Postdoctoral Researcher - PV Module Recycling and Circularity

About the role

The Photovoltaics and Thin Film Electronics Laboratory (PV-Lab) at EPFL is looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Photovoltaic Recycling and Circularity. The position focuses on developing and scaling up recycling approaches for photovoltaic modules and their materials, with emphasis on circularity, high-value material recovery and design for recycling. It sits at the intersection of research, technology development, project management and industrial collaboration, and is based in Neuchâtel.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and optimise PV recycling technologies, including mechanical, thermo-mechanical, delamination and advanced separation processes for conventional and emerging modules.
• Investigate material recovery and circularity pathways for glass, polymers, encapsulants, backsheets, silicon cells, metals and composites.
• Develop methods to assess recovery yield, purity, energy consumption, environmental impact, scalability and economic relevance of end-of-life modules.
• Plan and run experiments, analyse data and optimise processes, following good laboratory practice, documentation and safety.
• Supervise and mentor PhD, Master's and junior researchers.
• Coordinate collaborative projects such as a Work-Package Leader role in a European project, covering partners, tasks, milestones, deliverables, reporting and technical communication.
• Publish in high-impact journals, present at international conferences and help write research proposals and funding applications.

Required profile

• PhD in photovoltaics, materials science, polymer science, chemical or mechanical engineering, recycling or environmental engineering, or a closely related field.
• Background in photovoltaic recycling, PV module materials, circular photovoltaics or end-of-life PV technologies, or in polymer/composite recycling with an interest in applying it to photovoltaics.
• Demonstrated experience in experimental research and laboratory work.
• Good understanding of materials, interfaces and manufacturing processes relevant to PV modules.
• Experience or interest in supervising students and junior researchers.
• Strong scientific publication record appropriate to the career stage.
• Excellent written and spoken English and strong communication skills in a multidisciplinary, international setting.

What we offer

• A dynamic, multidisciplinary research environment with access to state-of-the-art laboratory resources.
• Collaboration with world-class scientists and a network of national and international stakeholders.
• Combination of research, scientific leadership, project management and industrial collaboration.

Fixed-term contract starting 1 January 2027, renewable, with an activity rate of 80% to 100%.