PhD scholarship in Edge Passivation and Advanced Metallization of Solar Cells – DTU Electro

The Solar Photovoltaic Systems group at DTU Electro (Risø campus) is at the forefront of advancing research within a broad spectrum of applied photovoltaics (PV) encompassing development new cell architectures and production methods, building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), methods of fault identification in photovoltaic systems to name a few. 

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join our team and contribute to the Innovation Fund Denmark supported Advanced Contact Engineering and Surface Passivation for Solar Cells - ACES project with the purpose of improving the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of silicon solar cells by: 

• Copper Metallization: Replace silver with copper in the solar cell metallization process using electroplating.
• Edge Passivation: Enhance solar cell performance through locally maskless deposited edge passivation.

Our team is dedicated to pioneering solutions that enhance the efficiency, reliability, and integration of PV systems in urban and utility-scale environments. Collaborating with industry leaders, other academic institutions, and utilizing state-of-the-art experimental setups, we are investigating innovative materials, technologies, and methodologies to address current challenges in the field. 

Through our comprehensive research endeavours, we aim to contribute significantly to the global transition towards sustainable energy.

Responsibilities and qualifications
This position is embedded in the ACES project, aimed at enhancing the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of silicon solar cells by developing advanced copper metallization and edge passivation techniques in collaboration with industry partners and leading academic institutions. The specific tasks include the establishment and operation of accelerated stress tests for solar cells with copper contacts and passivated edges, focusing on thermocycling and other relevant stress tests, as well as pre- and post-test characterization and material analysis. 

The tasks will include:

• Investigate material compatibility of copper contacts and passivation layers within the solar cell structure.
• Establish a test stand for accelerated thermocycling and other relevant stress tests of solar cells.
• Conduct thorough testing of passivation quality on silicon wafers and solar cells using state-of-the-art experimental setups, including characterization techniques like: EQE, IV, PL, and EL measurements.
• Conduct accelerated stress testing according to relevant standards (mostly IEC 61215).
• Conduct advanced material characterization techniques (SIMS and RBS) and electron microscopy on silicon based solar cells.
• Contribute with measurement results to the development and optimization of copper electroplating and edge passivation processes.

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.

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 Peter B. Poulsen.

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. Starting date is 15 October 2024 (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 Chief Scientific Officer, Peter Poulsen ([email protected] ).

You can read more about DTU Electro at www. https://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 17 July 2024 (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 official description of grading scale

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

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

DTU Electro
DTU Electro has more than 300 employees with competencies in electrical and photonics engineering. Research is performed within nanophotonics, lasers, quantum photonics, optical sensors, LEDs, photovoltaics, ultra-high speed optical transmission systems, bio-photonics, acoustics, power electronics, robotics, and autonomous systems.

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.