Paving the way for a sustainable future

SolarLab, a national collaboration of leading solar energy researchers, offers a unique opportunity for PhD candidates to immerse themselves in groundbreaking research aimed at making solar energy more efficient, sustainable, and seamlessly integrated into our daily lives. As part of this dynamic research environment, the new PhD students will join a team of over 40 researchers working across the Netherlands to tackle one of the most pressing challenges of our time: the climate crisis.

"Our research is focused on the design of new solar cells, advanced solar energy materials, and innovative integration methods," explained Prof. dr. Monica Morales-Masis, a principal investigator at SolarLab. "The results of these projects will not only contribute to fundamental renewable energy knowledge globally but will also be directly implemented in the solar energy industry here in the Netherlands."

Join a thriving national solar energy ecosystem

As part of the SolarNL program, SolarLab aims to foster a thriving ecosystem for solar energy innovation. PhD candidates will work on research projects in collaboration with top universities, research institutes, and leading solar technology companies. These efforts align with SolarNL's vision to accelerate the energy transition by developing an industry for high-efficiency solar cells, flexible solar foils, and customized solar panels tailored for a variety of applications.

"By joining SolarLab, you will be part of a large, collaborative community of researchers and industry experts working towards a common goal: developing new and impactful solar technologies to meet our climate goals," said Prof. dr. Bruno Ehler, principal investigator and program leader at SolarLab.

Funded by the National Growth Fund's SolarNL program

SolarLab's research initiatives are a crucial part of the SolarNL program, which has received a substantial subsidy from the National Growth Fund and private investors. The program aims to build a robust Dutch solar energy manufacturing industry with a production volume of over 7 GWp/year, enough to meet the 2050 solar energy goals in The Netherlands. This initiative leverages the Netherlands' extensive expertise in solar technology to produce a new generation of solar cells and panels, utilizing fully circular production processes that minimize CO2 emissions and integrate aesthetically into various environments.

A call to aspiring researchers

The new PhD positions offer a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of innovation in solar technology. PhD students at SolarLab will be part of a large community of researchers who contribute to developing the next generation of solar cells. For example, they can develop more efficient tandem solar cells based on perovskite semiconductors, make solar cells more recyclable, or develop solar cells of any color for integration into building facades or cars. The research will not only support the creation of a new manufacturing industry for solar panels in the Netherlands and Europe but also advance global knowledge in renewable energy.

"We invite passionate individuals from diverse backgrounds to join us in solving the greatest challenge of our generation. Your contribution is vital," added Bruno. "If you are excited about making a real impact on the future of energy, we encourage you to apply."