Postdoc Sustainability of PV

The current transition towards using renewable energy implies a transition towards the increased demand of different raw materials as well. How can the supply of sufficient materials for solar panels, batteries, etc. be met to scale renewable energy technologies with such low environmental impact that we keep below 1.5 degrees warming and reach a CO2 neutral society by 2050?
In this research line, we aim at contributing to the development of circular PV. We are part of the winning bid of three European Projects to develop the next generation of advanced silicon solar cells. We are looking for PostDoc to lead our efforts in the sustainability work packages covering life cycle assessment, supply and circularity evaluation for the PV technologies under development.
You will work with Malte Vogt and Olindo Isabella in the Photovoltaic Materials and Devices (PVMD) group as part of the Electrical Sustainable Energy (ESE) department. The program of the PVMD group builds up expertise in the design and fabrication technology from solar cells to PV systems with their power electronics and storage options. The ESE department’s research activities aim at accelerating the energy transition towards sustainable energy. You will contribute to the climate action program in theme II on climate change mitigation in the flagship project “Materials for circular renewable energy technologies”.
About the department
The PVMD group is part of the Electrical Sustainable Energy department which is inspired by the technical, scientific, and societal challenges originating from the transition towards a more sustainable society and focuses on four areas:

• DC Systems, Energy Conversion and Storage (DCE&S)
• Photovoltaic Materials and Devices (PVMD)
• Intelligent Electrical Power Grids (IEPG)
• High Voltage Technologies (HVT)

The Electrical Sustainable Energy Department provides expertise in each of these areas throughout the entire energy system chain. The department owns the large Electrical Sustainable Power (ESP) Laboratory assembling High Voltage testing, DC Grids testing environment, and a large RTDS that is actively used for real-time simulation of future electrical power systems, AC and DC protection, and wide-area monitoring and protection.

Requirements:

We are acutely aware that we are a diverse society and not every talented applicant will have had the same opportunities to advance their careers. We therefore pledge to fully account for any particular circumstances that the applicants disclose (e.g. parental leave, caring duties, part-time jobs to support studies, disabilities etc.) to ensure an inclusive and fair recruitment process that does not rely purely on common research metrics.
The successful applicant will have:

• PhD degree in physics, chemistry, material science, industrial ecology, or a related discipline
• Expertise in one of the following areas: Life cycle assessment, material supply evaluation or circularity of PV modules
• Publications in relevant research journals
• Experience with guiding students’ thesis projects
• Ability to work independently and self-driven in a multidisciplinary team
• Excellent communication skills in English, both in writing and speaking    

Salary Benefits:

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.
For international applicants, TU Delft has the Coming to Delft Service. This service provides information for new international employees to help you prepare the relocation and to settle in the Netherlands. The Coming to Delft Service offers a Dual Career Programme for partners and they organise events to expand your (social) network.

36 - 40 hours per week

Mekelweg 2