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PhD position Muti-Functional Barrier Layers for Reliable Flexible Perovskite PV Cells and Modules

Updated: 05 Mar 2025

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Research / Academic
Delft

Job description
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. You will contribute to the SolarLab program in the SolarNL project. In this specific project you will study how bi-layered or multi-layered stacks can stop the development of pinholes on flexible substrates. Also, you will improve their optoelectrically properties beyond the fundamental limitations of single layers, such as standard transparent conductive oxides. What fundamental properties make a material suitable as etch-stop barriers (processing)/water barriers(reliability)? This is a project performed within the PVMD group of TU Delft, under supervision of prof. dr. Arno Smets.

The PVMD group is part of the Electrical Sustainable Energy department which is inspired by the technical, scientific, and societal challenges originating from the transition towards a more sustainable society and focuses on four areas:


The Electrical Sustainable Energy Department provides expertise in each of these areas throughout the entire energy system chain. The department owns the large Electrical Sustainable Power (ESP) Laboratory assembling High Voltage testing, DC Grids testing environment, and a large RTDS that is actively used for real-time simulation of future electrical power systems, AC and DC protection, and wide-area monitoring and protection.

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:

  • Master's degree in physics, sustainable energy technologies, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering or other relevant engineering science.
  • The candidate has a passion for solar energy engineering and is an excellent team player.
  • Domain knowledge of solar energy engineering, energy transition, material science, modelling and data analytics is a strong plus.
  • Experience with nano-fabrication in clean room environment is a plus.
  • Excellent communications skills in English, both writing and speaking.
  • Ability to work independently and self-driven in a multidisciplinary team.


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
Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1,5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2,5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from € 2901 per month in the first year to € 3707 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

Additional information
If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Prof.dr. Arno Smets, via a.h.m.smets@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 13 Apr 2025 via the application button and upload the following documents:

  • CV
  • Motivational letter


You can address your application to Prof.dr. Arno Smets.

Doing a PhD at TU Delft requires English proficiency at a certain level to ensure that the candidate is able to communicate and interact well, participate in English-taught Doctoral Education courses, and write scientific articles and a final thesis. For more details please check the Graduate Schools Admission Requirements.

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.
  • For the final candidates, a knowledge security check will be part of the application procedure. For more information on this check, please consult Chapter 8 of the National Knowledge Security Guidelines. We carry out this check on the basis of legitimate interest.
  • Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.
Work Hours:

36 - 40 hours per week

Address:

Mekelweg 5