PhD Position – Hybrid Deposition Processes for Perovskite Photovoltaics (f/m/d)

The rise of perovskite thin-film solar cells in recent years has opened up an exciting route to advance the power conversion efficiency of established photovoltaic technologies. For the first time, a wide bandgap thin-film PV technology is available at low cost that can be combined with established low bandgap semiconductors, such as crystalline Si, CIGS thin-films or organic solar cells in a multijunction tandem device with the potential of surpassing efficiencies of established technologies. However, key scientific and technological challenges need to be overcome to harvest this potential. At KIT, we engage in this worldwide endeavour and research the fundamentals, novel materials and processes for perovskite photovoltaics.

This PhD position will be part of our endeavour to develop industrially relevant hybrid deposition processes for perovskite-based photovoltaics.

Your Tasks

The position will be embedded in the Taskforce Perovskite Photovoltaics at KIT, which combines the expertise and equipment of several research groups at KIT. For the fabrication and prototyping hybrid-deposited perovskite solar cells, a broad fabrication and characterization platform will be accessible via the involved institutes, the Light Technology Institute (LTI) and the Institute of Microstructure Technology (IMT). The position is within the Next Generation Photovoltaics division of Prof. Dr. Ulrich W. Paetzold.

The focus of your work will be on the following tasks:

• Development and optimization of vapor deposition processes for engineering the inorganic scaffold properties, including thermal evaporation and close-space sublimation.
• Development of industrially relevant high-rate processes for the solution-based conversion into high-quality perovskite films, including slot-die coating and inkjet printing.
• Detailed investigation of the optoelectronic and microstructural properties of perovskite absorber layers with various bandgaps processed with these methods and application in perovskite-based single-junction and tandem solar cells.

You will publish and present your research results in scientific journals and international conferences and assist in project work and teaching. The position offers the opportunity for an in-service doctorate.

Your Profile

• Education: Master’s degree (M.Sc.) in Physics, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Chemistry, or related fields
• Proven knowledge in optoelectronics, photovoltaics, and semiconductor physics.
• Experience in collaborating within international teams.
• Fluent English skills (written and spoken).

We Offer

• Science for Impact:

  Engage with topics of societal relevance — in an excellent scientific environment that enables change.

• Flexible Working Hours:

  Take advantage of flexible‑hours schemes, remote‑work options, and a 30‑day annual leave entitlement to achieve an optimal work‑life balance.

• Career‑Building and Developmental Opportunities:

  We provide you with a structured onboarding program, a broad spectrum of continuing‑education options, and personalised support, thereby fostering your individual growth.

  
• Family-friendliness:

  The “KIT‑Family +” program assists you in reconciling work and family life by offering childcare services, holiday activities, a parent‑child office space, and assistance with caring for relatives.

• Stay Healthy:

  Under the motto “Fit at KIT – Body, Mind and Soul,” we promote your well‑being through fitness classes and mental‑health programmes.

• Individualised Extra Benefits:

  Enjoy a corporate pension (VBL), a €25 monthly contribution toward a JobTicket BW, plus a broad selection of cultural and recreational programmes.

Job location
Karlsruhe (and Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen)

Salary
Salary category 13 TV-L; classification is based on personal and professional qualifications.

Contract duration
3 years

Contact person in line-management Prof. Ulrich W. Paetzold ulrich.paetzold@kit.edu

If you have general questions about the application process, please contact
Raquel Carrasco Sanchez
Personalservice (PSE)
raquel.carrasco@kit.edu 
+49 721 608-42016

Please submit the following documents:

• Motivation Letter (maximum 1 page)
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• List of Publications (if applicable)
• Transcript of Records
• Master’s Diploma/Certificate (M.Sc.)

At KIT we value the diversity of our employees; different perspectives and backgrounds enrich our work. We therefore welcome applications from all candidates. Women are especially encouraged to apply. Applications from recognized severely disabled individuals are given preferential consideration when qualifications are equal.

Application up to: 2026-08-20
Job posting number: 1181/2026