Postdoctoral Researcher: X-ray Spectroscopic Investigation of Solar Cell Interfaces BESSY II li[...]

Reference No.: SE 2024/33

In the Department for Interface Design, we study the structure function relationship between the chemical and electronic surface and interface properties of thin-film layer stacks and the performance of related energy conversion devices (e.g., catalysts, solar cells, batteries, etc). We are responsible for the synchrotron-based spectroscopy (XAS, XES, RIXS, PES, HAXPES) and the in-situ and operando characterization activities using photon-in-photon-out techniques in the Energy Materials In-situ Laboratory Berlin (EMIL). In addition, we operate a lab-based ultra-high vacuum (UHV) surface analysis tool and the HiKE (HAXPES) endstation at BESSY II. Together with our partners at the Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and the Helmholtz-Institute Erlangen-Nürnberg for Renewable Energy (HI ERN), we are currently working on the development of thin-film solar cells. We support material and component optimization in particular by characterizing the interfaces in corresponding solar cell stacks using various X-ray spectroscopic methods. For these characterization activities, we want to strengthen our team by hiring a highly motivated and curious postdoc.

Your Tasks

• Studying the chemical and electronic structure of interfaces in solar cell related layer stacks exploiting the full set of X-ray analytics available (UPS, XPS, IPES, HAXPES and if required XAS, XES)
• Develop procedures and setups that allow the study of interfaces at operating PV conditions
• Coordinating the activities between HZB and FAU/HI ERN
• Presenting your research at project meetings, workshops, and conferences
• Publishing your result in peer-reviewed journals, write project reports

Your Profile

• Completed PhD in physics, chemistry, electrical engineering, materials sciences or equivalent
• Expertise in the field of surface and interface characterization using laboratory and synchrotron-based X-ray spectroscopies
• Knowledge in the field of photovoltaics is of benefit
• Experience in setting-up, operating, and maintaining UHV equipment as well as in the deposition of thin films is advantageous
• Excellent English communication and networking skills
• High level of intercultural competence and ability to work in a team
• Experience with the presentation of scientific content

Your Benefits

• Opportunity to contribute to the development of innovative materials and technological solutions for a climate-neutral future in cooperation with leading international researchers
• Commitment to diversity and sustainability through an inclusive working environment,promotion of diversity sensitivity andimplementation of sustainable and climate-neutral methods
• Career-enhancing networking opportunities and individual mentoring and support from theHZB Graduate Centre andHZB Postdoc Office
• Attractive remuneration through payment according to TVöD Bund
• 30 days holiday/year
• Extensive additional benefits, such as company pension plan (VBL), subsidy for public transport (Deutschlandticket Job) and company sports programmes
• Good work-life balance through counselling services on family and career and flexible working time models: Flexitime, part-time, hybrid working
• And a team that is looking forward to meeting you!

Fixed term contract for 36 months. The salary is based on the Collective Agreement for the German Public Service (TVöD-Bund).

How to apply

We ask you to enclose the following documents with your application:

• Letter of motivation with a description of your research interests and an explanation why you applied for this position
• Curriculum vitae with the stages of your career, publications, research experience and the contact details of at least two scientific references
• Certificates, degrees incl. grades

We look forward to receiving your application via our application management system by 29.12.2024. For reasons of data protection regulations, we are unfortunately unable to consider applications that reach us by other means (such as email or mail) in the application process.

We very much want our workplace to be diverse, and welcome applications from people with different backgrounds. It is our mission to promote equal opportunities and to improve women’s representation in the workforce. We are therefore very interested in receiving applications from women. Where the qualifications are met, we will give preference to people with disabilities.

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