Research Assistant in Physics

Description
The Faculty of Health, Natural Sciences and Engineering is seeking a research assistant in physics to support and strengthen our research activities in the field of industrial silicon-based solar cells, modules, and applications.

You will be placed at the Department of Engineering Science and Physics, which is one of five departments within the faculty. Karlstad University has a research group working with industrial solar cells. Today, crystalline silicon is the most successful material for solar cells with a market share of over 90%. The group's research in international collaborations primarily focuses on industrial silicon solar cells, modules, and solar cell applications.

At Karlstad University, we characterize solar cells and small solar cell modules using high-resolution imaging techniques, quantum efficiency measurements, IV curve measurements, etc. Together with industry partners, we research new types of solar cell modules and applications, as well as develop new analysis methods.

You will work within existing externally funded research projects that deal with new products and services in solar energy, including collaboration with organizations developing new types of solar cell modules.

Responsibilities
The main tasks include performing defect analysis and developing new techniques for sample preparation and imaging (for example, using luminescence and microscopy). Computer simulations may also be included.

Examples of additional tasks that may become relevant include writing publications, presenting results at conferences, assisting in writing research applications, and providing some support to engineers and students at the department.

Qualifications
A master's degree in physics or another closely related field relevant to the position is required. Since a large part of the work and communication is conducted in English, good knowledge of English (written and spoken) is required.

Particularly important are current knowledge and experience in the field of silicon-based solar cells and characterization methods.

A positive attitude and the ability to work independently, while also having good collaboration skills and being a good communicator, both written and spoken, are qualities we place great importance on.

A PhD in physics or a related field relevant to the position is advantageous.

Conditions
The position is full-time, fixed-term until December 31, 2026, with the possibility of extension. Start date by agreement.

Application
Applications are made through the university's web-based recruitment tool Varbi. You are responsible for ensuring that your application is complete in accordance with the advertisement, that any documents in languages other than Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, or English are translated, and that your qualifications are documented in a way that allows for an objective, qualitative assessment. A complete application must be submitted by the application deadline. An incomplete application may result in your qualifications not being assessed in all respects.

The application should include:

• CV
• cover letter, describing your qualifications and interests in relation to the content of the position
• copies of transcripts, certificates, and diplomas.
• two references, of which at least one is from a previous or current supervisor.
• any other documents you consider relevant for the position and wish to be taken into account (no links).

All documents you wish to be part of your application should be attached to the digital application (no links). Name each uploaded document so that it clearly indicates its content.

Application deadline: February 6, 2026

Reference number: REK2025/252

We welcome your application!

Karlstad University has made a medieval for this recruitment, and we therefore request no contact with advertisement sellers and recruitment service sellers.

HR Excellence in Research
Karlstad University received the HR Excellence in Research award in September 2020. The award is given to employers who have a stimulating work environment and good conditions for researchers and continuously work to develop these. The award demonstrates the institution's commitment to fair and transparent recruitment as well as favorable professional development for researchers. Read more here (https://www.kau.se/jobba-hos-oss/karlstads-universitet-som-arbetsgivare/human-resources-strategi-forskare-hrs4r).