Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE in Freiburg, Germany is the largest solar research institute in Europe. With a staff of about 1400, we are committed to promoting a sustainable, economic, secure and socially just energy supply system based on renewable energy sources. We contribute to this through our main research areas of energy provision, energy distribution, energy storage and energy utilization. Through outstanding research results and successful industrial projects, spin-off companies and global collaborations, we are shaping the sustainable transformation of the energy system.
In the department "III-V Photovoltaics and Concentrator Technology," we develop multi-junction solar cells made from III-V compound semiconductors such as gallium arsenide or gallium indium phosphide. This allows us to achieve the highest efficiencies for the conversion of sunlight into electrical power at 47.6% and hold the record for the most efficient solar cell in the world. This technology is currently used in satellites, but we aim to further develop it for sustainable, efficient, and cost-optimized electricity generation on Earth. For example, we are developing high-concentration solar modules, where the efficient III-V cells only cover one-thousandth of the module area. The work will be supported by the Werner Siemens Foundation with a total of 14 million euros until 2032. The goal is to reduce the manufacturing costs of multi-junction solar cells and modules and to scale processes.
Together with the department "Metallization and Structuring Technologies," we are looking for a PhD candidate as soon as possible on the topic "Development of scalable, cost-effective processes for microtechnological processing of III-V concentrator solar cells." The aim of the work is to develop a new generation of cells with efficiencies > 44%, which, instead of using photolithography and vapor deposition, relies solely on cost-effective and resource-conserving manufacturing processes such as printing, galvanics, and laser structuring.
What you will do
- You will design a process chain for the cost-effective production of III-V solar cells, which will be used at high concentrations of 1000 suns.
- You will develop new processes for the metallization and structuring of III-V multi-junction solar cells. In this context, you will also supervise master’s theses and guide students.
- Individual processes will be further developed by you, and you will combine them into a complete process chain to realize highly efficient multi-junction solar cells.
- The samples produced will be thoroughly characterized by you using SEM, microscopy, IV, and EQE measurements, among other techniques.
- You will identify and quantify losses with the help of theoretical models.
- The results obtained will be evaluated by you and summarized in scientific publications.
What you bring to the table
- You have a completed scientific university degree in process engineering, microsystems technology, nanotechnology, or a comparable field.
- Ideally, you have already gained experience working with wafers and microtechnological processes, such as photolithography, inkjet, and screen printing, galvanics.
- You plan and carry out tasks independently and with high quality.
- You find it easy to develop innovative ideas and problem-solving approaches.
- You are generally willing to jointly develop an application for a doctoral scholarship with us.
- You can express yourself confidently in both German and English.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, MS Teams, and Outlook is a given for you.
What you can expect
- You will work in an international team with the best in this field.
- A unique laboratory infrastructure enables you to conduct application-oriented research at the highest international level.
- You will have access to a broad professional network in science and industry.
- We provide you with scientific support and ensure good integration with the university.
- In the PhD colloquium, you can regularly practice scientific presentations and receive valuable feedback on your work.
- We enable you to present your scientific results at conferences.
- We offer flexible working time models and give you the opportunity to work from home as well.
- We maintain a cooperative working atmosphere and open communication.
- We value equal opportunities and provide space for diversity.
- You can participate in attractive sports and health offerings and after-work activities.
The weekly working time is 39 hours. This position is also available on a part-time basis. The position is initially limited to 3 years. Employment, remuneration, and social benefits are based on the collective agreement for the public service (TVöD).
Are you ready for a change? Then apply now via the "Apply Now »" button and make a difference! After receiving your online application, you will receive an automatic confirmation of receipt. We will then get back to you as soon as possible to inform you about the next steps. We look forward to your application!
If you have questions about the position, the application process, or accessibility, our recruiter Christine is here for you:
Phone +49 761 4588-2467
We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications—regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social background, religion, beliefs, disability, as well as sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled individuals will be given preferential consideration if equally qualified.
Our tasks are diverse and adaptable—together we will find solutions that optimally promote the capabilities of applicants with disabilities. The same applies if they do not meet all profile requirements due to a disability.
Learn more about the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE at: www.ise.fraunhofer.de
Requisition Number: 80883 Application Deadline: 09/21/2025