Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE in Freiburg, Germany is the largest solar research institute in Europe. With a staff of about 1400, we are committed to promoting a sustainable, economic, secure and socially just energy supply system based on renewable energy sources. We contribute to this through our main research areas of energy provision, energy distribution, energy storage and energy utilization. Through outstanding research results and successful industrial projects, spin-off companies and global collaborations, we are shaping the sustainable transformation of the energy system.
In the department "III-V Photovoltaics and Concentrator Technology," we develop multi-junction solar cells made from III-V compound semiconductors such as gallium arsenide or gallium indium phosphide. This allows us to achieve the highest efficiencies for the conversion of sunlight into electrical power at 47.6% and hold the record for the most efficient solar cell in the world. This technology is currently used in satellites, but we aim to further develop it for sustainable, efficient, and cost-optimized electricity generation on Earth. For example, we are developing high-concentration solar modules, where the efficient III-V cells only cover one-thousandth of the module area. The work will be supported by the Werner Siemens Foundation with a total of 14 million euros until 2032. The goal is to reduce the manufacturing costs of multi-junction solar cells and modules and to scale processes.
Together with the department "Metallization and Structuring Technologies," we are looking for a PhD candidate as soon as possible on the topic "Development of scalable, cost-effective processes for microtechnological processing of III-V concentrator solar cells." The aim of the work is to develop a new generation of cells with efficiencies > 44%, which, instead of using photolithography and vapor deposition, relies solely on cost-effective and resource-conserving manufacturing processes such as printing, galvanics, and laser structuring.
Hier sorgst Du für Veränderung
- You will design a process chain for the cost-effective production of III-V solar cells, which will be used at high concentrations of 1000 suns.
- You will develop new processes for the metallization and structuring of III-V multi-junction solar cells. In this context, you will also supervise master’s theses and guide students.
- Individual processes will be further developed by you, and you will combine them into a complete process chain to realize highly efficient multi-junction solar cells.
- The samples produced will be thoroughly characterized by you using SEM, microscopy, IV, and EQE measurements, among other techniques.
- You will identify and quantify losses with the help of theoretical models.
- The results obtained will be evaluated by you and summarized in scientific publications.
Hiermit bringst Du Dich ein
- You have a completed scientific university degree in process engineering, microsystems technology, nanotechnology, or a comparable field.
- Ideally, you have already gained experience working with wafers and microtechnological processes, such as photolithography, inkjet, and screen printing, galvanics.
- You plan and carry out tasks independently and with high quality.
- You find it easy to develop innovative ideas and problem-solving approaches.
- You are generally willing to jointly develop an application for a doctoral scholarship with us.
- You can express yourself confidently in both German and English.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, MS Teams, and Outlook is a given for you.
Was wir für Dich bereithalten
- You will work in an international team with the best in this field.
- A unique laboratory infrastructure enables you to conduct application-oriented research at the highest international level.
- You will have access to a broad professional network in science and industry.
- We provide you with scientific support and ensure good integration with the university.
- In the PhD colloquium, you can regularly practice scientific presentations and receive valuable feedback on your work.
- We enable you to present your scientific results at conferences.
- We offer flexible working time models and give you the opportunity to work from home as well.
- We maintain a cooperative working atmosphere and open communication.
- We value equal opportunities and provide space for diversity.
- You can participate in attractive sports and health offerings and after-work activities.
Die wöchentliche Arbeitszeit beträgt 39 Stunden. Die Stelle kann auch in Teilzeit besetzt werden. Die Stelle ist zunächst auf 3 Jahre befristet. Anstellung, Vergütung und Sozialleistungen richten sich nach dem Tarifvertrag für den öffentlichen Dienst (TVöD).
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Du hast Fragen zur Stelle, zum Bewerbungsablauf oder zur Barrierefreiheit? Unsere Recruiterin Christine ist für dich da: christine.elsner@ise.fraunhofer.de, Telefon +49 761 4588-2467
Wir wertschätzen und fördern die Vielfalt der Kompetenzen unserer Mitarbeitenden und begrüßen daher alle Bewerbungen - unabhängig von Alter, Geschlecht, Nationalität, ethnischer und sozialer Herkunft, Religion, Weltanschauung, Behinderung sowie sexueller Orientierung und Identität. Schwerbehinderte Menschen werden bei gleicher Eignung bevorzugt eingestellt.
Mehr über das Fraunhofer-Institut für Solare Energiesysteme ISE erfährst du auf: www.ise.fraunhofer.de
Kennziffer: 83350 Bewerbungsfrist: 06.04.2026
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