PhD position

NEU

Teilzeit

Forschung und Lehre

The institute for sustainable systems engineering (INATECH) is offering a PhD position (m/f/d) in the field of perovskite tandem solar cells

• Bewerbungsfrist: 30. November 2025
• Veröffentlichungsdatum: 13. November 2025
• Eintrittstermin: 1. Februar 2026
• Arbeitsumfang: Part-time position (75 %)
• Kennziffer:

Description

Perovskite-silicon (Pero–Si) tandem solar cells have reached record efficiencies exceeding 34% in the laboratory and are on the verge of commercialization at the module scale. However, perovskite solar cells suffer from much faster degradation than standard silicon solar cells. The mechanisms of these degradation phenomena are still mainly unknown and accordingly the avoidance strategies are only at the beginning. This work has the aim of better understanding the degradation phenomena, systematically classifying them and providing important input for the development of more stable perovskite-silicon solar cells.

For an optimization of these new solar cell concepts, a precise understanding of the physical processes in the different solar cell regions is needed. Detailed characterization offers the possibility to look at these processes in detail. Due to the high complexity of perovskite multijunction solar cells with several thin layers and interfaces, known characterization techniques from silicon solar cells cannot be directly used. Instead, different characterization techniques must be evaluated and if necessary optimized. The aim of this research project is to combine different characterization techniques for a clear analysis of the degradation process. The analysis of the characterization data is to be carried out with the help of an AI approach.

The position allows to actively participate in the development of more stable solar cell types in collaboration with technologists and simulation experts. For these tasks, we can build on the expertise developed over many years in our group. Starting from 1st of February 2026 or as soon as possible, the Technical Faculty at the University of Freiburg (Germany) opens a new position for a student to do research towards a PhD on the characterisation of perovskite-silicon solar cells. Potential candidates should hold a degree in Physics or similar.

Your task

You will study perovskite thin films for use in perovskite-silicon solar cells. The focus will be on the electrical characterization during aging tests. The goal is the assessment of these solar cells and the improvement of the understanding of the underlying degradation processes. Besides close collaboration with PhD students fabricating and simulating perovskite solar cells, the work involves planning, conducting and evaluating own degradation experiments. The results are to be published in journals and presented at project meetings and conferences. Further tasks are the supervision of research assistants and master's students as well as the preparation of project reports. The work is happening in a highly collaborative environment and there will be many opportunities to work with experts from INATECH and Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) and work in joint research projects with industry partners and other research institutes.

Your profile

• Master degree in physics or related fields
• Profound knowledge of semiconductor physics
• Ability to work in diverse teams
• Ability for in-depth analysis
• Good English skills are required

What we offer

The successful candidate will join the "Photovoltaic Energy Conversion" group of Prof. Stefan W. Glunz. The group focuses on the development, characterization, and simulation of high-efficiency solar cells. The work can build on several years of characterization experience of perovskite-silicon solar cells. Close collaboration with the technologists from Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) which is just 200 m away from the university labs ensures direct access to world-class facilities and fast-track to industrial application.

The position is limited to with the possibility of extension. The position is suitable for completing a doctoral degree, which is highly welcomed. The salary will be determined in accordance with TV-L E13.

The position is limited to 31. Mai 2028. The salary will be determined in accordance with E13 TV-L.

We will be particularly pleased to receive applications from women for the position advertised here.

Please send your application in English including supporting documents citing the reference number , by 30. November 2025 at the latest. Please send your application to the following address in written or electronic form:

University of Freiburg
Faculty of Engineering
INATECH - Chair of Photovoltaic Energy Conversion
Dr. Jonas Schön
Emmy-Noether-Str. 2
79110 Freiburg

For further information, please contact Dr. Jonas Schön on the phone number or E-Mail