PhD scholarship in Multidimensional Nanomaterials and Interface Engineering for Thin-Film Solar Cells - DTU Electro

Danmarks Tekniske Universitet; Ørsted; On-site; DKK 357,000 - 446,000; Full time

Job summary

DTU in Roskilde, Denmark, offers a PhD scholarship at the intersection of nanomaterials synthesis, interface engineering, and next‑generation solar-energy technologies. You will develop advanced thin‑film solar cells using quantum dots, Sb2X3 absorbers, and 2D materials in a new device architecture, with hands‑on synthesis, deposition, characterization, and device testing.

The project emphasizes collaboration across international partners and a research stay at a partner university, preparing

Qualifications

• Two-year master’s degree or equivalent in materials science, physics or chemistry.
• Strong experimental background in materials research and lab work.
• Ability to plan, conduct and document laboratory work independently.
• Excellent written and spoken English; able to work in an international team.

Responsibilities

• Develop and optimize a multidimensional thin-film solar-cell architecture.
• Synthesize and deposit quantum-dot seed layers and Sb2X3 absorbers.
• Integrate ultrathin MoX2 layers for interface passivation and characterize devices.
• Fabricate and test solar-cell devices (JV, EQE, CV) and analyze results.

Skills

Materials science background

Experimental materials research

English proficiency

Education

Master's degree (2-year) in a related field

Tools

XPS

PL

Raman

AFM

XRD

SEM

EDX

UV-Vis-NIR

Job description

Are you motivated to build a research career at the intersection of nanomaterials synthesis, interface engineering, and next-generation solar-energy technologies? This PhD scholarship offers you the opportunity to develop advanced thin-film solar cells by combining quantum dots, quasi-one-dimensional antimony chalcogenides, and two-dimensional materials in a new multidimensional device architecture. You will gain hands‑on experience in materials synthesis, thin-film deposition, structural and optoelectronic characterization, solar‑cell fabrication, and device testing, while contributing to fundamental understanding of how engineered interfaces control charge transport and recombination. As part of an ambitious international research environment at DTU, you will work with state‑of‑the‑art facilities, collaborate with leading European research groups, and undertake a research stay at Friedrich‑Alexander‑Universität Erlangen‑Nürnberg. The project will provide a strong foundation for a future career in photovoltaics, materials science, nanotechnology, or sustainable‑energy research.

Responsibilities and qualifications

Your main objective will be to develop and optimize a new multidimensional thin‑film solar‑cell architecture combining zero‑dimensional quantum dots, quasi‑one‑dimensional antimony chalcogenide absorbers, and two‑dimensional materials. You will investigate how materials synthesis and interface engineering influence crystal growth, charge transport, recombination, and device performance. Working closely with the project team and international collaborators, you will take responsibility for experimental development from individual material layers to functional and reproducible solar‑cell devices.

Your primary tasks will be to:

• Synthesize and deposit quantum‑dot seed layers by solution‑based routes
• Grow and optimize Sb₂X₃ absorber thin films
• Integrate ultrathin MoX₂ layers for interface passivation
• Characterize materials using structural, morphological, and optical methods (XPS, PL, Raman, AFM, XRD, SEM, EDX, UV‑vis‑NIR).
• Fabricate and test thin‑film solar‑cell devices (JV, EQE, CV, AS)
• Investigate device uniformity, reproducibility, and scale‑up
• Analyse results and collaborate with national and international partners

You must have a two‑year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two‑year master's degree. It is essential to have background in materials science, materials chemistry, nanotechnology or a closely related field. You should have a solid foundation in experimental materials research and be able to plan, conduct and document laboratory work independently. The position also requires strong analytical skills, the ability to work collaboratively in an international research environment, and good written and spoken English. The project is particularly suited to a candidate with an experimental background relevant to thin films, nanomaterials, semiconductor materials or photovoltaic devices. The proposal identifies Materials Science, Physics and Chemistry as the core eligible academic backgrounds.

Approval and Enrolment

The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see DTU's rules for the PhD education.

Assessment

The assessment of applicants will be made by Tenure Track Researcher Evgeniia Gilshtein.

We offer

DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms

The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years.

The preferred starting date is 01.11.2026, or according to mutual agreement. The position is full‑time.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information

Further information may be obtained from Evgeniia Gilshtein, via [e-mail]

You can read more about Department of Electrical and Photonics Engineering at www.electro.dtu.dk/

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark. Furthermore, you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar “PhD relocation to Denmark and startup “Zoom” seminar” for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open‑source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

At DTU Electro, we combine the immense possibilities of electrical and photonics engineering. Our research is, among other things, used in the healthcare sector for diagnostics, treatment and improving the quality of life. We research into the development of more sustainable energy systems, safer autonomous systems and a faster, greener and more secure internet. Light and electronics – photons and electrons – are the key bits of tomorrows sustainable society. Where they meet, change is made.

DTU – For the benefit of society since 1829 DTU is one of Europe's leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level, we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europe's global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago, our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive, stimulating, and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.

Location

Roskilde, Denmark