PhD scholarship in Photonic Crystallization for Flexible Thin-Film Solar Cells – DTU Electro

We are excited to announce an opportunity for you to join the innovative DFF research project for a fully funded 3-year PhD position under the supervision of Tenure Track Researcher Evgeniia Gilshtein and Senior Researcher Stela Canulescu at DTU Electro. During the PhD you will have the opportunity to developing photonic annealing and crystallization techniques for antimony chalcogenide (Sb₂X₃) films, employing solution-based methods and exploring rapid thermal annealing (RTA) and flash lamp annealing (FLA). The project you will join focuses on the crystallization of antimony chalcogenide-based absorbers (Sb₂X₃ compounds, including Sb₂S₃, Sb₂Se₃, and mixed chalcogenides) using these unexplored for this material techniques to develop highly efficient, flexible, and sustainable solar cells. 

Your PhD research will be carried out at DTU Electro’s Thin-Film Photovoltaics group (DTU Risø campus) in close collaboration with the Research Laboratory for Thin Films and Photovoltaics at Empa, Switzerland (external PhD research stay up to 3 months in total), leveraging world-class facilities and expertise. Our group is a team of 6 researchers: headed by a Senior Researcher, and two Tenure Track Researchers, one Postdoctoral researcher and two PhD students. You will be closely involved in the research activities and working together with two other PhD students (one working on the alternative growth method of Sb₂S₃ absorber, and another on the development of alternative transport layers), while being supervised directly by a Tenure Track Researcher.

The start date of the position is set to 1 April 2025, but it can be also later if circumstances do not allow it to start on time.

Responsibilities and qualifications

Key project components include:

• Processing and crystallization of Sb₂X₃ thin films using solution-based and thermal methods.
• Investigating and optimizing FLA parameters for directional crystallization.
• Transitioning Sb₂X₃ solar cell fabrication to flexible substrates.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct experiments on Sb₂X₃ film fabrication, crystallization, and characterization (XPS, XRD, SEM, EDX, UV-vis-NIR, JV, etc.).
• Analyze and optimize the physical and electrical properties of the materials and devices.
• Collaborate with research partners at DTU and Empa (you will have the unique chance to stay in Switzerland for couple of months and working with the research colleagues from Empa).
• Present findings at international conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals.

Requirements:
To be considered for the position, you must have a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree. We imagine that your academic background is in: Materials Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline. 

It is an advantage if you have experience with thin-film deposition techniques and characterization methods, as well as interest in photovoltaics, renewable energy, and photonic processes.

Approval and Enrolment:
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education . 

Assessment
The assessment of the applicants will be made by the Tenure Track Researcher Evgeniia Gilshtein and Stela Canulescu, the head of the Thin-Film Photovoltaics group. 

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation, and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms 
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. 

The period of employment is 3 years. The starting date is 1 April 2025 (or according to mutual agreement). The position is a full-time position.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here http://www.dtu.dk/english/about/job-and-career/working-at-dtu/career-paths.

Further information 
Further information may be obtained from Evgeniia Gilshtein, DTU Electro, [email protected] . 

You can read more about DTU Electro at www.electro.dtu.dk. 

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark . Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar ” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU. 

Application procedure 
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 15 March 2025 (23:59 Danish time) . Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file . The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae 
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including an official description of the grading scale
• Contact details for two academic references
• If there are any scientific publications, you contributed to – feel free to upload them as well.

You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it. 

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

At DTU Electro , we combine the immense possibilities of electrical and photonics engineering. Our research is, among other things, used in the healthcare sector for diagnostics, treatment and improving the quality of life. We research into the development of more sustainable energy systems, safer autonomous systems and a faster, greener and more secure internet. Light and electronics - photons and electrons - are the key bits of tomorrows sustainable society. Where they meet, change is made.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.