Postdoctoral position at EPFL PVlab: Recycling of PV modules

h3Your mission /h3 /brpThe energy transition is ongoing and the deployment of silicon-based photovoltaic capacity is growing fast. This position is an exciting opportunity for a talented and motivated postdoctoral researcher to join the ongoing activities around silicon photovoltaics in Neuchâtel. /p /brh3Your mission /h3 /brpThe energy transition is ongoing and the deployment of silicon-based photovoltaic capacity is growing fast. This position is an exciting opportunity for a talented and motivated postdoctoral researcher to join the ongoing activities around silicon photovoltaics in Neuchâtel. The Photovoltaics and Thin Film Electronics Laboratory (PV-Lab) at EPFL is looking for a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher in Photovoltaic Recycling and Circularity to strengthen its activities in sustainable photovoltaic technologies. /p /brpThe successful candidate will work at the interface between scientific research, technology development, project management and industrial collaboration. The position will focus primarily on the development and scale-up of innovative recycling approaches for photovoltaic modules and their constituent materials, with particular attention to circularity, high-value material recovery and design for recycling. /p /brpIn addition to conducting research, the candidate will play an active role in the management of collaborative national and European RD projects, supervision of students and junior researchers, and coordination of activities with the PV-Lab's industrial and academic partners. /p /brpThe position will be based at EPFL PV-Lab in Neuchâtel, within an international and multidisciplinary research environment with strong links to the photovoltaic industry. /p /brh3Main Duties And Responsibilities /h3 /brul /brliYou will develop and optimize PV recycling technologies, including mechanical, thermo-mechanical, delamination and advanced separation processes for conventional and emerging PV modules. /li /brliYou will investigate material recovery and circularity pathways for glass, polymers, encapsulants, backsheets, silicon cells, metals and composites, including their potential for reuse, remanufacturing and high-value recycling. /li /brliYou will develop material characterization and process-evaluation methods for end-of-life PV modules, assessing recovery yield, purity, energy consumption, environmental impact, scalability and economic relevance. /li /brliYou will plan and conduct experimental research, including experimental campaigns, data analysis and process optimization, while ensuring high standards of laboratory practice, documentation, scientific integrity and safety. /li /brliYou will supervise and mentor PhD, Master’s and junior researchers, supporting research planning, experimental work, interpretation of results, scientific discussions and knowledge sharing within PV-Lab. /li /brliYou will coordinate collaborative research projects, like Work‑Package Leader in a European project, including scientific activities, partners, tasks, milestones, deliverables, resources, risks, meetings, reporting and technical communication. /li /brliYou will contribute to scientific dissemination and future research development through publications in high-impact scientific journals, international conferences, collaborative research proposals and funding applications. /li /br /ul /brh3Your profile /h3 /brul /brliA PhD in photovoltaics, materials science, polymer science, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, recycling technologies, environmental engineering, or a closely related discipline. /li /brliA strong academic background in photovoltaic recycling, PV module materials, circular photovoltaics or end-of-life PV technologies. /li /brliAlternatively, a strong background in polymer or composite recycling with a clear interest in applying this expertise to photovoltaics. /li /brliDemonstrated experience in experimental research and laboratory work. /li /brliGood understanding of materials, interfaces and manufacturing processes relevant to PV modules. /li /brliExperience in material characterization and quantitative analysis of experimental data. /li /brliAbility to independently define, plan and execute research activities. /li /brliA strong scientific publication record appropriate to the candidate's career stage. /li /brliExperience or demonstrated interest in supervising students and junior researchers. /li /brliStrong organizational and project-management skills. /li /brliExcellent written and spoken English. /li /brliStrong communication and interpersonal skills and an ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary and international environment. /li /br /ul /brh3We offer /h3 /brul /brliA dynamic and stimulating work environment /li /brliAccess to state-of-the-art research facilities and laboratory resources /li /brliOpportunity to collaborate with world‑class scientists through a network of national and international stakeholders /li /brliOpportunity to work