address these challenges and contribute to the next generation of organic semiconductor technology.

The broader context

This PhD project is part of a multi-university and multi-disciplinary collaboration funded by the Australian Research Council (ARC) Discovery Projects. There are a total of three PhD positions available. The other two projects are experimental studies of thin film morphology and experimental studies of charge transport. This project relates to theory and simulation. All three PhD students will work closely together as a cohort, in collaboration with academics and postdoctoral researchers.

About the PhD

The successful applicant will use computers to predict the detailed structure of OLED devices when fabricated using various methods. Furthermore, the project will also analyse the impact of these structures on the resulting device performance. The successful applicant will learn how to perform state-of-the-art molecular dynamics and kinetic monte carlo simulations. Their work will directly inform the experimental studies undertaken by the other PhD students, as well as assist in interpreting and understanding the results of their measurements. Hence this is a unique opportunity to work on a theoretical project with a strong bidirectional link to experiment.

What we offer

The successful applicant will receive an ARC-funded stipend equal in value to the Research Training Program Scholarship, which in 2021 is AUD$28,597 per annum (indexed annually). The stipend is for three years with a possible extension of 6 months in approved circumstances. The scholarship is tax-free.

We also provide funding to support the research, including for travel to visit collaborators and attend conferences.

Eligibility requirements

Applicants must meet JCU’s entry requirements for admission to a PhD. Award of the scholarship is conditional on the university accepting your enrolment. The successful applicant will be guided through the process of formally applying for admission.

This is an interdisciplinary project so applicants from a wide range of academic backgrounds will be considered. Applications should have strong undergraduate knowledge in some of these areas:

• Computer programming,
• Numerical mathematics or differential equations,
• Semiconductor physics, and/or
• Computational chemistry.

This project is based in Cairns, Australia and is available for immediate start. Remote/off-campus study may be considered for an outstanding candidate, however, to receive a scholarship, the candidate must be living in Australia.

Please note that the Australian government has closed the international border due to Covid19. Hence, applicants should be already living in Australia before applying. It is not typically possible to enter Australia on a student visa at the present time.

How to apply

To express your interest in this scholarship and PhD research opportunity, please prepare the following items:

• A brief CV including qualifications, academic achievements, list of publications, work history, and references.
• A cover letter describing your research interests and why you would like to undertake a PhD (maximum one page).
• A copy of your academic transcript(s).

Please submit your application via email to [Email Address Removed].

The scholarship may be filled before the end of the life of the advertising period, so you are encouraged to get in contact as soon as possible.