Descrizione dell'offerta
Senior Lab Researcher on PV reliability and testing
Institute for Renewable Energy
Short description of the position
Eurac Research is seeking a highly motivated and experienced researcher to join the PV Innovation & Testing Team within the Photovoltaic Energy Systems Research Group.
This position focuses on strengthening our activities in the indoor testing and characterization of photovoltaic modules (both commercial products and home‑made prototypes) in the context of a rapidly expanding laboratory environment. The successful candidate will play a key role in structuring laboratory activities within the group and will closely support projects carried out with industrial partners as well as international research collaborations.
The position is offered as a fixed‑term contract of one to two years, with a clear intention and expectation of a long‑term collaboration.
Tasks
- Coordinate operation, maintenance, and development of our freshly expanded Accelerated Lifetime Testing Lab (climatic and UV chambers), ensuring high availability and performance of all equipment.
- Together with tool referents, define and implement best practices, operating procedures, safety protocols, and manage equipment upgrades, preventive maintenance as well as calibration strategies.
- Design, execute, and optimize accelerated aging & characterisation tests.
- Contribute to the development and validation of new test methods to address emerging PV technologies.
- Lead contracted projects with industrial partners, from offering to test planning/execution and reporting.
- Participate in public funded projects involving our group, providing both expertise, results and task/work package coordination (e.g. Horizon Europe).
- Mentor and support junior researchers, technicians, and students where relevant.
- Contribute to results dissemination in collaboration with colleagues from the group.
Requirements
- PhD or Master’s degree in Material Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Renewable Energy or a related field - or equivalent.
- Minimum 3 years of experience in PV, with a very good knowledge of PV technology, with a focus on testing, failure modes and degradation pathways versus Bill‑of‑Materials.
- Proven experience in laboratory work, including operation of climatic and/or UV chambers, and a good understanding of measurement uncertainty, data quality, and reproducibility.
- Solid knowledge of normative aspects associated with reliability testing and characterisation.
- Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively in international, multidisciplinary teams with a positive and curious mindset.
- Willingness to mentor and supervise junior researchers and trainees.
A Plus If You Also Have
- Familiarity with PV applications such as floating PV, agrivoltaics, or BIPV.
- Participation in standards bodies or international working groups.
- Experience writing or contributing to research project proposals.
- Track record of publishing in scientific journals and conference presentations.
We offer
- The opportunity to work on an innovative and high‑impact topic in the field of photovoltaics – the leading renewable energy technology – in close collaboration with prominent Italian and international companies, as well as top research and academic institutions, contributing to the development of advanced solutions that will shape the next generation of PV.
- Work conditions designed to support professional growth and continuous know‑how development.
- Dedicated workspace with young, motivated colleagues in an international team.
- Flexible working hours and an inclusive, multicultural working environment.
- Attractive living conditions in the heart of the Alps, offering a unique balance between work and quality of life.
- Competitive salary aligned with your experience, qualifications, and responsibilities.
- A full‑time, 1 to 2 years position with the intention and expectation of a long‑term collaboration.