Summary
The rise of perovskite thin-film solar cells offers a low-cost, high-efficiency route to advancing photovoltaic technology, especially in multijunction tandem devices combined with established technologies like crystalline Si, CIGS, or organic solar cells. At KIT, the Taskforce Perovskite Photovoltaics engages in a worldwide endeavor to research fundamentals, novel materials, and processes. This position focuses specifically on developing industrially relevant hybrid deposition processes to help overcome key scientific and technological challenges in perovskite-based photovoltaics.
PhD Position – Hybrid Deposition Processes for Perovskite Photovoltaics (f/m/d) KIT, Germany
Designation
PhD Candidate (Part-time 75%)
Overview Table
| Detail | Information |
| Institute | Light Technology Institute (LTI) & Institute of Microstructure Technology (IMT) at KIT |
| Division | Next Generation Photovoltaics (Prof. Dr. Ulrich W. Paetzold) |
| Job Posting Number | 1181/2026 |
| Contract Duration | 3 years |
| Start Date | 2026-10-01 |
| Salary | 44,500.00 to 50,200.00 EUR gross/year (Salary category 13 TV-L) |
| Working Hours | Part-time (75%) |
Research Area
Optoelectronics, Photovoltaics, Semiconductor Physics, and Hybrid Deposition Processes for Perovskite Solar Cells.
Location
Karlsruhe (and Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen), Germany
Eligibility / Qualification
- Education: Master’s degree (M.Sc.) in Physics, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Chemistry, or related fields.
- Knowledge: Proven knowledge in optoelectronics, photovoltaics, and semiconductor physics.
- Experience: Experience collaborating within international teams.
- Language: Fluent English skills (both written and spoken).
Job Description
Embedded in the Taskforce Perovskite Photovoltaics at KIT, your primary tasks will include:
- Developing and optimizing vapor deposition processes (such as thermal evaporation and close-space sublimation) for engineering inorganic scaffold properties.
- Developing industrially relevant high-rate processes (like slot-die coating and inkjet printing) for the solution-based conversion into high-quality perovskite films.
- Conducting detailed investigations into the optoelectronic and microstructural properties of perovskite absorber layers with various bandgaps processed using these methods.
- Applying these methods in perovskite-based single-junction and tandem solar cells.
- Publishing and presenting your research results in scientific journals and at international conferences.
- Assisting in project work and teaching.
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted via the KIT Application Portal and must include the following documents:
- Motivation Letter (maximum 1 page)
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- List of Publications (if applicable)
- Transcript of Records
- Master’s Diploma/Certificate (M.Sc.)
Contact Information:
- Line-Management Inquiries: Prof. Ulrich W. Paetzold (ulrich.paetzold@kit.edu)
- General Application Questions: Raquel Carrasco Sanchez, Personalservice (raquel.carrasco@kit.edu, +49 721 608-42016)
Last Date for Apply
August 20, 2026 (2026-08-20)
