MSCA European Post Doctoral Fellowship 2027 - New generation of solar cells

What the research team is looking for

The research team GUIDE from LEPMI (https://lepmi.grenoble-inp.fr/fr/equipes/guide) welcomes expression of interest from PhD-holders in “development of new generation of solar cells stable and efficient” to apply for the call for propoals “MSCA European Post Doctoral Fellowship”.

Desciption of the research Team

The GUIDE team at LEPMI is strategically located at INES, the French National Institute for Solar Energy, on the Savoie Technolac campus in Le Bourget-du-Lac. Since its integration into INES in 2014, the team has developed strong expertise in photovoltaics, with a particular focus on third-generation solar cells, first through organic photovoltaics and more recently through perovskite-based technologies. One of the key strengths of the team lies in its ability to combine solar-cell fabrication, advanced characterization, and stability assessment under both realistic and accelerated ageing conditions, including exposure to heat, humidity, and illumination. Over the years, GUIDE has built a strong network of national and international collaborations with leading academic and industrial partners, including CEA, IPVF, Fraunhofer ISE, Solaronix, and Hyogo University.

More recently, the team has focused on the development of new fabrication processes and solar-cell architectures, including electrodeposition-based approaches and carbon-based devices. Its research also addresses lead-reduced and lead-free perovskite materials, as well as the recycling and reuse of perovskite solar-cell components, with the broader objective of improving the sustainability of emerging photovoltaic technologies.

The team operates a dedicated laboratory enabling the complete fabrication of solar cells, supported by a photovoltaic characterization platform. Its proximity to Grenoble also provides access to state-of-the-art microscopy and microstructural characterization facilities, including SEM, XRD, and X-ray fluorescence, as well as major European large-scale facilities such as the ESRF and ILL.

Beyond its scientific environment, the laboratory offers a particularly pleasant working setting. Located close to both the lake and the mountains, it provides an excellent quality of life, with numerous opportunities for outdoor sports, leisure, and well-being activities, contributing to a healthy work-life balance.

Eligibility and Candidate qualifications 

Candidates should:

·         hold a PhD degree on the closing date for applications. Applicants who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but who have not yet formally been awarded the doctoral degree are also eligible to apply.

·         have a maximum of eight years of experience in research from the date of the award of the PhD degree – the following experience will not be counted towards this maximum:

o    years of experience outside research and career breaks;

o    years of experience in research in third countries, for nationals or long-term residents of EU Member States or Horizon Europe Countries who wish to reintegrate.

·         comply with mobility rules: at the time of the call deadline 09 September 2026) researchers must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies etc) in France for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the call deadline.

Application and Assessment process

Applicants should submit: 

·         A CV highlighting their academic background, as well as relevant skills and experience and up to 5 most important publications.

·         An outline of the proposed research (maximum 1,500 words). This must clearly outline the objectives, as well as the importance and impact of the proposed research, its contribution to the state-of-the-art. It must inform of the proposed methodology and explain why the GUIDE team from LEPMI is an appropriate host institution. The feasibility of the proposed research within the time-frame of the fellowship is an evaluation criterion.

If you need additional information to write the proposed research or have any questions, write to emilie.planes@univ-smb.fr with subject ‘MSCA Post Doc Applications - Request info‘.

Please submit project outlines in PDF format by the 30 Juin 2027 to emilie.planes@univ-smb.fr in an email with subject ‘MSCA Post Doc Applications ‘.

All documents that you submit, including your proposal idea, will be handled in full confidentiality. Candidates will be notified of the outcome of this first stage application no later than mid-July 2026.

Successful candidates will be invited to develop a full MSCA PF application in collaboration with the group. The final proposal will be submitted by the deadline of 08 September 2027. Applicants who are successful in receiving EU funding must relocate to Chambéry to work as a postdoctoral fellow.