About the position
PhD Position in All-Oxide Transparent Photovoltaics
Institution: Université de Caen Normandie / Université de Caen Normandie - CRISMAT research unit -
Research Field: Chemistry
Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)
Positions: PhD Positions
Application Deadline: 12 Oct 2026 - 23:59 (UTC)
Job Status: Full-time
Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?: Not funded by a EU programme
Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?: No
We are offering a fully funded PhD position in the field of transparent photovoltaics, functional oxides, and condensed matter physics.
The project will explore a new route toward transparent solar energy conversion through the design of all-oxide p-i-n heterostructures that exploit the Bulk Photovoltaic Effect rather than conventional interface-driven photovoltaic mechanisms.
This PhD project aims to investigate an alternative design concept based on oxide materials with broken inversion symmetry and quantum-geometric electronic properties.
Project Description
The project will focus on the conception, growth, and study of a fully epitaxial and chemically stable oxide thin-film platform for transparent photovoltaic applications.
In particular, the work will investigate how structural polarity in non-centrosymmetric oxides can generate real-space shift currents and enable ultrafast charge separation.
First, the project will use correlated metallic oxide electrodes as the p- and n-type contact layers.
Second, the active intrinsic layer will consist of a polar transition-metal oxide absorber engineered to break inversion symmetry.
The project will explore strategies based on epitaxial strain and digital sub-lattice design to induce improper ferroelectricity and maximize the visible-light bulk photovoltaic response.
Research Environment
This PhD position offers an outstanding interdisciplinary research environment at CRISMAT in Caen, France, connecting expertise in functional oxide thin-film synthesis, condensed matter physics, and optoelectronic device engineering.
The project is designed to bridge advanced materials growth and characterization with device-oriented research, providing strong training at the interface of fundamental physics and energy-related applications.
Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Research Field: Physics
We are seeking a highly motivated candidate holding a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Physics, Materials Science, Solid-State Chemistry, or a closely related discipline.
Applicants with a solid background in solid-state physics, thin-film deposition, oxide materials, or optical spectroscopy are particularly encouraged to apply.
The ideal candidate should have a strong interest in interdisciplinary research and be eager to work across materials synthesis, physical characterization, and device concepts.
Website for additional job details: https://crismat.cnrs.fr
Company/Institute: Université de Caen Normandie - CRISMAT research unit -
What you’ll bring
- Skills/Qualifications
- We are seeking a highly motivated candidate holding a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Physics, Materials Science, Solid-State Chemistry, or a closely related discipline.
- The ideal candidate should have a strong interest in interdisciplinary research and be eager to work across materials synthesis, physical characterization, and device concepts.
- Research Field: Chemistry
- Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
- Research Field: Physics
At a glance
- Position type
- PhD
- Institution
- Université de Caen Normandie / Université de Caen Normandie - CRISMAT research unit -
- Department
- Not stated
- Research group
- Not stated
- Location
- Caen, France, FR
- Supervisor / contact person
- Not stated
- Funding
- Fully funded
Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?: Not funded by a EU programme
We are offering a fully funded PhD position in the field of transparent photovoltaics, functional oxides, and condensed matter physics. - Duration
- Not stated
- Expected start
- Not stated
- Vacancy reference
- EURAXESS-442751
Research focus
- Discipline
- Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics
- Research area
- Semiconductors, Photovoltaics
- Methods
- Synthesis, Spectroscopy
- Software
- Not stated
Dates to know
- Listed on FOSS Positions
- 18 Sep 2026
- Original advertisement date
- Not stated in the source
- Application deadline
- 12 Oct 2026 · 23:59 UTC
- Priority review date
- Not stated
- Last checked
- 18 Sep 2026
- Last updated
- 18 Sep 2026
2026-10-12T23:59:00+00:00
How to apply
Application Deadline: 12 Oct 2026 - 23:59 (UTC)
Where to apply
Applicants with a solid background in solid-state physics, thin-film deposition, oxide materials, or optical spectroscopy are particularly encouraged to apply. The ideal candidate should have a strong interest in interdisciplinary research and be eager to work across materials synthesis, physical characterization, and device concepts.
Apply now
https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/442751
Contact: jonathan.alaria@ensicaen.frContact: jonathan.alaria@ensicaen.fr
Original sources
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