IMOMEC (IMEC-Uhasselt) PV research teams are internationally recognized, thanks to its experts and world-class technology labs (Thin Film PV lab). It has a leading position on the development of semi-transparent perovskite (Pk)solar cells that are suitable for tandem applications.
Combining these solar cells with other thin film technologies like Cu(In,Ga)Se2(CIGS) will allow for a complete thin film tandem solar cells and its advantages for various light weight and flexible applications. At IMOMEC we are working on the development of these thin film tandem solar cells and investigate their long-term stability.
Together with the LCP group of Gent University we are working on advanced opto-electrical characterization and modelling of these tandem solar cells. A physics-based model is being developed at UGent to understand the opto-electrical properties of the complete tandem device. Our aim is to combine both experimental data and modelling to gain understanding in the long-term stability of CIGS/Pk tandem solar cells.
For this, there is a PhD position available on advanced opto-electrical characterization and modelling of these CIGS/Pk thin film tandem solar cells. This PhD position is funded by the Flemish Research Council (FWO) and the student will be affiliated with both UHasselt and UGent.

You will work in the Energy Laboratory of imec in Genk (EnergyVille) in the chalcogenide thin film-PV team of the imec department ‘imomec’ (associated imec laboratory at Hasselt University) https://www.energyville.be/en where the devices will be fabricated and characterized and at UGent LCP group for more advanced opto-electrical characterization and modelling.

More information about our research: www.uhasselt.be/IMO and www.energyville.be.

• You have a master degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering (or equivalent).
  Final-year students are (likewise) encouraged to apply.
• You have experience in opto-electrical characterization and modelling or programming (C++, Matlab, Python). You have excellent reporting skills and are able to present scientific results (publications, conferences, seminars).
• You can easily integrate in an international team. Very good English communication skills are required.
• You have knowledge of device physics and experience in the domain. Being acquainted with photovoltaics fundamentals is an asset. You show a problem-solving attitude and a strong desire to stay up-to-date with recent advancements.You are able to work independently and are eager to take initiative and responsibility.
• You are motivated to contribute to the didactic and outreach tasks of the faculty of Engineering Technology and you are able to arouse students' enthusiasm.
• The research will be performed in collaboration with (and partly at) the University of Gent. Therefore, an (international) driver's license is an asset.

You will be appointed and paid as PhD student.
Scholarship for a period of 2 x 2 years, after positive intermediate evaluation.

The selection procedure consists of a preselection based on application file and an interview.
All interested applicants are invited to submit an application package including but not limited to 1. Motivation letter. 2. CV. 3. A self-written scientific text of 1-2 pages, describing the potential of chalcogenide materials and perovskite materials for tandem solar cells A preselection is conducted first based on the application package and further followed by an interview with few candidates for final selection. Please be advised that applications without research proposal are not considered for further evaluation.

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Apply up to 09.10.2023