International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory Careers

Junior Research Fellow – Micro and Nanostructuring for bifacial and semi-transparent Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells

Job Reference: Ref.11.24.65

Employer: International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL)

Location: Braga, Portugal

Group/Unit: Sadewasser Research Group

Number of Vacancies: 1

Employment Type: Full time

Contract Duration: 19 months

Open Date for Applications: December 16th, 2024

Closing Date for Applications: January 7th 2025, 23h00m (Lisbon Time)

Key words: #photovoltaics #solarcells #microstructuring #cleanroomfabrication

Overview

The Sadewasser Research Group is dedicated to the development of micro- and nanostructured solutions to improve the performance and range of applications of thin-film solar cells.

INL is seeking a qualified Researcher with a strong background in Physical Sciences or Material Engineering and experience in solar cell research. The selected candidate will work on bifacial Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells, by developing nano-structured point-contact passivation schemes for transparent back contacts and, semi-transparent Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells by developing micro-structuring approaches for the absorber layer.

The research will be developed under the project Hi-BITS – High efficiency bifacial thin film chalcogenide solar cells, funded by the Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Action grant no. 101122203.

Job Duties

The job duties will be the following:

• Cleanroom fabrication of thin dielectric passivation layers and the fabrication of point contacts for these layers;
• Cleanroom fabrication of pre-structured substrates for micro-structuring Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells to enable semi-transparent solar cells;
• Fabrication and characterisation of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 materials and solar cell devices;
• Planning and execution of joint research activities with project partners;
• Project reporting

Mandatory Qualifications

Education

• MSc in Physics, Material Science, Material Engineering, or similar.

Experience

• Experience in photovoltaics, thin-film solar cells, Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells;
• Experience in cleanroom fabrication processes is a plus, such as thin-film deposition, photolithography, reactive ion etching, metrology;
• Additional relevant experience in characterisation of materials and devices will be positively evaluated, such as scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, solar cell characterisation.

Technical Skills

• Solid knowledge and hands-on experience of solar cell fabrication and characterisation, preferably on thin-film and/or Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells.

Personal Skills

• “Hands-on” approach together with a high commitment in respecting working deadlines;
• Highly organised and dynamic;
• Ability to work independently and as team player;
• Good communication skills.

Our Benefits

• Competitive salary;
• Tax benefits and other Diplomatic privileges;
• Private health insurance;
• Family allowances (according to family situation);
• Free nursery service at INL premises (subject to availability);
• Support for education fees of dependent children;
• Relocation support;
• 30 working days of annual leave.

How to Apply

The application must be in English and include the following mandatory documents:

a)     Cover letter;

b)     Curriculum Vitae;

c)      Academic and/or Professional diplomas;

Online application instructions:

1. The application is made online by clicking the “Apply” button below;
2. The candidate must complete all required sections of the online application form;
3. The candidate must submit the mandatory documents mentioned above in pdf format by including them in the “Additional files” section using the “Add portfolio” button.

Important note:

Incomplete applications including the failure to provide mandatory documents or providing inaccurate information will result in the application not being considered.

How the Selection Process works
 

A. Applications eligibility check

This stage will be carried out on the basis of the mandatory requirements, education, experience and technical skills defined for the job, as well as the validation of the mandatory documents. Only candidates who meet the eligibility criteria will move forward to the next stage.

B. CV Assessment

The Selection Committee will evaluate the eligible applications based on their CV and other submitted documents and the suitability for the position. The best ranked candidates will be shortlisted for the interview stage(s).

C. Interview(s)

The interview(s) may be done in different formats: video recording, online or onsite.

The question based interview will evaluate the match between the candidate’s profile and the requirements for the position, including the technical and personal skills. To better support this stage, the candidate may be requested to prepare a short presentation.

D. Nomination

The selected candidate will be nominated and formally offered the position, including the disclosure of the contractual conditions. 

Additional Information

Application feedback

We highly value your interest in becoming part of the INL experience and it is important for us to maintain good communications with all candidates. No matter the outcome of your application, we will always provide you with feedback.

Equal Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Principle

INL follows a non-discrimination and equal access principle, wherefore no candidate can be privileged, benefited, impaired or deprived of any rights whatsoever, or be exempt of and duties based on any possible discriminatory issues.

The advertisement deadline may be extended at any time without previous notice in order to improve the suitability and effectiveness of the recruitment process.

About INL

The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory – INL (http://www.inl.int), is the first and only Intergovernmental Organisation in the world entirely focused on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.

It was founded under an international legal framework to perform interdisciplinary research, deploy and communicate nanotechnology for the benefit of society. INL aims to be a recognised leading global nanotechnology innovation hub.