PhD student in the field of thin-film solar cells in Dübendorf

We are looking for a student motivated to contribute to the development of the next generation photovoltaic devices. Specifically the researcher in this position is responsible for the advancement of emerging inorganic solar cells based on the CZTSSe kesterite material system. Several challenges have to be overcome to ensure a further efficiency progress of kesterite solar cells including the identification of dominant recombination mechanisms in solar cell devices.

Your responsibilities include:

• Plan and conduct experiments to develop the scientific understanding and improve the performance of CZTSSe solar cells
• Devices fabrication using various deposition techniques, notably spin-coating, chemical bath deposition, magnetron sputtering and thermal/e-beam evaporation
• Characterization of material, layers and devices, and interpretation of results
• Dissemination of the results in reports, scientific journals and at conferences
• Maintenance of equipment in collaboration with the laboratory technician
• Co-supervision of semester or master students

Your profile:

• MSc in Material science, Physics, Chemistry, Electrical engineering or similar
• Willingness to conduct independent, target driven research
• Clean and diligent working method including precise record keeping
• Ability to work in a collaborative team environment towards a common goal
• Good interpersonal skills to communicate with colleagues, superiors and stakeholders

The work will be carried out at Empa-Dübendorf and eventually lead to a PhD degree from ETH-Zürich. We offer an international, highly stimulating research environment with excellent infrastructure and broad interdisciplinary surroundings with plenty of possibilities for personal and professional development. You will work on important and promising solutions to the global energy problem in an international environment. The preferred starting date is September 1st 2020.