"PhD position on Muon Spin Spectroscopy for Perovskite Solar Cells"

Materials science and technology are our passion. With our cutting-edge research, Empa's around 1,100 employees make essential contributions to the well-being of society for a future worth living. Empa is a research institution of the ETH Domain.

The Laboratory for Thin Films and Photovoltaics is known for its innovative research in the field of thin-film photovoltaic technologies.

We are looking for a motivated PhD student to explore the muon spin spectroscopy for perovskite solar cells research. This position is part of Muoniverse, a Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) dedicated to advancing muon science across particle physics, quantum materials, and applications ranging from energy research to cultural heritage. Muoniverse brings together 30 research teams from universities, research institutions, and museums in a highly collaborative network, supported by the Muoniverse Research School, which coordinates training, exchanges, and career development for PhD students and postdocs. Learn more at https://www.muoniverse.ch/. Muoniverse positions often serve as bridges between individual research groups and institutions, supported through dedicated measures. We are seeking candidates who thrive in such collaborative environments, enjoy connecting people and ideas across disciplines, and are comfortable working within networked structures. Your ability to contribute to a culture of openness and shared progress is as important as your technical expertise.

Your tasks

• Deposit perovskite absorbers and passivation layers with vacuum-based methods
• Develop novel in-situ/in-operando characterizations (including muon spectroscopy) to investigate defect dynamics and ion migration across different interfaces in perovskite solar cells
• Conduct in-depth analysis of loss mechanisms to understand the limitation factors and develop mitigation strategies to improve the performance of perovskite single-junction and tandem solar cells
• Responsibility about given fabrication and characterization equipment
• Co-supervision of undergraduate students

Your profile

• Master degree in Material science, Chemistry, Physics, Engineering, or related fields
• Willingness to conduct independent, interdisciplinary research in the field of perovskite semiconductors
• Experience in semiconductor physics, PVD thin-film deposition, optical characterization methods, and advanced data analysis are advantageous
• Ability to work in a collaborative team environment towards a common goal
• Proficient English is required

Our offer
The starting date is Autum 2026 or upon mutual agreement. The work will primarily be carried out at Empa in Dübendorf and should eventually lead to a PhD degree from EPFL.

We live a culture of inclusion and respect. We welcome all people who are interested in innovative, sustainable and meaningful activities - that's what counts.

We look forward to receiving your complete online application including a letter of motivation, CV, certificates, diplomas and contact details of two reference persons. Please submit these exclusively via our job portal. Applications by e-mail and by post will not be considered.