PhD Candidate Circular Photovoltaics (60%) and Lecturer (40%)

Are you a curious researcher, driven to change the circularity of current solar panel technology? Do you enjoy translating knowledge to the next generation of technicians? Zuyd University of Applied Sciences is looking for an ambitious and passionate researcher and teacher who is driven to boost the knowledge and expertise on circular solar to the next level within Limburg.
As PhD candidate you will be working at Zuyd University of Applied Sciences in close collaboration with TNO Eindhoven. You are responsible for the optimization of a novel cutting-edge disassembly method developed by TNO with the aim to remove glass plates from end-of-life solar panels with minimal loss of economic value of materials like silicon and silver. Translating materials properties to their potential for reuse in 2nd life applications is part of the PhD research. In addition, the research can contain alternative design strategies for solar panels to improve their circularity and lifetime validation of developed circular products. As a PhD student you will be involved in the education and coaching of bachelor students of Zuyd University with the aim to translate knowledge and experience gained in the PhD research to the next generation of technicians.

We expect that the candidate:

• holds a MSc degree in (Mechanical) Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Material Science or related fields;
• has a strong interest in renewable energy and circularity;
• preferably has experience in coaching or teaching students;
• is results-driven, creative, integer, venturous, works with ownership;
• is flexible in working at multiple locations;
• is a motivated team-player, eager to achieve greater impact by working together, among colleagues as well as among industrial partners;
• translates knowledge, experience and skills to the next generation of technicians with lots of enthusiasm;
• masters scientific English in speaking, reading and writing.

Research and Education at Zuyd University

At Zuyd University the research will be performed in a multidisciplinary group of teachers, researchers and students working on sustainable energy transition innovations. The research group called “Sustainable Energy”, led by the lector Zeger Vroon, focuses on the demonstration and validation of (i) renewable energy generation technologies, (ii) energy saving in the built environment, and (iii) energy storage technologies. The research takes place both at Zuyd University in Heerlen and at the research facilities at the Brightlands Chemelot Campus in Geleen. At the latter location, the research group has an outdoor test facility for the demonstration and monitoring of energy transition products under the Dutch climate. The research group is part of the Engineering Academy which aims to educate young professionals in mechanical and electrical engineering with a focus on renewability and circularity. Besides hard skills, the development of soft skills is essential required when working in a fast developing technological market. The bachelor Engineers of Zuyd University are curious to technological developments and are able to contribute to large social problems by means of their skills and knowledge, keen to develop the technologies of the future.

Research at TNO Eindhoven

Next to your activities at the Hogeschool Zuyd, you will work about two days a week at TNO in Eindhoven (Solar Technologies & Applications | TNO). You will have access to the highly innovative and extensive equipment and collaborate with experts on PV and recycling. You will work side by side with our colleagues within our research program, who will also guide you during your PhD.
At TNO Solar, we work together with industrial and scientific partners and clients on research and development in the field of solar technologies and its integration into surfaces in our living environment. To this end, we have excellent technical facilities and in-depth covering a wide range of PV value chain; from small cells to rigid and flexible substrates using sheet-to-sheet and roll-to-roll processing techniques and (mini-)modules made on our pilot lines, while also working on circularity and sustainability. This entails new cell design, new process and equipment development, reliability and lifetime testing, prototyping, field-testing, development of advanced characterization and performance models. Our ambition is to support the energy transition by delivering sustainable, reliable and highly efficient solar technologies which can be integrated everywhere.

The PhD candidate will benefit from:

• a versatile work environment by the collaboration of multiple partners;
• access to high-end research facilities at TNO Eindhoven and Zuyd University;
• open access to personal development tools of Zuyd University;
• possibilities to develop and extent your network on the topics of material science, solar research and circularity;
• possibilities in personal development with respect to for example acquisition.
  

Employment Conditions

The PhD candidate and Zuyd University will agree on:

• a combined lecturer-researcher position at Zuyd University for 1,0 fte of which the PhD project will contain 0,6 fte;
• a salary fitting to the level of relevant experience in research and education with a maximum of scale 11 cao-hbo (maximum €5.936,77 gross fulltime). Added on top of this is 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% end-of-the-year bonus;
• when an internal candidate applies for this position, their current salary will be taken into account.

For more information please contact Fallon Colberts, senior researcher and lecturer at the Engineering Academy of Zuyd University. E-mail: fallon.colberts@zuyd.nl, tel.: +31 6 48374697.

Are you interested?
Please submit your CV, motivation letter and personal information on this website.
You can apply until the 21st of May.