PhD Student (f/m/d) Development of All-Perovskite Triple Junction Solar Cells

Reference No.: SE 2025/21

Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB) is a research center for fundamental and applied research in the field of energy materials. For the next generation photovoltaics (PV), HZB performs materials research and device development up to the industrial level. The department of perovskite tandem solar cells develops metal halide perovskite solar cells for the application in tandems and achieved several world records for perovskite-silicon (32.5%) and perovskite-CIGS (24.2%) tandem solar cells in the past years. One research area within the department focuses on the development of perovskite-based triple junction solar cells. This type of solar cell is a thin-film technology and promises very interesting applications.
In this PhD thesis, you will be involved in the research and development of perovskite-based triple junction solar cells. You will investigate fundamental material properties, charge carrier dynamics and explore new device configurations. In particular, you will develop concepts for improved efficiency and stability. To reach our ambitious goals, we are looking for a highly motivated and experienced scientist in the field of perovskite solar cells, who is eager to work in our team of ca. 25 postdocs, PhD and master's students in an international and multidisciplinary group.

Your Tasks

• Manufacturing and processing high-efficiency perovskite solar cells and layer stacks
• Developing highly stable and efficient triple-junction solar cells
• Characterizing devices, analyzing experimental losses, and simulating single films and complete solar cells
• Coordinating development work and experiments in cooperation with HZB and other institutes
• Publishing scientific results at international conferences and in peer-reviewed journals
• Writing project proposals and acquiring new third-party funded projects

Your Profile

• Completed master's degree in materials science, chemistry, physics, engineering or a related field
• In-depth knowledge of semiconductor technology and the physics of solar cells
• Hands-on experience in processing thin films and solar cells in the topic of perovskite technology
• Excellent analytical skills
• Excellent communication and organizational skills
• Enthusiasm about solar cells with drive for efficiency and team spirit

Your Benefits at HZB

• Cutting-edge research environment: work at the forefront of solar cell innovation with access to world-class facilities and expertise.
• Strong professional network: build valuable connections across Germany and internationally through collaborations, conferences, and joint projects.
• Vibrant living in Berlin: enjoy life in a dynamic, multicultural city with rich cultural offerings, excellent public transport, and a thriving academic scene.
• Competitive salary: benefit from a PhD stipend that is high by European standards, ensuring financial stability during your studies.
• Career-boosting Reputation: a PhD from a prestigious lab significantly strengthens your CV, opening doors in both academia and industry.
• Commitment to diversity and sustainability through an inclusive working environment, promotion of diversity sensitivity and implementation of sustainable and climate-neutral methods
• Career-enhancing networking opportunities and individual mentoring and support from the HZB Graduate Centre and HZB Postdoc Office
• Attractive remuneration through payment according to Public Service Wage Agreement (TVöD Bund)
• 30 days holiday/year
• Extensive additional benefits, such as company pension plan (VBL), subsidy for public transport (Deutschlandticket Job) and company sports programs
• 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 48 months. The salary is based on the Collective Agreement for the German Public Service (TVöD-Bund).

How to apply

We look forward to receiving your application via our application management system by 24.09.2025. For reasons of data protection regulations, we are unfortunately unable to consider applications that reach us by any 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.

Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie GmbH
Hahn-Meitner-Platz 1, 14109 Berlin
www.helmholtz-berlin.de

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Climate change poses serious challenges to the whole world.
At Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, we are researching materials for a climate-neutral future. 1400 employees from all over the world are working together at HZB towards this goal. Join us, and help us achieve it!
Learn more about HZB on our website.

CONTACT

Silvia Mariotti
0049 (0)30 8062 14690
silvia.mariotti@helmholtz.berlin.de

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