Function :                Intern

Contract :               CNRS internship agreement

Starting date:        Spring/Summer 2026

Duration:                 6 months

Workplace:             IPVF – 18 boulevard Thomas Gobert, 91120 Palaiseau

Education:              Master in materials science, physical chemistry or related fields

IPVF – Institut Photovoltaïque d’Île-de-France

IPVF is a scientific and technical pole dedicated to the research and development of solar technologies. It permanently hosts its own staff, as well as the employees of its partners and external companies. IPVF aims to become one of the world’s leading centers for research, innovation, and training in the field of energy transition.
IPVF primary objective is to improve the performance and competitiveness of photovoltaic cells and develop breakthrough technologies by relying on four levers:

• Ambitious research program.
• The hosting of more than 200 researchers and their laboratories on its Paris-Saclay site.
• A state-of-the-art technology platform (8,000 m²) open to the photovoltaic industry actors, with more than 100 state-of-the-art equipment units located in clean rooms.
• A training program mainly based on a master’s degree, the supervision of PhD students, and continuing education.

CONTEXT

Scientific context: The performance and stability of photovoltaic devices are fundamentally governed not only by the intrinsic properties of the active materials but also by the quality and interplay of the different functional layers that constitute the device architecture. In perovskite solar cells, each layer, from the substrate and charge transport layers to the perovskite absorber and interfacial contacts, plays a critical role in facilitating efficient charge extraction and collection. Any defects, mismatch of energy level alignment, or structural instabilities within these layers can severely limit power conversion efficiency and accelerate degradation pathways. Among these, the perovskite active layer is central to device operation. Its crystallinity, grain size, composition, and defect density directly influence charge carrier lifetimes, diffusion lengths, and optical absorption properties. Likewise, the interfaces formed between the perovskite and adjacent transport layers critically determine band alignment, charge selectivity, and ion migration behavior. Therefore, precise control over the layers and deposition process is required.

Lateral heterojunction (LHJ) architectures present a powerful platform to investigate these processes with enhanced spatial and interfacial accessibility. By enabling direct probing of the perovskite surface and its interaction with charge transport layers, LHJs allow us to systematically study how fabrication parameters and material quality impact device functionality. Through process optimization and comprehensive characterization, including X-ray diffraction (XRD) and photoluminescence (PL), this approach will provide key insights into the role of layer engineering and perovskite quality in determining efficiency and long- term stability. These findings will directly support the development of next-generation photovoltaic devices with improved reliability and stability.

WHAT WE OFFER

– Integration into one of the world-leading scientific institutes on novel photovoltaic technologies with access to clean room facilities for sample fabrication and measurements

– Social and scientific engagement across multiple teams and beyond institute boundaries

– Flexible working hours

-Possibilities to go on with a PhD will be discussed

MAIN MISSIONS

– Device Fabrication and Process Optimization: Assist in the fabrication of lateral heterojunction architectures, with a focus on optimizing some of the steps. This includes the controlled deposition by spin coating of the perovskite active layer, interface engineering, and refinement of fabrication parameters to improve film quality and device performance.

– Materials Characterization: Conduct structural and optical characterization using techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD) photoluminescence (PL) imaging.

PROFILE

– Solid foundation in semiconductor physics and chemistry

– Interest in experimentation on advanced characterization setups and method development

– Good English language and communication skills

– Curious mind to explore the unknown and acquire new experimental skills

– Programming skills and eagerness to engage in AI-supported analysis methods is a plus

CONTACT

Please send your letter of motivation and CV via email to Dr. Philip Schulz (philip.schulz@cnrs.fr) and Dr. Stefania Cacovich (stefania.cacovich@cnrs.fr) and Chiara Mello (chiara.mello@cnrs.fr) with the subject line “Master Internship Application Perovskite LHJ”.