Junior Research Fellow – Buffer layer for Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells

Junior Research Fellow – Buffer layer for Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells

Job Reference: Ref.08.22.41

Employer: International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL)

Location: Braga, Portugal

Group/Unit: Nanostructured Solar Cells

Number of Vacancies: 1

Employment Type: Full time

Contract Duration: 15 months

Open Date for Applications: October 03th, 2022

Closing Date for Applications: October 25th, 2022, 23h00m (Lisbon Time)

Key words: #chemicalbathdeposition, #thinfilmsolarcells

Overview

The Nanostructured Solar Cells Research Group is dedicated to the development of micro- and nanostructured solutions to improve the performance of thin-film solar cells.

INL is seeking a qualified Junior Research Fellow with a strong background in Physical Sciences, Chemistry or Material Engineering and expertise in chemical bath deposition processes.

The selected candidate will develop a suitable deposition process for a non-toxic buffer layer for Cu(In,Ga)Se2 thin-film solar cells, under the project REMAP – Reusable Mask Patterning funded by HORIZON 2020 / European Innovation Council Pathfinder Open scheme grant no. 101046909.

Job Duties

The Junior Research Fellow will undertake the following main activities and responsibilities:

• Develop chemical bath deposition process for non-toxic buffer layers for Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells
• Fabricate regular and micro-scale Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells
• Test and validate Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells with the developed buffer layers
• Project reporting

Mandatory Qualifications

Education

• MSc Degree in Chemistry, Physics, Material Science, Material Engineering, or similar

Experience

• Experience in chemical bath deposition processes and with thin-film solar cells;
• Additional relevant experience will be positively evaluated, such as vacuum deposition of semiconductor layers, material deposition, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, solar cell characterization.

Technical Skills

• Solid knowledge and hands-on experience of materials deposition from solution.

Preferred Skills

• Strong background in photovoltaics, specifically in thin-film solar cells, their fabrication and characterization.

Personal Skills

• “Hands-on” approach together with a high commitment in respecting working deadlines;
• Highly organised and dynamic;
• Customer orientation;
• 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:

The application is made online by clicking the “Apply” button below;

The candidate must complete all required sections of the online application form;

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.