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We welcome motivated researchers and students interested in developing next-generation photovoltaic technologies. Explore the opportunities below to find the route that best matches your career stage and funding situation.

Funded Postdoctoral Positions Project-funded research positions ● 1 POSITION CURRENTLY OPEN +

Postdoctoral Researcher – High-Efficiency Perovskite-Based Tandem Solar Cells

Research Place: Aydin Group, Department of Chemistry, LMU Munich
Contract Duration: 1 year (+1 year extension possible)
Salary: 100% TV-L E13
Application Deadline: Open until filled

Position Overview

The Aydin Group at LMU Munich is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to advance high-efficiency perovskite–silicon tandem solar cell technologies. The successful candidate will work closely with PhD researchers and contribute to the group’s integrated development, characterization, and simulation efforts in next-generation photovoltaic devices.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the development and optimization of ultra-high-efficiency perovskite–based tandem solar cells.
  • Perform advanced device characterization, experimental loss analysis, and simulations for single- and multijunction solar cells.
  • Conduct stability testing of tandem devices for both terrestrial and extraterrestrial applications.
  • Manage assigned research tasks and ensure timely completion of project deliverables.
  • Disseminate research findings through project meetings, peer-reviewed publications, and international conferences.
  • Prepare regular technical reports summarizing project progress and results.
  • Support national and international project proposal writing.
  • Contribute to teaching activities within the Physical Chemistry Department (up to 25% of working time).

Required Qualifications

  • Demonstrated experience in fabricating high-efficiency perovskite–silicon tandem solar cells.
  • Strong experimental capabilities and proficiency with advanced thin-film deposition and materials processing tools, including those within the Aydin Group’s device fabrication line and the broader LMU Chemistry and e-conversion research infrastructure (LMU Chemistry & Physics; TUM Physics, Chemistry, and Walter Schottky Institute).
  • Experience with machine learning or programming is advantageous but not required.
  • Ability to design and execute experiments, apply advanced characterization methods, and interpret complex datasets.
  • Proven ability to work collaboratively in a highly interconnected research team.
  • Strong sense of responsibility, motivation, scientific rigor, and the ability to work efficiently toward defined goals.
  • A PhD in chemistry (physical chemistry preferred), physics, engineering, materials science, or a closely related discipline.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills; German language skills are beneficial but not required.

Benefits

  • Membership in one of the leading international research groups in tandem photovoltaics, with opportunities to build an extensive professional network.
  • A dynamic, diverse, inclusive, and academically stimulating research environment.
  • Laboratory facilities are centrally located at the LMU Munich Chemistry Department, easily accessible by public transportation in a bicycle-friendly city.
  • Living in a vibrant, international city with extensive cultural and social opportunities.
  • LMU Munich is an equal opportunity employer and is strongly committed to gender equality and diversity.
  • Position compensated at 100% TV-L E13.

Application Process

Applicants should submit the following documents as a single PDF file:

  • A research statement (max. two pages) outlining alignment with the position, including relevant strengths and prior achievements.
  • A curriculum vitae and copies of B.Sc. and M.Sc. transcripts.
  • Contact information for two referees.

Please send your application to erkan.aydin@cup.uni-muenchen.de with the exact subject line: Application: Postdoc Tandem Solar Cells – [Your Name]

Review of applications will begin upon receipt. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Applications from severely disabled individuals will be given preference where candidates are equally qualified.

For future position announcements, follow the Aydin Group via LinkedIn and X.

Apply for this position →
Funded PhD Positions Two funded doctoral positions are currently available ● 2 POSITIONS CURRENTLY OPEN +

PhD Position 1: All-Perovskite Tandem Solar Cells for Space Applications

Research Place: Aydin Group, Department of Chemistry, LMU Munich

Contract Duration: 3 years

Salary: 67.5% TV-L E13

Application Deadline: Open until filled

Project Overview

This project focuses on the development of ultra-efficient monolithic all-perovskite tandem solar cells and their evaluation under realistic space conditions.

Your Tasks and Responsibilities

  • Manufacture high-efficiency monolithic all-perovskite tandem cells.
  • Conduct specific device characterization, experimental loss analysis, and simulation of single- and multijunction solar cells.
  • Perform space-specific tests and contribute to the development of custom test setups.
  • Manage assigned project tasks towards successful completion.
  • Disseminate research outputs through project meetings, peer-reviewed journals, and international conferences.
  • Write regular reports on project outputs.

Your Qualifications

  • Strong interest in all-perovskite tandem solar cells.
  • A solid background in the fabrication of highly efficient all-perovskite tandem solar cells is desirable.
  • Strong experimental skills and willingness to operate sophisticated deposition equipment.
  • Ability to design and conduct experiments, utilize advanced characterization techniques, and interpret measured data.
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a strongly interconnected research team.
  • Strong sense of responsibility, high motivation for innovation and excellence, and flexibility to work efficiently and deliver results.
  • M.Sc. degree in physics, chemistry, engineering, materials science, or a closely related field.
  • Good spoken and written communication skills.

Benefits

  • Being part of an internationally connected research group and building a wide professional network.
  • Working in an inclusive, dynamic, international, and academically stimulating environment.
  • Working in a centrally located laboratory at the LMU Munich Chemistry Department with excellent public transport access.
  • Living in an international city with extensive cultural and social opportunities.
  • LMU Munich is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to enhancing diversity and gender equality.
  • 67.5% TV-L E13 for a fixed period of three years.

Application Process

Prospective candidates should submit a complete set of application documents:

  • A research statement highlighting how the candidate aligns with the project description (maximum two pages).
  • A CV and copies of B.Sc. and M.Sc. transcripts.
  • Contact information for two referees.

Please send your application to erkan.aydin@cup.uni-muenchen.de .

The review of applications will start as soon as applications are received. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by email to schedule an interview.

PhD Position 2: Perovskite/Silicon Tandem Solar Cells

Research Place: Aydin Group, Department of Chemistry, LMU Munich

Contract Duration: 3 years

Salary: 67.5% TV-L E13

Application Deadline: Open until filled

Project Overview

This project focuses on the development of high-efficiency perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells and their evaluation for advanced photovoltaic applications.

Your Tasks and Responsibilities

  • Manufacture high-efficiency perovskite/silicon tandem cells.
  • Conduct specific device characterization, experimental loss analysis, and simulation of single- and multijunction solar cells.
  • Perform space-specific tests and contribute to the development of custom test setups.
  • Manage assigned project tasks towards successful completion.
  • Disseminate research outputs through project meetings, peer-reviewed journals, and international conferences.
  • Write regular reports on project outputs.

Your Qualifications

  • Strong interest in perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells.
  • A solid background in the fabrication of highly efficient perovskite/silicon tandem solar cells is desirable.
  • Strong experimental skills and willingness to operate sophisticated deposition equipment.
  • Ability to design and conduct experiments, utilize advanced characterization techniques, and interpret measured data.
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a strongly interconnected research team.
  • Strong sense of responsibility, high motivation for innovation and excellence, and flexibility to work efficiently and deliver results.
  • M.Sc. degree in physics, chemistry, engineering, materials science, or a closely related field.
  • Good spoken and written communication skills.

Benefits

  • Being part of an internationally connected research group and building a wide professional network.
  • Working in an inclusive, dynamic, international, and academically stimulating environment.
  • Working in a centrally located laboratory at the LMU Munich Chemistry Department with excellent public transport access.
  • Living in an international city with extensive cultural and social opportunities.
  • LMU Munich is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to enhancing diversity and gender equality.
  • 67.5% TV-L E13 for a fixed period of three years.

Application Process

Prospective candidates should submit a complete set of application documents:

  • A research statement highlighting how the candidate aligns with the project description (maximum two pages).
  • A CV and copies of B.Sc. and M.Sc. transcripts.
  • Contact information for two referees.

Please send your application to erkan.aydin@cup.uni-muenchen.de .

The review of applications will start as soon as applications are received. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by email to schedule an interview.

Postdoctoral Fellowships Bring your own fellowship and develop an independent research project with us. APPLICATIONS WELCOME +

Postdoctoral Fellowship Opportunities

The Aydin Group welcomes researchers interested in joining the group through an independent fellowship. Please contact us sufficiently early to discuss the research topic, host arrangements and fellowship requirements.

Funding Organization / Programme Nationality / Eligibility Typical Application Deadline Details
MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships European PF: researchers of any nationality, subject to mobility rules. September
2026: 9 September
Official call →
Alexander von Humboldt Research Fellowship Postdoctoral and experienced researchers from countries outside Germany, subject to programme eligibility. 15 March / 15 July / 15 November Official programme →
CAPES-Humboldt Research Fellowship Brazilian postdoctoral and experienced researchers. Last working day of May or November, 17:00 Brasília time, in the year before the planned stay. Official programme →
DFG Walter Benjamin Programme Early-career postdoctoral researchers; eligibility depends on programme rules and host arrangement. Any time DFG programme →
Chinese Government Scholarship / CSC Chinese candidates; programme and host eligibility apply. Typically spring; check the current CSC call. CSC →
Sino-German CSC–DAAD Postdoc Scholarship Outstanding Chinese postdoctoral researchers. 7 November – 9 December DAAD programme →
NRF Science & Engineering Academic Research Support Korean researchers; eligibility depends on the relevant NRF programme. Typically February; check current NRF call. NRF Korea →
TÜBİTAK 2219 – International Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Turkish citizens meeting TÜBİTAK eligibility requirements. Call-dependent; check the current TÜBİTAK call. TÜBİTAK 2219 →

Fellowship calls, eligibility rules and deadlines can change. Always verify the current call on the funding organisation's official website before preparing an application.

How to approach the Aydin Group

Before preparing an independent fellowship application, please send a short CV and a brief description of your proposed research idea. We can then discuss scientific alignment, feasibility and the appropriate funding scheme.

Please contact: erkan.aydin@cup.uni-muenchen.de

PhD Fellowships External scholarship and fellowship opportunities for prospective doctoral researchers. APPLICATIONS WELCOME +

PhD Fellowship Opportunities

Prospective PhD candidates may join the Aydin Group through external scholarship and fellowship programmes. Please contact us early enough to discuss the research topic and prepare the host-side documentation.

Funding Organization / Programme Nationality / Eligibility Typical Application Deadline Details
DAAD Scholarships International applicants; exact eligibility depends on the specific DAAD programme and country. Programme-dependent. Current calls are listed in the DAAD scholarship database. DAAD →
Chinese Scholarship Council (CSC) Chinese candidates. Typically spring; check the current CSC call. CSC →
LMU–CSC Scholarship Programme Highly qualified Chinese candidates applying to LMU. Programme-dependent; check current LMU call. LMU–CSC →
DBU Doctoral Scholarships Applicants from all disciplines with an environmentally relevant doctoral project; German-language application and good German skills required. 15 January / 15 June DBU →
Studienstiftung Doctoral Scholarships Highly qualified and socially committed PhD candidates; nationality is not a restriction. Calls currently open approximately every four months; the 2026 schedule includes 1 October 2026. Studienstiftung →
Stiftung Nagelschneider Programme-specific eligibility; German-language proposal required. Typically October; verify the current call. Foundation →
Heinrich Böll Foundation German and international PhD candidates; international applicants must meet the foundation's German-language requirements. 1 March / 1 September Heinrich Böll Foundation →
TÜBİTAK 2213-A – Overseas Graduate Scholarship Turkish candidates meeting TÜBİTAK eligibility requirements. Call-dependent; check current TÜBİTAK call. TÜBİTAK Scholarships →
TÜBİTAK 2214-A – International Research Fellowship for PhD Students Turkish PhD students seeking research experience abroad. Call-dependent; check current TÜBİTAK call. TÜBİTAK Scholarships →

Eligibility and deadlines vary by programme and nationality. Candidates should verify the current call before preparing an application.

Interested in joining the Aydin Group?

Please contact us sufficiently early before the relevant fellowship deadline. A complete initial enquiry should include your CV and a short description of your intended research topic.

Contact: erkan.aydin@cup.uni-muenchen.de

Praktikum & MSc Research Projects Master's theses, research projects and laboratory internships within the Aydin Group. ENQUIRIES WELCOME +

Praktikum & MSc Research Projects

We welcome motivated Master's students interested in gaining research experience within the Aydin Group.

Possible opportunities

  • Master's thesis projects
  • Research projects
  • Laboratory internships / Praktikum
  • Other short-term research projects

How to contact us

Students are encouraged to first discuss their research interests with our postdoctoral researchers and PhD students for a preliminary discussion. Please then contact the principal investigator:

erkan.aydin@cup.uni-muenchen.de

Please include your CV, current study programme, expected project duration and a short description of your research interests.

Meet with the team →

Internships & Erasmus+ Opportunities Erasmus+ traineeships and international research opportunities for Master's students and recent graduates. ENQUIRIES WELCOME +

Erasmus+ Traineeship & Research Opportunities for Master's Students

Are you a Master's student or a recent graduate looking for international research experience? Erasmus+ supports funded traineeships abroad for students enrolled in higher education and for eligible recent graduates.

  • Open to: Master's students and eligible recent graduates.
  • Duration: 2 to 12 months.
  • Financial support: Erasmus+ grant support according to the applicable programme and host-country rules.
  • Research opportunities: traineeships can take place at eligible organisations and should be relevant to the student's degree-related learning and development.

More details about Erasmus+ traineeships →

For application details, first contact your university's International or Erasmus Office and then reach out to the Aydin Group to discuss a suitable research project.

Internships & Research Stays

Erasmus+ traineeships can be combined with research activities in the Aydin Group, subject to the applicable Erasmus+ and host-university arrangements.

How to proceed

  • Discuss the Erasmus+ requirements with your home university.
  • Contact the Aydin Group early enough to discuss a suitable research topic.
  • Agree on the expected duration, research activities and supervision.
  • Complete the required Erasmus+ and host-university documentation.

Contact: erkan.aydin@cup.uni-muenchen.de

Research Visits & Collaborations Short-term research stays, scientific exchange and collaborative research opportunities. ENQUIRIES WELCOME +

Research Visits & Scientific Collaborations

We welcome researchers interested in short-term research visits, scientific exchange and collaborative research projects in next-generation photovoltaic technologies.

Research visits

Visiting researchers may work with members of the Aydin Group on a defined research topic using our laboratory facilities and expertise.

Potential activities

  • Short-term experimental research stays
  • Collaborative device development
  • Advanced photovoltaic characterization
  • Joint research and data analysis
  • Development of joint research proposals

Please include

  • A short CV
  • Research background
  • Proposed research topic
  • Expected duration of the visit
  • Potential funding source

We are also open to discussing longer-term scientific collaborations and joint research proposals.

Contact: erkan.aydin@cup.uni-muenchen.de

LMU Munich Research at one of Germany's leading universities Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität (LMU) Munich is one of Germany's leading research universities. In the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025, LMU ranked #34 worldwide and #2 in Germany. In the Shanghai Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) 2025, LMU ranked #42 worldwide and #1 in Germany.
#34 Worldwide · THE World University Rankings 2025
#2 Germany · THE World University Rankings 2025
#1 Germany · ARWU Shanghai Ranking 2025
See LMU's current rankings →