PhD scholarship in Multidimensional Nanomaterials and Interface Engineering for Thin-Film Solar Cells DTU Electro

Are you motivated to build a research career at the intersection of nanomaterials synthesis interface engineering and next-generation solar-energy technologies This PhD scholarship offers you the opportunity to develop advanced thin-film solar cells by combining quantum dots quasi-one-dimensional antimony chalcogenides and two-dimensional materials in a new multidimensional device architecture. You will gain hands-on experience in materials synthesis thin-film deposition structural and optoelectronic characterization solar-cell fabrication and device testing while contributing to fundamental understanding of how engineered interfaces control charge transport and recombination. As part of an ambitious international research environment at DTU you will work with state-of-the-art facilities collaborate with leading European research groups and undertake a research stay at Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg. The project will provide a strong foundation for a future career in photovoltaics materials science nanotechnology or sustainable-energy research.

Responsibilities and qualifications
Your main objective will be to develop and optimize a new multidimensional thin-film solar-cell architecture combining zero-dimensional quantum dots quasi-one-dimensional antimony chalcogenide absorbers and two-dimensional materials. You will investigate how materials synthesis and interface engineering influence crystal growth charge transport recombination and device performance. Working closely with the project team and international collaborators you will take responsibility for experimental development from individual material layers to functional and reproducible solar-cell devices.

Your primary tasks will be to:

- Synthesize and deposit quantum-dot seed layers by solution-based routes

- Grow and optimize Sb₂X₃ absorber thin films

- Integrate ultrathin MoX₂ layers for interface passivation

- Characterize materials using structural morphological and optical methods (XPS PL Raman AFM XRD SEM EDX UV-vis-NIR).

- Fabricate and test thin-film solar-cell devices (JV EQE CV AS)

- Investigate device uniformity reproducibility and scale-up

- Analyse results and collaborate with national and international partners

You must have a two-year masters degree (120 ECTS points) or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year masters degree. It is essential to have background in materials science materials chemistry nanotechnology or a closely related field. You should have a solid foundation in experimental materials research and be able to plan conduct and document laboratory work independently. The position also requires strong analytical skills the ability to work collaboratively in an international research environment and good written and spoken English. The project is particularly suited to a candidate with an experimental background relevant to thin films nanomaterials semiconductor materials or photovoltaic devices. The proposal identifies Materials Science Physics and Chemistry as the core eligible academic backgrounds.

Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme please see DTUs rules for the PhD education.

Assessment
The assessment of applicants will be made by Tenure Track Researcher Evgeniia Gilshtein.

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 appointment terms
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 3 years.

The preferred starting date is 01.11.2026 or according to mutual agreement. The position is full-time.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information

Further information may be obtained from Evgeniia Gilshtein via

You can read more about Department of Electrical and Photonics Engineering at you are applying from abroad you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU Moving to you have the option of joining our monthly free seminar PhDrelocation to Denmark and startup Zoom seminar for all questions regarding the practical matters of moving to Denmark and working as a PhD at DTU.

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 22 September 2026 (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:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma (in English) including official description of grading scale
• A brief description maximum one page of your relevant experimental and laboratory experience including the materials synthesis or deposition methods and characterization techniques you have worked with.
• Names and contact details of up to two academic or professional references.

You may apply prior to obtaining your masters degree but cannot begin before having received it.

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.

At DTU Electro we combine the immense possibilities of electrical and photonics engineering. Our research is among other things used in the healthcare sector for diagnostics treatment and improving the quality of life. We research into the development of more sustainable energy systems safer autonomous systems and a faster greener and more secure internet. Light and electronics - photons and electrons - are the key bits of tomorrows sustainable society. Where they meet change is made.

DTU For the benefit of society since 1829
DTU is one of Europes leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europes global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13800 students 1600 PhD students and 6500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive stimulating and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.