About the Project
Overview
An open position exists for a fully funded PhD scholarship in the development of next-generation, silicon-based tandem solar cell technologies. This project will focus on both theoretical and experimental science: applicants will be developing and characterising top cell materials to pair with high efficiency crystalline silicon, using state-of-the-art modelling and experimental infrastructure.
The Australian National University (QS ranking 2026: No. 32 World-wide) Solar Energy Group is a world-class team working at the cutting-edge of photovoltaic (PV) science. We have set world-records in solar cell performance, with research published in top-tier journals such as Nature and Science. Our team maintains close collaborations with the world's leading photovoltaic manufacturers, including through ongoing collaborative projects that aim to translate our novel technology to industry.
If you are an exceptional researcher who is curious and passionate about developing the next generation of solar energy technologies, we invite you to apply for this opportunity.
Contact: daniel.walter@anu.edu.au
Eligibility and Selection Criteria
The applicant is expected to have a strong background in at least one of Solid State Physics, Materials Science or Photovoltaics in inorganic or organic PV materials (e.g., Silicon, III-V, chalcogenides, perovskites, etc.)
The application process is highly competitive. Applicants must hold the equivalent of a first-class Honours or Master's degree in engineering, chemistry, physics or related field from a globally recognised tertiary institution ranked within top 250 globally.
Applicants must have relevant research experience with demonstrated outstanding academic achievement. International applicants should rank within the top 5% of their graduating class, while Australian and New Zealand applicants should hold at least an Upper Second-Class Honours (H2A) or equivalent. Evidence of high-quality research outputs in the form of at least one first-authored publication in a well-regarded journal in their field is highly desirable. Awarded patents in relevant disciplines are also considered.
Funding
The successful candidate will receive an annual tax-free stipend of AUD $39,069 together with a full tuition waiver. The project is fully supported through ongoing research grants within the PV group.
Project Details: Tandem Solar Cell Development
The next generation of terrestrial PV technologies will couple high-performance crystalline silicon with a wider bandgap top cell technology. However, the optimum top cell technology and tandem architecture is still under intensive research and development globally. The ANU PV Group is currently developing high efficiency tandem solar cells incorporating silicon, perovskite and other novel top cell materials. This work spans fundamental materials science and solar cell development, through technology transfer with major PV manufacturers.
This project will focus on the development of efficient and stable top cells designed specifically for silicon-based tandem architectures. The successful applicant will undertake a research project split between theoretical modelling of tandem solar cells and practical, hands-on lab work, which may include materials synthesis, device fabrication and characterization. The primary focus is the development of efficient and stable halide perovskite solar cells, but other inorganic thin film technologies can be considered depending on the candidate’s background and interests. While not a central focus of this project, the ANU PV Group is also developing ML technologies that will support material development and optimization.
Theoretically work will include modelling of light absorption, charge transport and electrical operation of single junction and tandem solar cells, with the aim of optimising lifetime energy yield. In parallel, thin film materials fabrication and characterisation of fundamental material properties will support modelling activities and determine performance potential.
Thanks to ongoing collaborations with industry partners, there will be opportunities for successful developments to be part of technology transfer activities to industrial applications.
Research Resources
The ANU PV group is a supportive and collaborative research environment supported by world-class research staff and infrastructure. Our research students are expected to present their research at domestic and international conferences, and travel support is provided.
Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities for the fabrication and characterisation of novel solar cell technologies, including:
- Perovskite solar cell fabrication via all key small and large-area deposition techniques,
- Access to high efficiency silicon bottom cells for tandem development,
- Fabrication of complementary cell layers such as ALD, CVD and sputter method
- Optical characterisation via hyperspectral imaging, PL decay, PL/EL imaging
- Access to the Australian National Fabrication Facility (ANFF) for electron microscopy, AFM, etc.
- Solar cell simulation software such as Quokka3, COMSOL Multiphysics, supported by high-performance computing resources including the NCI.
Collaboration Networks
The ANU PV Group is a core member of the Australian Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics, which provides opportunities for research collaboration across all of Australia’s key PV research groups (e.g., UNSW, Uni. Melb, Monash, UQ).
The ANU PV Group has ongoing relationships with major industry partners across Asia and North America, providing opportunities for industry engagement and a broader education in the challenge of developing commercially competitive PV technologies.
How to Apply
To submit your application, please email the following documents directly to Dr. Daniel Walter (daniel.walter@anu.edu.au):
- Up-to-date curriculum vitae (CV)
- Full undergraduate and master’s academic transcript
- Copy of master’s thesis as well as links to publications (if applicable)
- List of at least three referees with official institutional emails
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