Postdoc (f/m/d) Contact Materials for Perovskite Solar Cells
Reference No.: SE 2024/10
At HZB’s Department for Perovskite Tandem Solar Cells, we develop metal halide perovskite solar cells and have achieved several world record efficiencies for perovskite-silicon (32.5%) and perovskite-CIGS (24.2%) tandem solar cells in the past years. Developing novel perovskite and contact layers, and investigating fundamental properties of the films and their interfaces is key to understanding efficiency limiting factors.As a highly motivated postdoc with experience in materials research for (perovskite-)photovoltaics, thin-film deposition, photoelectron spectroscopy (PES) and related analytical methods, you will conduct research on materials for cutting edge perovskite and tandem solar cells.
Using a recently commissioned integrated UHV tool with an evaporator/sputter chamber for device-relevant sample sizes and state of the art PES analytics (XPS, UPS, Near-UV PES), you will develop novel vacuum-processed electron- and hole-selective contact layers as well as passivating and/or protective interlayers. Working in a team of ~20 postdocs, master‘s and doctoral students in our international and multidisciplinary group, you will integrate the developed layers into single junction and tandem solar cells based on our state-of-the-art solution- and vacuum-processed perovskite films.
Your Tasks
You will...- work with our team and screen the literature to assess limitations of today’s electron- and hole-selective contact layers, passivation layers and protective buffers for perovskite solar cells.
- develop vacuum deposition processes for improving existing or establishing alternative thin films with these functionalities, using thermal evaporation and sputtering techniques.
- characterize the optical and electronic properties of these films, applying suitable material characterization methods such as reflection/transmission, ellipsometry electrical conductivity, spectral and time-resolved photoluminescence, XRD, etc.
- use standard XPS, UPS and special near-UV photoelectron spectroscopy (NUPS, CFSYS) developed at HZB to elucidate valence band and defect state densities of materials and interfaces, and to determine band offsets at heterojunctions.
- collaborate with group members to integrate the developed films into perovskite single-junction and perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells.
Your Profile
- Completed doctorate in physics, materials science, chemistry or a comparable field of study
- In-depth knowledge of semiconductor technology and the physics of solar cells
- Knowledge of the theory, practice and data analysis of photoelectron spectroscopy with X-ray and UV excitation (XPS, UPS)
- Excellent analytical, communication and organizational skills
- Enthusiasm for solar cells, with a drive for deeply understanding their working mechanisms
- Team spirit
Your Benefits
- A unique opportunity to investigate materials for the next generation of photovoltaics
- Advanced analytical laboratories, including the Berlin electron synchrotron BESSY II
- State-of-the-art device processing equipment maintained by experienced engineers
- The opportunity to optimize industry-relevant processes for the next generation of photovoltaics
- A growing (> 20 people), highly motivated group with a pleasant atmosphere, supportive environment, and regular social activities
- Training programmes, career advice, specific training courses and networking opportunities organised by the Graduate Centre and Postdoc Office
- Compatibility of work and private life through the support of flexible working time models and the option of mobile working as well as extensive counselling services on family and career
- 39 hours/week and 30 days holiday/year
- Company health promotion and company sports programmes
- Subsidy for public transport (Deutschlandticket Job)
- Company pension scheme (VBL)
Fixed term contract for 36 months. The salary is based on the Collective Agreement for the German Public Service (TVöD-Bund).
How to apply
We look forward to receiving your application via our application management system by 02.05.2024. For reasons of data protection regulations,
we are unfortunately unable to consider applications that reach us by other means (such as email or mail) in the application process.
We very much want our workplace to be diverse, and welcome applications from people with different backgrounds. It is our mission to promote equal opportunities and to improve women’s representation in the workforce. We are therefore very interested in receiving applications from women. Where the qualifications are met, we will give preference to people with disabilities.
For German version, please click on the following link: German Version.