Platform development for AI-assisted automation of thin-film fabrication and characterization of emergent photovoltaics (M/F)

Job Description

Missions

In the context of the PEPR DIADEM project MATCH-UP (MATerials disCovery for next generation pHotovoltaics via high-throUghPut synthesis, characterization and AI-based analysis), we are looking to hire research engineer for a period of 24 months. The aim of the MATCH-UP project is the accelerated development of reliable, low-energy, non-toxic and high-performance photovoltaic materials and devices. This calls for greater collaboration between the various areas of expertise in the laboratories and the industrial R&D pilot lines (feeding into the planned French gigafactories), and improved circulation of experimental data made possible by process automation and robotization, high-throughput characterization and analysis by physical modeling and associated artificial intelligence.

Activity

The focus of the work will be on automating the various stages from synthesis to high-throughput analysis of devices speeds up the design of thin films, multilayers and solar cells. This enables accelerated discovery of new materials, prediction of material properties and figures of merit of solar devices, while drastically reducing the time needed for exploration, analysis and knowledge creation. To solve the problems inherent in the search for new materials and devices, artificial intelligence methods combined with the automation of deposition, characterization and degradation analyses can increase the quantity/quality, reproducibility of samples and reliability of the data created. To date, only a tiny fraction of the data generated in laboratories is used, shared and sufficiently reliable to enable more global use and exploit the full potential of data science methods.
As a research engineer, your primary responsibilities will include:
• Designing and setting up a robotized platform for high-throughput synthesis, characterization, and testing of materials.
• Integrating robotic hardware, software, and control systems to enable fully automated workflows.
• Developing and implementing machine learning or optimization algorithms to guide experiments and analyze results.
• Collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to define research objectives and adapt the platform for specific material classes.
• Automate high-throughput synthesis and analysis steps for devices to accelerate the discovery of new materials, predict their properties, and evaluate solar cell performance.
• Leverage artificial intelligence methods to enhance sample quality and reproducibility, as well as the reliability of the generated data.
• Publishing research findings in high-impact journals and presenting at conferences.
• Supervising graduate and undergraduate students working on related projects.

Your Profil

Skills

The ideal candidate will have:
• A PhD in materials science, chemistry, physics, robotics, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience with robotic systems, automation technologies, or mechatronics.
• Proficiency in programming languages (e.g., Python, MATLAB, or similar) and experience with laboratory automation software.
• Knowledge of materials synthesis, characterization techniques, and high-throughput experimentation.
• Familiarity with machine learning, data analysis, or optimization algorithms.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work both independently and in a team.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively share results and collaborate.

Your Work Environment

The MATCH-UP project is funded in the framework of the PEPR DIADEM program and is carried out jointly at IPVF (UMR 9006) (www.ipvf.fr) and LPICM (UMR 7647), located at the heart of the Paris-Saclay campus and Ecole Polytechnique, south of Paris. The central infrastructure of the MATCH-UP platform for thin film deposition and characterization will be located at the IPVF research laboratories.

Compensation and benefits

Compensation

Between 3081,33 et 3519,85 € gross monthly

Annual leave and RTT

44 jours

Remote Working practice and compensation

Pratique et indemnisation du TT

Transport

Prise en charge à 75% du coût et forfait mobilité durable jusqu’à 300€

About the offer

About the CNRS

The CNRS is a major player in fundamental research on a global scale. The CNRS is the only French organization active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist allows it to bring together different disciplines to address the most important challenges of the contemporary world, in connection with the actors of change.

CNRS

The research professions