The LPA (the material group of the PAssivated Contacts solar cells Laboratory) laboratory in Le Bourget du Lac is looking for a research engineer for an 18-month fixed-term contract to work on : Deformation analysis of silicon crystals for photovoltaic applications.

The position hiring takes place in the framework of the multidisciplinary and collaborative French project ANR  that focuses on the deformation mechanisms associated to silicon crystals for Photovoltaics applications: (1) crystal deformation analysis (X-rays) at different spatial scales, (2) formation of the main structural defects (sub-grains and dislocations) and (3) impurity and dopant interactions with defects.

The hired person first priority will concern PV silicon samples X-ray characterizations via synchrotron light source at different scales (and the associated data treatments). Experiments will be based on advanced (Rocking Curve Imaging @ ESRF & High resolution Electron Backscatter Diffraction/HR-EBSD) or even unique (in situ X-ray imaging) experimental approaches. Results will be coupled with thermomechanical models (performed by project partners). The whole study will provide new and crucial insights into the sources and temporality of the formation of the different defects, which will constitute a major originality. The candidate will be involved in the samples preparation and will participate to the analysis of the RCI experiments for both ex-situ and in-situ characterizations. The candidate will also correlate the structural properties of the materials to their photovoltaics properties through various chemical and electrical characterizations relevant to the photovoltaic field. The candidate will contribute to the dissemination of the conducted studies via writing scientific articles and giving presentations in international conferences.

The position requires background in physics, materials, engineering or related fields. The candidate possesses an experience (it can include a PhD) in material analysis using X-ray diffraction techniques (microscopy, synchrotron radiation …) ideally in fields such as crystal growth, crystalline defects, X-ray data treatment, photovoltaics or microelectronics.

The candidate will be part of our research team and will interact with the students, engineers and technicians of the lab. He will benefit from an active research environment within the DeFi2 project and via regular interactions with ESRF. The candidate must be able to work in a team environment, possess excellent writing, communication and organizational skills. French language skills are considered as a plus.