PhD in Module Reliability

Fully funded PhD position: Reliability and Materials Engineering for Advanced Photovoltaic Modules

If you are passionate about the photovoltaics, we invite you to join us to shape the future of photovoltaics (PV) technologies together at the Australian National University (QS ranking 2026: No. 32 World-wide)!

Contact: Marco Ernst

Our PhD students are publishing in top-tier journals such as Advanced Materials, Advanced Functional Materials, etc. Only top students will be considered!

Eligible and Selection Criteria

Applicant is expected to have a strong background in Silicon Photovoltaics or Physics.

Academic Excellence (see ANU admission requirements for further details):

International applicant should rank within the top 5% of their graduating class from a highly regarded university.
Australian and New Zealand applicant should hold at least an Upper Second-Class Honours (H2A) or equivalent qualification.

Research Achievements (applicants with a GPA below 3.2 / 4.0 must demonstrate research excellence through one of the following):

At least one first-authored publication in a high-impact journal or conference (e.g., Impact Factor ≥ 20, NeurIPS, ICML, etc.), or
At least three first-authored publications in high-quality journals or conferences (e.g., Impact Factor ≥ 5), or
At least three patents.

Funding

The successful candidate will receive an annual tax-free stipend of AU$40,475 per annum (Full-time base rate 2027) together with a full tuition waiver.

The project is fully supported through the lead supervisor's active research grants.

Research Resources

The successful candidate will have access to state-of-the-art computational and experimental facilities, enabling cutting-edge silicon photovoltaics research.

Experimental Resources

World-class silicon photovoltaic fabrication and characterisation laboratories, where world-record solar cells have been demonstrated.
Access to national-level facilities, including the Australian National Fabrication Facility (ANFF), for device fabrication and advanced materials characterisation.

Collaboration Networks

Embedded within the Australian Centre for Advanced Photovoltaics (ACAP), with the ANU group as a key member.
Broad international and domestic collaborations across China, Germany, the US, the UK, and leading Australian universities.

About the Project: Reliability and Materials Engineering for Advanced Photovoltaic Modules

Join a leading photovoltaic research program at the Australian National University (ANU) working on next-generation high-efficiency solar module technologies. As module architectures and materials evolve, new opportunities for improved performance are accompanied by new challenges in long-term reliability and durability.

This PhD project will investigate the degradation and reliability of advanced photovoltaic modules, combining accelerated testing with electrical, optical and materials characterisation to identify the origins of performance loss. The project will also explore how encapsulation systems, interfaces and other module materials can be engineered to improve long-term stability and reliability.

The successful candidate will work at the intersection of photovoltaics, materials science and reliability engineering, with access to advanced fabrication, characterisation and testing facilities at ANU and partner organisations. The project forms part of a broader collaborative research program with university and industry partners.

Candidates with an interest in photovoltaics, materials science, semiconductor devices or experimental engineering are encouraged to apply. Experience in photovoltaic characterisation, materials analysis, accelerated testing or related experimental research would be advantageous.

Fri Aug 14, 2026