Scientist – Circular Economy of Photo­voltaics

Are you passionate about contributing to Germany’s energy transition through your professional endeavors? If so, the Helmholtz Institute Erlangen-Nuremberg (HI ERN) is the ideal destination for your career aspirations! HI ERN is a substitute of Forschungszentrum Jülich (IEK-11) and plays a pivotal role in a collaborative partnership that brings together Forschungszentrum Jülich, Helmholtz-Zentrum-Berlin, and Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg. We are excited to announce an opportunity within the department, “High Throughput Methods in Photovoltaics”, focusing on the cutting-edge field of circular recycling in photovoltaics. In this role, your mission will be to explore and address techno-economic challenges related to recycling and the sustainability of both current and emerging photovoltaic technologies. Join us in shaping the future of sustainable energy!

We are looking to recruit a

Scientist – Circular Economy of Photo­voltaics

Your Job:

You will be a member within the High Throughput Methods in the Photovoltaics department, led by the ERC Grant winner Dr. Ian Marius Peters. Our overarching vision is to transition photovoltaic technology from the status of a renewable energy technology to true sustainability. Your role aligns with the European project RETRIEVE, where we are committed to contributing by pioneering improved sustainability analysis methodologies for circular recycling. Additionally, we will be formulating essential guidelines to facilitate more effective recycling practices. Your efforts will integrate with both experimental and theoretical initiatives aimed at enhancing the sustainability of photovoltaics, both at Forschungszentrum Jülich and Friedrich-Alexander-Universität. Your responsibilities will include:

• The development of new analysis tools to quantify the sustainability of photovoltaic modules
• The analysis and evaluation of existing and novel recycling procedures in photovoltaics
• The formulation of strategies and guidelines to improve the circularity of PV technology
• Active participation in the project RETRIEVE with participation in project meetings
• Dissemination of results in scientific publications and at conferences
• Supervision of bachelor’s and master’s students on this topic

Your Profile:

• Completed master’s degree in materials science, physics, chemistry, environmental engineering, energy technology, economics, or a related subject
• Prior experience in photovoltaics, especially module manufacturing
• Prior experience in techno-economic analysis and/or life cycle analysis and/or material flow analysis
• Experience in dissemination of scientific results, demonstrated by publications and presentations at conferences
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally and represent the group
• Experience with conducting and documenting scientific experiments and with processing and analyzing data in Python, Origin, Excel etc.
• Good communication in English, knowledge of German is advantageous

Even if you do not fulfill the requirements of this position completely, we are happy to receive your application. We want you to fit in as a person, not just based on your profile.

Our Offer:

We work on the very latest issues that impact our society and are offering you the chance to actively help in shaping the change! We support you in your work with:

• International, interdisciplinary working environment on an attractive campus (south campus of the FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg) including many cooperation opportunities with our partners from science (Forschungs­zentrum Jülich, Helmholtz Society Berlin, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg and abroad) as well as renowned industrial partners
• Excellent scientific and technical infrastructure for conducting high-quality research
• Working in a highly specialized and motivated international team
• Working on a topic with significant future relevance
• Extensive training opportunities
• Individual opportunities for personal and professional development
• Extensive company health management
• Optimal conditions for work-life balance and family-friendly company policy
• The opportunity to work flexibly (in terms of location), e.g. in remote work
• Flexible working hours in a full-time position with the option of slightly reduced working hours
• 30 days of annual leave and provision for days off between public holidays and weekends (e.g. between Christmas and New Year)
• Targeted services for international employees, e.g. through our International Advisory Service

The position is for a fixed term of three years. Salary and social benefits will conform to the provisions of the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD-Bund) depending on the applicant’s qualifications and the precise nature of the tasks assigned to them.

Place of employment: Erlangen

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, e.g., in terms of age, gender, disability, sexual orientation / identity, and social, ethnic and religious origin. A diverse and inclusive working environment with equal opportunities, in which everyone can realize their potential, is important to us.

We look forward to receiving your application. The job will be advertised until the position has been successfully filled. You should therefore submit your application as soon as possible via our Online Recruitment System!

Questions about the Offer?

Get in touch with us by using our contact form. Please note that for technical reasons we cannot accept applications via e-mail.

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