PhD Position, Research Assistant (f/m/d) on Next-generation Hybrid Solar Technologies

European Commission; Deutschland; Vor Ort; EUR 40.000 - 60.000; Teilzeit

Zusammenfassung

The Karlsruhe Institute of Technology is seeking a part-time PhD Research Assistant focused on developing next-generation hybrid solar technologies. This role involves mechanical design, material selection, and performance optimization, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative solar energy solutions. The position is ideal for candidates with a Master's degree in engineering and a strong background in related fields.

Qualifikationen

• Master’s degree in relevant engineering field required.
• Solid background in mechanical design, optics, photovoltaics, and heat transfer.
• High proficiency in spoken and written English.

Aufgaben

• Mechanical and optical design of hybrid solar collectors.
• Selection and development of advanced optical materials.
• Numerical modeling and performance optimization of collector systems.

Kenntnisse

Mechanical design

Optics

Photovoltaics

Heat transfer

Ausbildung

Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a closely related field

Jobbeschreibung

Organisation/Company KIT - Karlsruhe Institute of Technology Research Field Environmental science Engineering » Electrical engineering Technology » Energy technology Engineering Engineering » Mechanical engineering Physics Physics » Solid state physics Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Established Researcher (R3) Country Germany Application Deadline 30 Jun 2025 - 21:59 (UTC) Type of Contract Permanent Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

PhD Position, Research Assistant (f/m/d) on Next-generation Hybrid Solar Technologies
Part Time 75%
KIT - Karlsruhe Institute of Technology
Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) - The Research University in the Helmholtz Association creates and imparts knowledge for the society and the environment. It is our goal to make significant contributions to mastering the global challenges of mankind in the fields of energy, mobility, and information. For this, about 10,000 employees of KIT cooperate in a broad range of disciplines in research, academic education, and innovation.

The Institute of Microstructure Technology (IMT) is offering as of September 1st, 2025 or later, limited for 3 years, a PhD Position, Research Assistant (f/m/d) on Next-generation Hybrid Solar Technologies, Part time 75%.

You will develop next-generation hybrid solar technologies that combine photovoltaic, solar thermal, and radiative cooling functionalities within a single, high-performance collector or system, to fully use the hot sun and also simultaneously use the cold universe. The resulting technologies are envisioned to simultaneously generate electricity, heating and cooling.

You have the following tasks

• Mechanical and optical design of next-generation hybrid solar collectors;
• Selection of advanced optical materials; development of novel materials if required;
• Optical, thermal, and electrical characterization of critical system components;
• Numerical modeling and performance optimization of hybrid collector systems;
• Fabrication and experimental evaluation through both indoor and outdoor testing;
• Exploration of real-world applications, including integration into buildings and/or solar hydrogen production systems.

The activity offers the opportunity for a part-time doctorate.

The host institute offers a comprehensive range of state-of-the-art research facilities. These include cleanrooms for advanced optical material fabrication, full-spectrum solar simulators, research-grade weather stations, a fully equipped mechanical workshop, and dedicated outdoor testing sites at the KIT Solar Park. The position is based within the Hybrid Solar Technologies (HST) Lab (https://www.imt.kit.edu/3855.php ), led by Dr. Gan Huang, which focuses on cutting-edge solutions for next-generation hybrid solar energy harvesting.

• Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a closely related field;
• Solid background in mechanical design, optics, photovoltaics, and heat transfer;
• High proficiency in spoken and written English.

We prefer to balance the number of employees (f/m/d). Therefore we kindly ask female applicants to apply for this job.

Recognized severely disabled persons will be preferred if they are equally qualified.

Please apply online until June 30th, 2025 using the vacancy number 206/2025 to Ms Gätcke, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Human Resources, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany. For further information, please contact Dr. Huang, email: [e-mail] .

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You can find further information on the internet: www.kit.edu .