Postdoctoral position at EPFL PVlab: Recycling of PV modules

This postdoctoral position at EPFL PV-Lab focuses on developing and scaling innovative recycling methods for photovoltaic modules and their materials, emphasizing circularity and high-value recovery. Responsibilities include conducting experimental research, managing collaborative R&D projects, and supervising junior researchers. Applicants need a PhD in a related field with strong experimental experience, expertise in PV recycling or material recycling, and excellent project management and communication skills.

• You will develop and optimize PV recycling technologies, including mechanical, thermo-mechanical, delamination and advanced separation processes for conventional and emerging PV modules.
• You will investigate material recovery and circularity pathways for glass, polymers, encapsulants, backsheets, silicon cells, metals and composites, including their potential for reuse, remanufacturing and high-value recycling.
• You will develop material characterization and process-evaluation methods for end-of-life PV modules, assessing recovery yield, purity, energy consumption, environmental impact, scalability and economic relevance.
• You will plan and conduct experimental research, including experimental campaigns, data analysis and process optimization, while ensuring high standards of laboratory practice, documentation, scientific integrity and safety.
• You will supervise and mentor PhD, Master’s and junior researchers, supporting research planning, experimental work, interpretation of results, scientific discussions and knowledge sharing within PV-Lab.
• You will coordinate collaborative research projects, like Work-Package Leader in a European project, including scientific activities, partners, tasks, milestones, deliverables, resources, risks, meetings, reporting and technical communication.
• You will contribute to scientific dissemination and future research development through publications in high-impact scientific journals, international conferences, collaborative research proposals and funding applications.

• Excellent written and spoken English .
• Strong organizational and project-management skills.
• A PhD in photovoltaics, materials science, polymer science, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, recycling technologies, environmental engineering, or a closely related discipline.
• A strong academic background in photovoltaic recycling, PV module materials, circular photovoltaics or end-of-life PV technologies.
• Alternatively, a strong background in polymer or composite recycling with a clear interest in applying this expertise to photovoltaics.
• Demonstrated experience in experimental research and laboratory work.
• Good understanding of materials, interfaces and manufacturing processes relevant to PV modules.
• Experience in material characterization and quantitative analysis of experimental data.
• Ability to independently define, plan and execute research activities.
• A strong scientific publication record appropriate to the candidate's career stage.
• Experience or demonstrated interest in supervising students and junior researchers.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills and an ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary and international environment.
• A dynamic and stimulating work environment
• Access to state-of-the-art research facilities and laboratory resources
• Opportunity to combine research, scientific leadership, project management and industrial collaboration within a single role.
• Contract Start Date : 01/01/2027
• Activity Rate Min : 80.00
• Activity Rate Max : 100.00
• Duration: 1 year renouvelable