Engineer (f/m/d) Lab Development and Automation for Robotized Solar Cell Research

Kennziffer: SE 2025/18

Join the forefront of renewable energy innovation with the dynamic team at the Young Investigator Group: Robotized Optoelectronic Materials and Photovoltaic Engineering at HZB! Our group focuses on the robotized fabrication of solar cells through wet-chemical processes inside inert atmosphere gloveboxes. We aim to accelerate the discovery and optimization of high-performance photovoltaic materials by integrating automation, advanced characterization techniques, and data-driven strategies. Our group is supported by a prestigious €2 million BMFTR NanoMatFutur project, which enables us to build one of Germany’s most innovative platforms for robotized solar cell research and development. A central pillar of our research is the development of reliable, high-throughput software tools for standardized and reproducible solar cell performance measurements. As a key contributor to our cutting-edge research, you will help set up, maintain, and operate state-of-the-art laboratory systems designed to accelerate progress in perovskite solar cell technology. You will work closely with a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers, gaining deep expertise in solar cell engineering while advancing innovations that improve the long-term stability and scalability of solar energy. Be part of the sustainable energy revolution—and make a real impact on the future of renewable power.

Your Tasks

• Laboratory Development & Robotic Integration: Take a leading role in the development and setup of a next-generation photovoltaic laboratory. You will be responsible for integrating robotic systems into inert atmosphere gloveboxes, enabling automated wet-chemical processing for solar cell fabrication.
• Instrument Control & Software Collaboration: Operate and control robotic instruments while contributing to the development of custom software solutions. You will work closely with external technology partners and instrument manufacturers to design and refine automation protocols and ensure smooth system performance.
• Ensuring Operational Efficiency: Conduct regular test measurements to uphold the functionality and performance of instruments and software. Your proactive approach will guarantee uninterrupted research activities, keeping our lab at the forefront of technological advancement.
• Tender and Lab-Safety Documentation: Support tender processes and maintain meticulous lab-safety documentation. Your attention to detail and adherence to safety protocols will create a secure and productive working environment for all team members.
• Problem-Solving and Documentation: Harness your problem-solving skills to tackle challenges that arise in instrumentation and software. Your ability to troubleshoot effectively and document solutions will streamline processes and enhance productivity.

Your Profile

• Technical education or degree in engineering, physics, physical chemistry, materials science, or a related field-ideally with practical experience in laboratory instrumentation or process automation.
• Hands-on experience with laboratory equipment, gloveboxes, or vacuum systems.
• experience in setting up or maintaining controlled-atmosphere environments is a strong asset.
• Practical knowledge in automation or robotics for scientific or industrial applications; ability to configure, operate, and troubleshoot robotic systems used in material synthesis or device fabrication.
• Programming or software development skills (e. g. Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB) for instrument control, workflow automation, or data processing; experience collaborating with software developers or companies is highly desirable.
• Structured, independent working style and strong communication skills (minimum English B2) for coordinating with researchers, technical staff, and external partners during lab setup, equipment integration, and process optimization.

Your Benefits at HZB

• Opportunity to contribute to the development of innovative materials and technological solutions for a climate-neutral future in cooperation with leading international researchers
• Commitment to diversity and sustainability through an inclusive working environment, promotion of diversity sensitivity and implementation of sustainable and climate-neutral methods
• Career-enhancing networking opportunities and individual mentoring and support from the HZB Graduate Centre and HZB Postdoc Office
• Attractive remuneration through payment according to Public Service Wage Agreement (TVöD Bund)
• 30 days holiday/year
• Extensive additional benefits, such as company pension plan (VBL), subsidy for public transport (Deutschlandticket Job) and company sports programmes
• Good work-life balance through counselling services on family and career and flexible working time models: Flexitime, part-time, hybrid working
• And a team that is looking forward to meeting you!

Fixed term contract for 24 months. The salary is based on the Collective Agreement for the German Public Service (TVöD-Bund).

How to apply

We invite highly motivated candidates to become part of our international team driving the future of automated solar cell research.

To apply, please submit the following documents in one PDF file:

• A cover letter briefly explaining your motivation to join our group
• Your CV (curriculum vitae)
• A recommendation letter or contact information of at least two references from your most recent positions
• (Optional) Additional documents such as certificates or project portfolios

Please address in your cover letter:

• Why you are excited to join a leading international team working at the intersection of robotics, photovoltaics, and materials science
• Your motivation to help us develop a fully automated solar cell production system
• Your interest in building and shaping a next-generation laboratory for advanced photovoltaic research

We look forward to receiving your application via our application management system by 20.08.2025. For reasons of data protection regulations, we are unfortunately unable to consider applications that reach us by any other means (such as email or mail) in the application process.

We very much want our workplace to be diverse, and welcome applications from people with different backgrounds. It is our mission to promote equal opportunities and to improve women’s representation in the workforce. We are therefore very interested in receiving applications from women. Where the qualifications are met, we will give preference to people with disabilities.

For German version, please click on the following link: German Version.

➜ HIER BEWERBEN!

Climate change poses serious challenges to the whole world.
At Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin, we are researching materials for a climate-neutral future. 1400 employees from all over the world are working together at HZB towards this goal. Join us, and help us achieve it!
Learn more about HZB on our website.

CONTACT

Dr. Artem Musiienko
+49 30 8062-14690
artem.musiienko@helmholtz-berlin.de

IMPRINT & DATA PROTECTION