PhD Student (m/f/d) on the topic "Emerging Thin-Film Photovoltaic Modules for Powering Autonomous Sensors"

The Freiburg Materials Research Center FMF is looking for a PhD Student (m/f/d) on the topic "Emerging Thin-Film Photovoltaic Modules for Powering Autonomous Sensors"

• Application deadline: 11. January 2026
• Publication date: 18. December 2025
• Start-date: 1. March 2026
• Scope of work: Part-time position (75 %)
• Id no.: 00004752

Description

As part of our research project "Emerging Photovoltaics for Powering Autonomous IoT Sensors" (https://www.interreg-oberrhein.eu/projet/empoweriot), we are looking for a PhD candidate on this topic, with a start date not later than 1^st of March 2026.

 

As part of the doctoral thesis, you will manufacture perovskite solar cells and optimize them with regards to performance under various application scenarios, e.g. low-light conditions and artificial illumination. Based on this, you will scale the solar cell stack to modules which will be employed for powering autonomous Internet of Things (IoT) sensors developed by our project partners in France and Germany. The overall goal of the thesis will be to compare novel organic and perovskite PV modules against conventional PV solutions with regards to power harvesting and reliability. Based on this, the feasibility for the targeted IoT applications, e.g. under indoor conditions or in urban environments, will be assessed.

 

In the course of the project, you will characterize the fabricated solar cells and modules by a range of optical and electrical characterization techniques, which will allow you to understand the limiting factors and from there create a feedback loop to optimized device performance. While doing so, you will interpret your results and summarise them in a comprehensible way. You will present your results in internal meetings, in exchanges with national and international project partners and at scientific conferences. You will have the chance to interact closely with project partners in the fields of electronics and sensors as well as PV recycling. In addition, you will supervise master and/or bachelor students in the context of their thesis and provide them with practical guidance.

 

We expect you to have a master´s degree in physics, chemistry, materials science or a related discipline and basic knowledge of solar cell physics. Previous knowledge in the field of thin-film photovoltaics or the analysis of functional thin films is helpful but not required. Ideally, you already have practical knowledge of preparative or analytical laboratory methods.

 

The ability to work in a team is very important to you, but you also plan and complete tasks independently and with high quality. You have a sure instinct and accuracy when carrying out experimental work and critically evaluate your results. The routine handling of Microsoft Office is a matter of course for you. You have already worked with programs for analysing data, preferably also with Origin. You have a very good command of English for communication in our interdisciplinary and international team. As we believe in the power of diverse perspectives, we are actively seeking applications from female scientists.

The position is limited to 36 months. The salary will be determined in accordance with TV-L 13.

Application

Please send your application in English including supporting documents citing the reference number 00004752, by 11. January 2026 at the latest. Please send your application to the following address in written or electronic form:

Universtität Freiburg, FMF
Dr. Markus Kohlstädt
Stefan-Meier-Str. 21
79104 Freibug

For further information, please contact Markus Kohlstädt on the phone number +49 761 203-96796 or E-Mail markus.kohlstaedt@fmf.uni-freiburg.de.