PhD thesis »Micromechanical behavior of PVK systems under particle bombardment«

The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft (www.fraunhofer.com) currently operates 76 institutes and research units throughout Germany and is a leading applied research organization. Around 32 000 employees work with an annual research budget of 3.4 billion euros.

The Fraunhofer Center for Silicon Photovoltaics CSP in Halle (Saale) is a joint facility of the Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS and the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE and conducts applied research in the fields of silicon crystallization, wafer production, solar cell characterization and module technology. It develops new technologies, manufacturing processes and product concepts along the entire photovoltaic value chain. The focus is on the reliability assessment of solar cells and PV modules under laboratory and operating conditions as well as the electrical, optical, mechanical and microstructural characterization of materials and components. Based on the understanding of failure mechanisms, measurement methods, devices and production processes for components and materials with increased reliability are developed.

For our research group »PV Modules, Components and Manufacturing« we are looking for a phd student at our site in Halle (Saale) as soon as possible. The group uses a combination of methods from materials science, component and PV module testing and FE modeling. This enables comprehensive and well-founded support for the development of solar cells and PV modules and their components from a single source. The combination of processes, material and data analysis of the solar cell, electrical connection technologies, PV module production and detailed characterization provides a holistic understanding of reliability. This is supported by specific and tailored accelerated ageing test protocols for PV modules, components and materials, which are continuously optimized utilizing real Mission Profile MP. The unique combination of macro- and microstructure analysis enables precise defect localization and a detailed understanding of the interactions in the PV module.

What you will do

The application-oriented research focus is the (experimental) investigation of the effects of cosmic radiation on next generation Perovskite based (PVK) solar cells. For this purpose, a digital twin of a high-efficiency PVK solar cell has to be created. The physikcal properties before and after particle bombardment are to be modelled by parametrization. A continuous comparison between simulation and experimental results has to be applied to validate the digital twin.
Furthermore, you will support your team in the development and processing of new research topics and projects as well as in customer and project acquisition.
You will compile your research results in reports and in relevant specialist journals and present them at specialist conferences and to specialist audiences.
With your expertise, you supervise and support young scientists in the preparation of their first scientific work.

What you bring to the table

Completed scientific university degree (Master's degree or university diploma) in physics, material science or a related field
Sound knowledge of materials science, in particular the microstructure of materials (crystal physics, solid state physics) as well as extensive knowledge of the microstructures of complex material systems (properties, relationships and defects with respect to impact on electronica band structure and solar cell performance)
Understanding of the function of photovoltaic solar cells and impact of defect states on electrical performance
PVK serial/parallel interconnection possibilities and their durability for space applications (and terrestrial)
Solid knowledge of electrical and electrical-optical characterization of photovoltaic elements
Enjoy working with interdisciplinary teams and motivation to tackle complex tasks
Very good communication skills to be able to present your results in a convincing and understandable way.
Very good written and spoken English skills

What you can expect

Support and promotion of your doctorate through quality assurance of your doctoral work by means of a qualification agreement as well as regular networking meetings and feedback discussions
Promoting equal opportunities for women and men is an important goal at Fraunhofer. By participating in the “Fraunhofer TALENTA” career program, young female scientists can take advantage of training opportunities and the necessary freedom for their own professional development and further qualification.
Direct supervision by experienced scientific staff
Excellent research opportunities in a creative and state-of-the-art working environment
Collaboration in exciting research projects with high application relevance
A good work-life balance thanks to flexible working hours and locations as well as support services to help you combine family and career
Individual and extensive training opportunities and career boosters for your professional and personal development
Diversity as a strategic goal and equal opportunities in practice
Attractive corporate benefits at selected partner companies and a discounted job ticketet

This position ist initially limited to 3 years. The full-time position (39 hours per week) with 70% remuneration offers 30% of the working time for working on your own doctoral project and 70% of the working time for working on the institute's research projects.

We value and promote the diversity of our employees' skills and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, sexual orientation and identity. Severely disabled persons are given preference in the event of equal suitability.

Appointment, remuneration and social security benefits based on the public-sector collective wage agreement (TVöD). Additionally Fraunhofer may grant performance-based variable remuneration components.

With its focus on developing key technologies that are vital for the future and enabling the commercial utilization of this work by business and industry, Fraunhofer plays a central role in the innovation process. As a pioneer and catalyst for groundbreaking developments and scientific excellence, Fraunhofer helps shape society now and in the future.

Interested? Apply online now. We look forward to getting to know you!

If you have any questions about this position please contact:

Dr. Bengt Jäckel

Group manager »PV Modules, Components and Manufacturing«

0345 5589-5135

Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS

www.imws.fraunhofer.de

Requisition Number: 75529 Application Deadline: 09/14/2024

Job Segment: Materials Science, Electrical, Physics, QA, Science, Engineering, Research, Quality

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