Research : PhD Student in Lab -Throughput Solar Cell Characterization

Jocelyn Schaad Recruiting Manager

Do you want to develop robotic and automated systems that accelerate the discovery of next‑generation solar cells? Join our interdisciplinary team and help transform how photovoltaic devices are characterized and tested.
School: School of Engineering Starting date: As soon as possible or by agreement

Our group is at the forefront of perovskite research, exploring their unique properties and applications in next‑generation technologies. Visit our website to learn more about our innovative research projects, state‑of‑the‑art facilities, and inspiring collaborations. The development of new photovoltaic technologies requires the characterization of large numbers of devices under a wide range of operating conditions. However, conventional characterization workflows are often labor‑intensive and limit statistical significance due to low sample throughput.

To address this challenge, we plan to develop automated and robotic platforms for high‑throughput solar‑cell characterization and stability testing.

• Design and develop automated measurement systems for photovoltaic device characterization.
• Integrate robotics, motion‑control systems, sensors, and measurement instruments into a unified experimental platform.
• Develop software and hardware solutions for automated sample handling, measurement execution, and data acquisition.
• Characterize and analyze the degradation behavior of perovskite solar cells – Disseminate your work in scientific presentations and publications.

We Are Looking For a Highly Motivated Candidate Who Is Dedicated To Science And Enjoys Building Experimental Systems And Solving Interdisciplinary Engineering Challenges. You Will Bring

• A master degree in Mechatronics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Physics, or a related field.
• Strong interest in automation, robotics, instrumentation, control systems, or scientific hardware development.
• Hands‑on experience with electronics, mechanical design, automation systems, or experimental instrumentation.
• Basic education in semiconductor physics and technology
• Good English communication skills, both written and spoken.

• Experience with motion‑control systems, robotics, machine vision, or industrial automation.
• Experience with scientific instrumentation and data acquisition.
• Knowledge of photovoltaic devices, renewable‑energy technologies, or semiconductor characterization.

Beyond technical skills, we value curiosity, creativity, initiative, and enthusiasm for developing innovative research infrastructure that enables cutting‑edge science.

Zurich University of Applied Sciences ZHAW is one of Switzerland's largest multidisciplinary universities of applied sciences, with over 14'000 students and 3'400 faculty and staff.

As part of the Organic Electronics and Photovoltaics section at the Institute of Computational Physics (ICP) we investigate the physics of solar cells and further optoelectronic devices using innovative characterization and modelling approaches. We perform cutting‑edge fundamental and applied research in a young team of motivated scientists. Based on a dual affiliation, the PhD degree will be awarded in physics in collaboration with the Faculty of Science at the University of Zurich.

ZHAW is committed to gender-mixed and diverse teams in order to promote equality, diversity and innovation.

We offer working conditions and terms of employment commensurate with higher education institutions and actively promote personal development for staff in leadership and non‑leadership positions. A detailed description of advantages and benefits can be found at Working at the ZHAW. The main points are listed below:

• Workplace Culture
• Work Life Balance
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Personal Development
• Environmental, Economic and Social Sustainability at the ZHAW
• Ocupational Health Management
• Salary and Pension Provision

Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Tress Head of Novel Semiconductor Devices Team

wolfgang.tress

Jocelyn Schaad Recruiting Manager

jocelyn.schaad

Temporary

ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences

Winterthur Region of Winterthur/Schaffhausen 8401