PhD Position - Data-Driven Development of Stable Wide-Bandgap Perovskite Subcells for Tandem Photovoltaics

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Area of research: PHD Thesis Job description: PhD Position - Data-Driven Development of Stable Wide-Bandgap Perovskite Subcells for Tandem Photovoltaics The "Helmholtz-Institute Erlangen-Nürnberg for Renewable Energies" (HI ERN) is part of Forschungszentrum Jülich and works in close collaboration with the Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and the Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB). The research at HI ERN is focused on the areas of innovative materials and processes for hydrogen technologies and photovoltaic energy, therefore covering novel approaches for the conversion and storage of CO2-neutral energy. Your Job Wide-bandgap metal-halide perovskites are key absorbers for next-generation multijunction photovoltaics. Their practical use, however, is still limited by compositional instability, phase segregation, interface-related energy losses, and insufficient process reproducibility. Addressing these challenges requires a workflow that connects rapid materials and process exploration with rigorous device and lifetime validation. This position is part of a twin-PhD collaboration between Forschungszentrum Jülich (FZJ) and the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA). The two projects share the goal of developing stable and reliable perovskite-based tandem photovoltaics, while maintaining complementary scientific responsibilities. FZJ focus: automated and data-driven development of reproducible wide-bandgap perovskite absorbers and complete perovskite subcells, including their intrinsic stability, phase behaviour, interfaces, and accelerated ageing. CEA focus: integration of selected candidates into perovskite/silicon tandem cells, device and module fabrication, lifetime testing, and feedback on performance and degradation mechanisms. You will establish a closed-loop workflow from material and process discovery to subcell validation and transfer to tandem devices. Your main tasks will include: Establish a stable and reproducible p–i–n wide-bandgap perovskite baseline, with the main focus on absorbers in the 1.65–1.70 eV range Use automated and high-throughput experimental platforms to screen composition, additives, interfaces, passivation strategies, and processing conditions Apply data-driven and machine-learning methods for multi-objective optimization of efficiency, reproducibility, and operational stability Study intrinsic material stability, light-induced phase segregation, ion migration, and interface-related energy losses Fabricate and evaluate complete single-junction and, where relevant, semi-transparent perovskite subcells using PL/PL mapping, XRD, current–voltage measurements, EQE, and accelerated ageing Transfer promising candidates to CEA for tandem integration and use the resulting performance and lifetime feedback to guide a second optimization cycle at FZJ Evaluate whether successful stabilization and interface strategies can be transferred to wider-bandgap perovskites (1.75–2.0 eV) for future multijunction concepts Your Profile A Masters degree in materials science, chemistry, physics, chemical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related discipline Strong motivation for hands-on research in thin-film materials, semiconductor processing, or photovoltaic devices; experience with perovskite cells, optoelectronic characterization, glovebox work, or cleanroom processing is an advantage Interest in data analysis, automation, design of experiments, or machine learning; prior expertise is welcome but not required if you are motivated to learn A rigorous and safety-conscious working style, with careful documentation and adherence to shared-facility procedures Very good command of written and spoken English with extensive vocabulary is required (at least B2 level according to the CEFR ), ideally supported by a certificate confirming the language level Independent and collaborative working style Willingness to spend an extended research period in France Our Benefits for You Team