Job Description

As one of the world’s leading solar research institutes, the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE makes a significant contribution to sustainable, economical, secure, and socially just energy supply worldwide. Our goal is to advance the energy transition with concrete, implementable technological solutions—through excellent research results, successful industry collaborations, and spin-offs. To this end, we conduct research with around 1,300 staff in 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 world-class research at an international level.

Be part of change

You will support our team "Perovskite Thin-Film Photovoltaics," which aims to improve the efficiency, stability, and scalability of perovskite solar cells - a key technology in the sustainable energy world. We offer you the opportunity to contribute to innovative research. You will work with a diverse, international team that is committed to pushing the boundaries of photovoltaic research.

To support our team "Perovskite Thin-Film Photovoltaics", we are seeking a student assistant starting 01.04.2026 with the opportunity to develop a Master's thesis for the following activities:

• Your main task will be the fabrication of perovskite thin-film solar cells, primarily based on solution-processed multi-layer structures.
• You will prepare precursor solutions, deposit layers using methods such as spin coating or thermal evaporation, and produce complete solar cells.
• You will characterize the solar cells with optoelectronic and optical methods, including current–voltage measurements and photoluminescence microscopy/spectroscopy, and analyze the resulting data with common analysis tools (e.g., Origin or Python).
• You will document your experiments carefully, interpret your measurement results clearly and structurally, and discuss them in the team.
• Additionally, you will support the organization of laboratory workflows by contributing to clean and safe workspaces and reliable experimental processes.

What you contribute

• You are studying physics, chemistry, materials science, or a comparable field.
• You have a strong interest in experimental lab work.
• Experience with fundamental optical or electrical characterization methods (e.g., IV, PL) is advantageous.
• Ideally, you have practical experience in a cleanroom environment and are familiar with thin-film systems.
• You enjoy working in a team, but after proper training you can plan and carry out tasks independently.
• You approach your tasks in a structured and conscientious manner.
• You have good English skills.

What we offer

• Exclusive insight: By collaborating with the scientists in our research unit, you will gain an overview of the daily life of research and development at a research institute.
• Labor infrastructure: At Fraunhofer ISE we work with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, enabling research projects to be conducted at the cutting edge.
• Research mix: You will have the opportunity to combine experimental work with theory, applying and expanding your knowledge from your studies.
• Support: You will be mentored by scientists and will receive feedback on your progress.
• Teamwork: Through interaction with scientific and student staff, you will gain experience working in a team and can contribute your own experiences.
• Working hours and location: We offer flexible working hours to accommodate your needs in coordination, and occasional remote work from home is possible.
• Equality of opportunity: We value equal opportunities and foster diversity.
• After work: Celebrate with your colleagues at 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 our employees’ competencies and therefore welcome all applications—regardless of age, gender, nationality, ethnic and social background, religion, worldview, disability, as well as sexual orientation and gender identity. Severely disabled people will be given preferential consideration when equally qualified.

Ready for a change? Apply now with your strong application documents (including cover letter, CV, and employment references/performance records) and make a difference! After you submit your online application, you will receive an automated confirmation of receipt. We will then get back to you as soon as possible to tell you how to proceed.

Questions about this position will gladly be answered by:

Markus Kohlstädt

+49 761 20396796

Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE

www.ise.fraunhofer.de

Requisition Number: 83130 Application Deadline: