MSN- Postdoc in Thin film materials solar cells applications- 11884

About Mohammed VI polytechnic University (UM6P)

Located at the heart of the future Green City of Benguerir, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), a higher education institution with international standards, is established to contribute to the development of Morocco and the African continent. Its vision is honed around research and innovation at the service of education and development. This unique nascent university, with its state-of-the-art campus and infrastructure, has woven a sound academic and research network, and its recruitment process is seeking high quality academics and professionals in order to boost its quality-oriented research environment in the metropolitan area of Marrakech. 

About MSN department

The Materials Science, Energy, and nano-engineering (MSN) is a department at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University that aims to makes use of innovative research and education in order to promote solution development and entrepreneurship (in the context of Moroccan and African challenges), while training the next generation top scientists, innovators and entrepreneurs.

Research at MSN is organized in different research clusters including Energy Transition, Surface Technology and Metallurgy, Polymers and Composites, and Sustainable Materials. With some 100 researchers and PhD students and several national and international partners, MSN is emerging as a strong actor in the Moroccan materials research scene. The department coordinates several initial and executive Master programs.

Located in the municipality of Benguerir, in the very heart of the Green City, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University aspires to leave its mark nationally, continentally, and globally.

Description of main research theme: 

Thin-film solar cells are the most rapidly advancing branch within photovoltaic technology, serving to directly convert sunlight into electrical energy. Despite their numerous advantages, there remains a concerted effort to enhance both the performance and durability of these devices, while also streamlining their large-scale production. These challenges encompass the exploration of novel materials, device architecture refinement, and optimization of current manufacturing processes.

The primary aim of this project is to synthesize various classes of light-absorbing materials tailored for photovoltaic applications, employing diverse material deposition techniques. Subsequently, these materials will undergo comprehensive characterization, followed by their integration into thin-film solar cell devices. We seek a motivated student to contribute to advancing this research initiative within our department. Overcoming several hurdles is crucial to realizing further enhancements in both the efficiency and longevity of solar cell devices fabricated from diverse material substrates.

Work duties:

• Synthesis of thin film materials for solar cell applications, using various deposition techniques, including magnetron sputtering, thermal evaporation, spin coating…

• Thin film characterization techniques using (i) XRD, SEM, Raman scattering, GDOES for the deposited materials; (ii) spectrophotometry, and photoluminescence for optical characterization; (iii) current-voltage, quantum efficiency, and Hall-effect measurements for electrical characterization.

• Fabrication and testing of thin film solar cells devices

• Plan and conduct experiments to improve the performance of solar cells 

• Publish high-quality scientific publications 

• Supervision of undergraduate and PhD students

Qualification requirements

• PhD degree in physics, materials chemistry, engineering physics, materials science or similar with focus on semiconductor materials or solar cells. 

• knowledge and experience in synthesis and characterization of thin film materials using the techniques listed above.

• knowledge and experience on thin film perovskite or CIGS based solar cell fabrication and characterization is a strong merit.

• You take initiative and can work independently, and as and as part of a multidisciplinary team

• You have good communication skills and are proficient in English and French, both written and orally.