PhD Position - Circular recycling in photovoltaics (PV)

Your Job:

You will be working in the new topic area "circular recycling in PV" (headed by Dr. Ian Marius Peters) of the High Throughput Experiments Photovoltaik department. Our vision is to design new PV modules that are easier to recycle, and thus have an improved environmental footprint. This work is part of an ERC project that aims to design, model and realize new PV module architectures that i) use use materials with improved environmental performance ii) equip interfaces with a release mechanism, iii) use techno-economic and life cycle analysis to project economic and environmental improvement and guide development, iv) use industrial-grade materials and processes and v) experimentally demonstrate improved recyclability. Your responsibilities will include:

• Fabrication and characterization of perovskite solar cells and modules
  
• Disassembly by perovskite solar cells and modules and the processing of the materials obtained
  
• Study and evaluation of new materials for the construction of solar modules
  
• Carrying out techno-economic, as well as life cycle analysis of the new module concepts
  
• Conception and realization of interface concepts with improved separabilty
  
• Scientific publication of results in journals as well as participation in symposia, conferences, congresses, etc.

Your Profile:

• Completed studies (Master) in the field of material science, physics, chemistry, environmental technology, energy technology or related subjects
  
• Experience in the fabrication and/or characterization of solar cells or solar modules, especially in the area of organic PV or perovskites
  
• Knowledge in material characterization and evaluation (XRD, Raman, TRPL, ...)
  
• Experience with techno-economic simulations and/or life cycle analysis and/or material flow analysis
  
• Experience with conducting and documenting scientific experiments and processing and analyzing data (Python, Origin, Excel,...)
  
• Strong communication skills in German and English

Our Offer:

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We offer ideal conditions for you to complete your doctoral degree:

• International, interdisciplinary working environment on an attractive campus (south campus of the FAU, Erlangen-Nürnberg) including many cooperation opportunities with our partners from science (Forschungszentrum Jülich, Helmholtz Society Berlin, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg and abroad) as well as renowned industrial partners.
  
• Excellent scientific and technical infrastructure for conducting high-quality research
  
• Working in a highly specialised and motivated international team on a topic with a significant future relevance
  
• Extensive training opportunities
  
• Individual opportunities for personal and professional development
  
• Extensive company health management
  
• Optimal conditions for work-life balance and family-friendly company policy
  
• The opportunity to work flexibly (in terms of location) e.g. in home office
  
• 30 days of annual leave and provision for days off between public holidays and weekends (e.g. between Christmas and New Year)
  
• Targeted services for international employees, e.g. through our International Advisory Service
  

The position is for a fixed term of 3 years, with possible long-term prospects. Pay in line with 75% of pay group 13 of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund) and additionally 60 % of a monthly salary as special payment („Christmas bonus“). Further information on doctoral degrees at Forschungszentrum Jülich including our other locations is available at: https://www.fz-juelich.de/gp/Careers_Docs

Place of employment: Erlangen

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g. in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities in which everyone can realize their potential is important to us.