The SURFCAT section at DTU Physics explores the use of catalysis and solar energy harvesting to secure renewable energy for the future. Novo Nordisk Fonden (NNF) has funded the SelSiCELL project which aims to make high performance solar cells based on selenium (c-Se) as the photoabsorber, and to make tandem solar cells based on the c-Se/c-Si architecture.
The project is mostly experimental and you will design, build and operate various high-vacuum equipment for making the samples as well as an array of characterization techniques for benchmarking samples.
Responsibilities and qualifications
SelSiCELL must simultaneously improve both the photovoltage and the photocurrent compared to state-of-the-art c-Se solar cells - and ultimately - grow such high performance c-Se cells monolithically on a pre-made c-Si solar cell. This requires a wide span of techniques and tricks and you are expected to master them all.
Your Postdoc will mainly explore ideas to improve the carrier lifetime and photovoltage in c-Se and device engineering ideas.
Key tasks include:
- Improving and operating various equipment for making the solar cells (mainly via sputtering and evaporation).
- Using an array of characterization tools (electrical, optical, x-rays, surface science, spectroscopy, microscopy, etc.)
- Solar device/stack engineering
As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent).
You are highly motivated to help solve the global energy problem
You are an experimentalist - second to none - with a very solid theoretical understanding of solid state physics and physical chemistry as evidenced by excellent grades in relevant courses from your education and a stellar track-record as an engineer/researcher as evidenced by your publications. You should have significant experience within several of the the fields: Solar cell physics and engineering, general materials science, ultra-high-vacuum science, microfabrication, optics, robotics, and spectroscopy (both time-domain and frequency-domain).
You are driven, tenacious, self-motivating and have discipline and grit as demonstrated by your track record. Reaching the SelSiCELL goals requires a team effort (ca 2-3 people core team) and you must therefore work well in a small, focused group.
Excellent written and spoken English skills are mandatory.
We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.
Salary and terms of employment
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.
The period of employment is one year. Starting date is as early as possible.
You can read more about career paths at DTU here.
Further information
Further information may be obtained from Professor Peter Vesborg, [email protected].
You can read more about the SURFCAT section of DTU Physics at www.fysik.dtu.dk/english/research/surfcat.
If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark.
Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 30 September 2025 (23:59 Danish time). Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:
- Application (cover letter)
- CV (include, if applicable, any cool hobbies, or playing an musical instrument- or performing sports at a very high level)
- Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
- List of publications
Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.
Department of Physics prioritises research areas within modern physics which represents a significant basic scientific challenge and also has clear application perspectives. The department has a number of state-of-the-art research facilities, including a supercomputer. Furthermore, the Department of Physics coordinates the undergraduate and master study Physics and Nanotechnology.
Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.