Doctoral (Phd) position in Solar Cell Technology

Doctoral (Phd) position in Solar Cell Technology with focus on synchrotron characterization of thin film solar cells

Admission to Doctoral (PhD) Studies in the subject Engineering Sciences with specialization in Electronics

at the Division of Solar Cell Technology, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Uppsala University

Join us!

About the Department

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering aims to be an environment for successful and valuable research and education with a focus on materials science solutions for important societal challenges. Our department is an exciting workplace with research in a broad technology-related area, from basic research to large-scale applied research, and close contacts with students through the department's involvement in engineering and master's programs. Our research and teaching are conducted within seven divisions with different research focuses, as well as a division that provides support and service. The department is an international place to work, and has around 230 active co-workers.

Read more about us here

About the division

The Division of Solar Cell Technology is part of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Ångström Laboratory. The research within the division of Solar Cell Technology is dedicated to fundamental understanding as well as development of effective and low-cost solar cells based on thin film technologies. The focus is on materials containing chalcogens such as sulfur and selenium, e.g. (Ag,Cu)(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) and Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTS), but also inorganic perovskites, such as ZrBaS3. The group consists of experts in material synthesis, electrical characterization, device simulations, high-resolution imaging and synchrotron research. The division has own laboratories in the Ångström clean-room lab that include both synthesis and basic material characterization, as well as electrical measurement laboratories.

The PhD education at the division of Solar Cell Technology will give you a broad knowledge base within material science and solar cell technology for a career within academia or industry.

 Read more about the division here

Project description

The purpose of the project is to study thin film solar cell materials at the atomic level using advanced synchrotron methods, with a particular focus on understanding and reducing instability and performance decline. Thin film solar cells are promising in photovoltaics due to their lightweight, flexible properties, potential for low-cost production and integration into tandem or multijunction devices. However, stability and degradation during operation and manufacturing are critical for their commercial viability and long-term performance.

The objective of this proposal is to utilize synchrotron techniques to explore why these solar cells, especially those based on CIGS, may degrade or loose efficiency. This includes investigating how the materials’ composition, their physical structure, interfaces between layers and interactions with the environment affect their durability and performance in real-world applications and during fabrication. Other solar cell materials may also be studied. The goal is to find ways to improve the stability and long-term performance of these solar devices.

Duties

The main duty for a doctoral student is to devote themselves to their research studies which includes participating in research projects and PhD courses. The work duties can also include teaching and other departmental duties (no more than 20%).

Being a PhD student means independently running projects within a specific subject. You collaborate on an ongoing basis with other doctoral students and researchers to create results within various projects and have one or more supervisors for support during your doctoral studies. However, you work independently to a great amount, e.g. by working in a laboratory environment and writing articles for journals and for results for your doctoral thesis. Usually, some form of half-time seminar is included after about half of the doctoral studies.

When you are admitted to doctoral studies, you are offered employment as a doctoral student. A position as a doctoral student at Uppsala University corresponds to full-time PhD education for four years.

Read more about being a Doctoral student here.

In this project you will study the atomic and electronic structures of thin film solar cells, focusing on interfaces, under real-world conditions. Advanced synchrotron techniques such as X-ray photoelectron, absorption and fluorescence spectroscopies, and X-ray diffraction will be used for real-time analysis. Measurements will be conducted in controlled environments to monitor material changes, which will contribute to the development of more stable and efficient devices.

You work on solar cell fabrication, X-ray materials characterization, data analysis and publication of research results. Training in various techniques is included in the doctoral program. Some experiments will take place at international synchrotron radiation facilities such as MAX IV Laboratory in Sweden, Soleil in France, Diamond in England, Petra III in Germany. A certain amount of travelling is foreseen in relation to these activities. You will work closely with experts in solar cells at Uppsala University and synchrotron specialists at different synchrotron radiation facilities.

Requirements

Master’s degree in material science/engineering, physics, engineering physics, chemistry, or a related field, or other education considered equivalent to these qualifications.

Documented experience and knowledge in materials science which includes courses in solid state physics, advanced materials characterization/ X-ray characterization methods, surface science/ chemistry, semiconductor physics or solar cells.

We require good oral and written skills in English.

Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance (1993:100) chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University's rules and guidelines.

Additional qualifications

It is advantageous to have documented knowledge and experience in one or more of the following areas: 

• X-ray/synchrotron material characterization methods
• Surface chemical reactions
• Thin film technology (i.e., atomic layer deposition or other vacuum methods)
• Photovoltaics and/or semiconductor materials

Great emphasis is put on personal qualities such as the ability to independently plan and carry out work. You have a good ability to work towards set goals and you work focused to achieve them. In this, you have an ability to focus, even during periods of high workload. You have good communication skills, where through this quality you cooperate well with others. You also have a good ability to write academic text.

Your application must include

• A short cover letter in which you describe yourself, why you want to do a PhD and why you are suitable for this position. 
• CV (max 2 pages)
• A certified copy of your master's degree and your course grades. 
• Copies (or drafts) of your master's thesis and other documents, such as publications, that you wish to refer to. 
• Names and contact details of at least two contact persons who have agreed to be references for you, with any additional letters of recommendation. It must also be stated what relationship you have had with the respective referent. 

The application should be written in English. We will continuously read applications and call for interviews. 

About the employment
The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date 1st of May 2026 or as agreed upon. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact: Dr Natalia Martin (Natalia.Martin@angstrom.uu.se) or Professor Charlotte Platzer Björkman (Charlotte.Platzer@uu.se).

Please submit your application by 15 Januari 2026, UFV-PA 2025/3738

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