Postdoctoral Researcher : X-ray Spectroscopic Investigation of Solar Cell Interfaces (m/w/d)

Postdoctoral Researcher (f/m/d): X-ray Spectroscopic Investigation of Solar
Cell Interfaces

Reference No.: SE 2024/33

In the Department for Interface Design, we study the structure function
relationship between the chemical and electronic surface and interface
properties of thin-film layer stacks and the performance of related energy
conversion devices (e.g., catalysts, solar cells, batteries, etc). We are
responsible for the synchrotron-based spectroscopy (XAS, XES, RIXS, PES,
HAXPES) and the in-situ and operando characterization activities using
photon-in-photon-out techniques in the Energy Materials In-situ Laboratory
Berlin (EMIL). In addition, we operate a lab-based ultra-high vacuum (UHV)
surface analysis tool and the HiKE (HAXPES) end station at BESSY II. Together
with our partners at the Friedrich-Alexander-Universität
Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU) and the Helmholtz-Institute
Erlangen-Nürnberg for Renewable Energy (HI ERN), we are currently working
on the development of thin-film solar cells. We support material and component
optimization in particular by characterizing the interfaces in corresponding
solar cell stacks using various X-ray spectroscopic methods. For these
characterization activities, we want to strengthen our team by hiring a highly
motivated and curious postdoc.

Your Tasks

* Studying the chemical and electronic structure of interfaces in solar cell
related layer stacks exploiting the full set of X-ray analytics available (UPS,
XPS, IPES, HAXPES and if required XAS, XES)
* Develop procedures and setups that allow the study of interfaces at
operating PV conditions
* Coordinating the activities between HZB and FAU/HI ERN
* Presenting your research at project meetings, workshops, and conferences
* Publishing your result in peer-reviewed journals, write project reports
Your Profile

* Completed PhD in physics, chemistry, electrical engineering, materials
sciences or equivalent
* Expertise in the field of surface and interface characterization using
laboratory and synchrotron-based X-ray spectroscopies
* Knowledge in the field of photovoltaics is of benefit
* Experience in setting-up, operating, and maintaining UHV equipment as well
as in the deposition of thin films is advantageous
* Excellent English communication and networking skills
* High level of intercultural competence and ability to work in a team
* Experience with the presentation of scientific content
Your Benefits at HZB

* Opportunity to contribute to the development of innovative materials and
technological solutions for a climate-neutral future in cooperation with
leading international researchers
* Commitment to diversity and sustainability through an inclusive working
environment, promotion of diversity sensitivity

and implementation of sustainable and climate-neutral methods

*

Career-enhancing networking opportunities and individual mentoring and support
from the HZB Graduate Centre

and HZB Postdoc Office

*

Attractive remuneration through payment according to TVöD Bund
* 30 days holiday/year
* Extensive additional benefits, such as company pension plan (VBL), subsidy
for public transport (Deutschlandticket Job) and company sports programmes
* Good work-life balance through counselling services on family and career
and flexible working time models: Flexitime, part-time, hybrid working
* And a team that is looking forward to meeting you!
Fixed term contract for 36 months. The salary is based on the Collective
Agreement for the German Public Service (TVöD-Bund).

How to apply

We ask you to enclose the following documents with your application:

* Letter of motivation with a description of your research interests and an
explanation why you applied for this position
* Curriculum vitae with the stages of your career, publications, research
experience and the contact details of at least two scientific references
* Certificates, degrees incl. grades
We look forward to receiving your application via our application management
system by29.12.2024. For reasons of data protection regulations, we are
unfortunately unable to consider applications that reach us by other means
(such as email or mail) in the application process.

We very much want our workplace to be diverse, and welcome applications from
people with different backgrounds. It is our mission to promote equal
opportunities and to improve women’s representation in the workforce. We
are therefore very interested in receiving applications from women. Where the
qualifications are met, we will give preference to people with disabilities.

Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie GmbH
Hahn-Meitner-Platz 1, 14109 Berlin
www.helmholtz-berlin.de

➜ APPLY HERE!

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At Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, we are researching materials for a
climate-neutral future. 1200 employees from all over the world are working
together at HZB towards this goal. Join us, and help us achieve it!
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CONTACT

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Marcus Bär
+49 (030) 8062 - 15641
marcus.baer@helmholtz-berlin.de

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