Postdoc in Quantum Nanophotonics for Space Photovoltaics - DTU Electro

Launch the next chapter of your scientific career at the Technical University of Denmark.

We are seeking an ambitious Postdoctoral Researcher for a 2-year position within the visionary Grand Solutions project, “SATSOL: Low-cost PV cells for space usage”.

The overall project aims to revolutionize space photovoltaics by developing low-cost crystalline silicon solar cells. By leveraging off-the-shelf PV technology, established manufacturing capacity, and existing supply chains, the project aims to achieve high efficiency while reducing manufacturing costs compared to current GaAs-based cells.

Responsibilities and qualifications
Within this framework, the primary objective of this project is to develop a quantum-dot-based technique that converts high-energy UV light to visible wavelengths more readily absorbed by silicon, thereby increasing the solar cell efficiency.

With this purpose, you will be responsible for tayloring the optical properties of quantum dots. A key focus will be the development of a custom optical characterization setup featuring an integrating sphere to evaluate the quantum efficiency. Additionally, your role involves optimizing the quantum efficiency of luminescence downshifting layers to minimize reabsorption and non-radiative losses.

The project will be conducted in close collaboration with the Solar Photovoltaic System group, also from DTU Electro, and other partners involved in this Grand Solutions project.

Key activities

• Quantum Dot Engineering: Develop and utilize quantum dots to precisely tailor their optical properties.
• Spectral Downshifting Development: Design and fabricate quantum-dot-based luminescence downshifting layers converting high-energy UV light into visible wavelengths.
• Optical System Setup and Calibration: Build a custom, home-made optical characterization system to measure photoluminescence spectra.
• Conduct precise quantum efficiency measurements of the fabricated downshifting layers.
• Maximize the quantum efficiency by implementing strategies to minimize reabsorption and non-radiative losses.
• Coordinate closely with the Solar Photovoltaic System group and interface with external partners involved in the broader Grand Solutions project.

Qualifications
As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent). We look for someone with a good understanding of photovoltaics, spectral engineering, and optical characterization. During the project the candidate is expected to publish and present the findings, and to coordinate the work with the academic and industrial project partners.

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and terms of employment
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations.

In addition, supplements can be negotiated in accordance with DTU’s salary structure for scientific staff: .

The period of employment is 2 years. The starting date is 1 October 2026, or as soon as possible thereafter. The position is a full-time position.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here .

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Prof. Martijn Wubs (phone Se telefonnummer på studerendeonline.dk, Se e-mailadresse på studerendeonline.dk ) and Assoc. Prof. Sanshui Xiao (phone Se telefonnummer på studerendeonline.dk, Se e-mailadresse på studerendeonline.dk ).

You can read more about DTU Electro at .

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark .

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 10 August 2026 (Danish time) . Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file . The file must include:

• Application (cover letter)
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
• List of publications

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

DTU Electro
DTU Electro employs more than 300 skilled researchers with competencies in electrical and photonics engineering. As a department we strive towards creating sustainable energy and a greener internet, as well as strengthening cyber security and health technology. Working with the industry and public organizations is one of our top priorities to find and implement new solutions to our society. We aim to offer education, research, and innovation of the highest standard, and our focus on application-oriented research enables us to work across many engineering disciplines and research areas, such as IT and the medical and health sciences. We have a close collaboration with researchers from all over the world, just as we collaborate with industry and public authorities about the dissemination of solutions based on electrical and photonics engineering as their key enabling technologies.

DTU – For the benefit of society since 1829
DTU is one of Europe's leading elite technical universities. Through research and education at an international top level, we create solutions to the major societal challenges of our time and help secure Europe's global leadership in sustainable technological development. Since Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU almost 200 years ago, our mission has remained the same: We develop and create value through the natural and technical sciences for the benefit of society. DTU has 13,800 students, 1,600 PhD students, and 6,500 employees. We work in an international environment and have an inclusive, stimulating, and informal work culture. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland and collaborates with the best universities around the world.

Location
Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark

Apply Before
2026-08-10T21:59:00+00:00