Job Description

As one of the world's largest solar research institutes, the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE makes a substantial contribution to a sustainable, economical, safe, and socially just energy supply worldwide. Our goal is to advance the energy transition with concrete, actionable technological solutions - through excellent research results, successful industry collaborations, and spin-off companies. For this, we conduct research with our approximately 1,300 staff across four focus areas: energy provision, energy distribution, energy storage, and energy use. Fraunhofer ISE's state-of-the-art R&D infrastructure, with 22,300 m² of laboratory space, enables cutting-edge research at an international level.

Be part of change

You want to actively shape the energy transition and gain practical experience even during your studies? With us, you will work as a Student Assistant to help make this goal a reality.

You support our group "III-V Semiconductor Technology", which focuses on solar cells based on III-V semiconductors such as GaAs and InP. Fraunhofer ISE has a world record of 47.6% for the conversion of solar radiation into electricity. Such high-efficiency solar cells are today state of the art in space and are used on Earth in Concentrator Photovoltaic systems. Other applications, such as integration into vehicles, are currently being researched. Also known as Power-by-Light systems, III-V thin-film photovoltaic cells are used for optical energy transmission in fiber-coupled systems as well as in free-space applications. Under laser irradiation, such a GaAs-based thin-film photovoltaic cell has already achieved a record efficiency of 68.9%. ( https://doi.org/10.1002/pssr.202100113)

The thin-film processing of such III-V devices is a crucial building block for maximum efficiency, as it enables the exploitation of photon recycling effects through the implementation of a back reflector. At Fraunhofer ISE, a microfabrication route for inverted thin-film solar cells is currently being developed in the III-V department. An important part of the processing is the galvanic back-surface reinforcement using silver galvanization, as well as the galvanic realization of front-side contacts, which will be the main topic of your work as a Student Assistant.

For our "III-V Semiconductor Technology" group, we are looking for a student assistant to start as soon as possible, with the opportunity to write a master's thesis, for the following tasks:

• You actively contribute to the experimental development and fabrication of ultrathin, high-efficiency III-V photovoltaic cells.
• You use various galvanic processes to deposit metals on the front and back sides of thin solar cells.
• You analyze and evaluate your results using optical characterization methods (e.g., confocal and light microscopy).
• You document your results and present them to the team.

What you contribute

• You study a natural science field, ideally chemistry, nanotechnology, microsystems technology, or a comparable discipline.
• You have an interest in photovoltaics and research and possess knowledge of surface chemistry.
• You have experience working in a cleanroom and enjoy it.
• You plan and complete tasks independently and with high quality.
• You work autonomously and with commitment.
• It is important for you to contribute to your team and to achieve goals together in interdisciplinary collaboration.
• When faced with challenges, you have perseverance and do not give up until you achieve the desired results.
• You are happy to share your work results and can present them convincingly.
• It is easy for you to build and maintain trusting contacts.
• You articulate your ideas clearly and listen to others attentively.
• You have experience with MS Office and Origin.
• You can express yourself confidently in both German and English.

What we offer

Exclusive insight: In collaboration with the scientists of our work unit, you gain an inside look at the everyday life of research and development at a research institute.

Laboratory infrastructure: At Fraunhofer ISE we work with state-of-the-art systems and devices so that research projects can be conducted at the latest technological level.

Research mix: You will have the opportunity to combine experimental work with theory, applying and expanding your knowledge from your studies.

Supervision: You will be mentored by scientists and receive feedback on your progress.

Teamwork: Through interaction with scientific and student staff, you gain experience working in a team and can contribute your existing experience.

Working hours and location: We offer you the option to flexibly adapt your working hours to your needs in consultation and, from time to time, to work from home.

Equal opportunities: We value equal opportunities and provide space for diversity.

After work: Celebrate yourself and your colleagues with after-work events or our annual staff celebrations.

Remuneration is based on the degree of the academic qualification.

We value and promote the diversity of skills among our employees and therefore welcome all applications - regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social background, religion, ideology, disability, and sexualorientation and identity. Severely disabled persons will be given preference in case of equal qualification.

Ready for a change? Then apply now with your compelling application documents (including CV, cover letter, and references/performance records) and make a difference! After your online application is received, you will receive an automatic acknowledgment. We will get back to you as soon as possible to tell you how the process continues.

Questions about this position will gladly be answered by:

Tadeo Schweigstill

+49 761 4588-5541

Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE

www.ise.fraunhofer.de

Requisition Number: 83589 Application Deadline: