Do you want to realize cutting-edge high-efficiency and sustainable c-Si solar cells?

Job description
We are seeking a highly skilled researcher to join our team in the development and validation of innovative passivation and metallization approaches for solar cell applications. The successful candidate will be responsible for contributing to several work packages of our projects, focusing on the development, optimization, and implementation of novel solutions to enhance solar cell efficiency and performance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with team members to develop new passivation layers for improved surface passivation on both flat and textured silicon substrates based on doped poly-SiOx films.
• Lead the development of front-side passivation of IBC c-Si solar cells.
• Investigate and develop distributed S-based Bragg reflector (DBR) solutions for gap areas.
• Assess the compatibility of passivation solutions with nanophotonic structures.
• Develop and optimize silver-free interdigitated back contact (IBC) metallization schemes, focusing on Cu-plating.
• Collaborate with partners to demonstrate the highest efficiency solar cells by implementing and validating building blocks.

You will work with Olindo Isabella in the Photovoltaic Materials and Devices (PVMD) group as part of the Electrical Sustainable Energy (ESE) department. The program of the PVMD group builds up expertise in the design and fabrication technology from solar cells to PV systems with their power electronics and storage options. The ESE department’s research activities aim at accelerating the energy transition towards sustainable energy.

Job requirements
We are acutely aware that we are a diverse society and not every talented applicant will have had the same opportunities to advance their careers. We therefore pledge to fully account for any particular circumstances that the applicants disclose (e.g. parental leave, caring duties, part-time jobs to support studies, disabilities etc.) to ensure an inclusive and fair recruitment process that does not rely purely on common research metrics.

The successful applicant will have:

• PhD degree in physics, chemistry, material science, or a related discipline
• Expertise in semiconductor devices physics, photovoltaics, and fabrication of solar cells
• Publications in relevant research journals
• Experience with guiding students’ thesis projects
• Ability to work independently and self-driven in a multidisciplinary team
• Excellent communication skills in English, both in writing and speaking     

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science
The Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science (EEMCS) brings together three scientific disciplines. Combined, they reinforce each other and are the driving force behind the technology we all use in our daily lives. Technology such as the electricity grid, which our faculty is helping to make completely sustainable and future-proof. At the same time, we are developing the chips and sensors of the future, whilst also setting the foundations for the software technologies to run on this new generation of equipment – which of course includes AI. Meanwhile we are pushing the limits of applied mathematics, for example mapping out disease processes using single cell data, and using mathematics to simulate gigantic ash plumes after a volcanic eruption. In other words: there is plenty of room at the faculty for ground-breaking research. We educate innovative engineers and have excellent labs and facilities that underline our strong international position. In total, more than 1000 employees and 4,000 students work and study in this innovative environment.

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science.

Conditions of employment

• Duration of contract is one year with the prospect of extension for another 15 months.
• A job of 36-40 hours per week.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

Additional information
If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Prof.dr. Olindo Isabella, via o.isabella@tudelft.nl

Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 20 Dec 2024 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• Application letter addressed to dr. Rudi Santbergen that explains your personal motivation in pursuing a postdoctorate and fit to the job requirements;
• Curriculum vitae (CV) with a list of (academic and/or industry) references that we can contact;
• Qualification evidence including latest degrees and transcripts.

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post.
• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• A knowledge security check will be part of the selection procedure (for details page 45: national knowledge security guidelines).
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.