PhD Student in High-Throughput Solar Cell Characterization 100 %

  1. Departement: School of Engineering
  2. Standort: Winterthur
  3. Pensum: 100%
  4. Stellenantritt: As soon as possible or by agreement
  5. Anstellung: Temporary

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.

What you will be responsible for

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. 
As part of our dynamic research group, you will:

  • 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

What makes you a great fit

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.

The following qualifications are beneficial but not required:

  • 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.

About your workplace

The ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences is the largest university of applied sciences in German-speaking Switzerland, with around 15,000 students, more than 11,000 continuing education participants and over 3,700 employees.

We are committed to building diverse teams in order to promote equality and inclusion. We offer a flexible working environment that can be adapted to your individual circumstances.

School of Engineering

The ZHAW School of Engineering (SoE) is one of Switzerland's leading education and research institutions, focusing on future-oriented topics. With 10 Bachelor's degree programmes, one Master's degree programme, and a broad continuing education offering, it covers a wide range of qualifications. Fourteen institutes and centers ensure high-quality education, research, and development with a focus on the areas of energy, mobility, information, and health.

We are committed to building diverse teams to promote equality and diversity. We offer you a flexible working environment that can be tailored to your personal circumstances.

Unsere vielfältigen Benefits

Lohn und Zusatzleistungen

Nachvollziehbare Lohnklassen mit Extras für heute und morgen

Arbeitsmodelle und Familie

Für die gelungene Balance zwischen Job und Privatleben

Weiterbildung und Entwicklung

Mit gezielten Fortbildungen vorankommen und wachsen

Gesundheit und Bewegung

Mental und körperlich im Gleichgewicht bleiben

Mobilität

Wege locker meistern –  Wohnungen für Zugezogene

Infrastruktur

Vom ergonomischen Arbeitsplatz bis zur Hochschulbliothek

Warum an der ZHAW arbeiten?

Wir bieten Raum zum Gestalten und Bewegen, wir leben Respekt und fördern Vielfalt. Was macht die Arbeit an der ZHAW besonders?

Any questions? You’ll find the answers here!

Do you have any questions about the application process?

Jocelyn Schaad
Recruiting Manager
jocelyn.schaad@zhaw.ch

Do you have any questions about the advertised vacancy?

Wolfgang Tress
Head of Novel Semiconductor Devices Team
wolfgang.tress@zhaw.ch

Apply now

Apply here and perhaps you will soon find yourself right at the heart of it all as part of the ZHAW community. Please note that applications submitted by e-mail can unfortunately not be considered.

Gesichter und Geschichten: Jeder Weg an der ZHAW ist anders

Spannende Aufgaben, unterschiedliche Menschen – das macht uns aus. Was uns alle verbindet? Wir bringen unsere Kompetenzen ein, um gemeinsam etwas zu bewegen. In den Videoporträts erfahren Sie mehr über den Alltag unserer Mitarbeitenden.

Vermitteln Sie Personal?

Hier können Sie uns passende Dossiers einreichen. Auf Ihre Kandidat:innen sind wir sehr gespannt.

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