We are looking for a motivated and ambitious PhD student to work in the Materials Modeling Division at Darmstadt University of Technology under the supervision of Karsten Albe. The objective of the proposed project is to improve the properties of the functional layers of Cu(In,Ga)Se₂ (CIGS) solar cells by applying innovative concepts and knowledge-based optimization methods in order to achieve further increases in module efficiency and a reduction in costs.  The focus of the PhD thesis will be on the first-principles study of point defects, planar defects and interfaces in this class of solar cell materials using atomistic simulations based on Density Functional Theory (DFT). The main duties of doctoral student are performing all research studies, presenting results at project meetings and international conferences, and participating in teaching activities of the Materials Modelling Division. The PhD position is funded by BMWi (German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy) for 3 years. The proposed project will be carried out within EFFCIS project, in strong collaboration with experimental groups.

Required qualifications:

- A master degree in Physics, Chemistry or Materials Science

- A strong background in theoretical materials science/condensed matter physics with particular interest in DFT

- Fluent in English (both spoken and written)

Desired qualifications:

- Programming experience

- Prior experience in DFT simulations

Salary:

According to the collective agreements on salary scales, which apply to the Technische Universität Darmstadt (TV-TU Darmstadt).

Application process:

Please send your CV, a cover letter, and two recommendation letters or contacts to [email protected] and [email protected] by 15^th August 2020. Please state “PhD application for EFFCIS project” in the subject field of your email.