Senior Researcher

Technology Innovation Institute

Key Responsibilities/strong>:

• Lead and contribute to the development, optimization, and scaling up of thin film solar PV materials and device fabrication processes.
• Conduct in-depth material characterization, including optical analysis (UV-Vis, PL), structural analysis (TEM, SEM, XRD), thin film characterization, and electrical characterization.
• Utilize design of experiment and statistical process control tools (JMP, Origin, Minitab, etc.) to design, analyze, and optimize process performance.
• Work with technicians and vendors to maintain, troubleshoot, and optimize lab equipment, including clustered Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) systems, glove boxes, and other specialized tools used in thin film fabrication.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless transition of new materials/processes from lab-scale to pilot-scale.
• Maintain a strong focus on continuous improvement and innovation, ensuring process stability and scalability under fast-paced and dynamic conditions.
• Collaborate effectively with external partners, including companies, research institutions, and universities, to drive innovation and accelerate project milestones.
• Stay current with the latest trends and advances in solar technology.
• Provide mentorship to junior researchers and technicians, helping to foster a culture of collaboration and growth within the team.
• Write technical reports, draft patent application, and present results to internal and external stakeholders.br>
  

Required Qualifications/strong>:

• PhD in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
• 3-5 years of R&D experience specifically in materials and process development, fabrication, and characterization of solar photovoltaic devices such as organic PV, perovskite, CZTS, CdTe, and Si.
• Hands-on experience with thin film deposition techniques (e.g., sputtering, thermal evaporation, CVD, ALD).
• Expertise in optical characterization techniques, such as UV-Vis spectroscopy and photoluminescence (PL).
• Strong background in structural and morphological characterization using techniques like Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD).
• Deep understanding in advanced thin film characterization techniques (e.g., Ellipsometry, XPS, FTIR, TOF-SIMS).
• Proficiency in design of experiment and statistical process control and analysis tools (JMP, Origin, Minitab, etc.).
• Experience in troubleshooting and optimizing complex laboratory systems.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and adapt quickly under pressure.
• A proactive and can-do attitude with excellent work ethic, and a strong passion for research and innovation.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to quickly learn new techniques and processes.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Detail-oriented and able to work independently while also collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.
• Knowledge of solar module manufacturing process.br>
  

Preferred Qualifications/strong>:

• Previous experience with solar PV technology commercialization or scale-up.
• Programming skills for data analysis, process optimization, or automation.
• Experience with optical or thin film device simulation tools (e.g., Setfos, FilmStar, TFCalc, COMSOL) for thin film design and performance prediction.
• Experience with the development of workflow for AI-driven high-throughput screening and optimization for materials discovery, particularly in the context of solar PV technologies.br>