PhD Student Electrical engineering (m/f/d)

TUD Dresden University of Technology, as a University of Excellence, is one of the leading and most dynamic research institutions in the country. Founded in 1828, it is a globally oriented, regionally anchored top university, focusing on the grand challenges of the 21st century. It develops innovative solutions for the world's most pressing issues. The Cluster of Excellence “Responsible Electronics in the Climate Change Era (REC²)” addresses the key challenge posed by the ubiquitous use of electronics, which leads to an enormous resource and energy consumption and the generation of electronic waste. REC² establishes the scientific foundation for the electronics of the future, including new material platforms, component concepts, and integrated systems that enable the realization of responsible electronics in an ecologically, economically, and socially sustainable manner.

In a range of research and academic programs, REC² unites the natural and engineering sciences with the humanities, social sciences, and medicine. This wide range of disciplines is a special feature not only of the Cluster, but also of TUD, facilitating interdisciplinarity and transfer of science to society. As a modern employer, TUD offers attractive working conditions to all employees in teaching, research, technology, and administration. The goal is to promote and develop their individual abilities while empowering everyone to reach their full potential. For TUD, diversity is an essential feature and a quality criterion of an excellent university. Accordingly, we welcome all applicants who are committed to contributing their achievements and productivity to the success of the entire institution.

The Cluster of Excellence REC² offers, subject to the availability of resources, at the Faculty of Business and Economics, Chair of Business Administration, esp. Energy Economics, a full-time position as Research Associate / PhD Student (m/f/x). (subject to personal qualification, employees are remunerated according to salary group E 13 TV‑L) starting as soon as possible. The position is limited until June 30, 2029, with a possible one-year extension. The position aims at obtaining a further academic qualification (usually PhD). The period of employment is governed by the Fixed Term Research Contracts Act (Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz - WissZeitVG).

Activities And Responsibilities

• Develop a learning curve approach for perovskite PV cells, including building a technology database.
• Optimize economic parameters such as cost and reliability within the production of perovskite PV cells.
• Identify market potential of perovskite PV and assess emerging market opportunities and niche segments.
• Analyze and estimate energy demand for electronics and data centre operations.
• Exchange and collaborate with a diverse team of scientists from the REC² Cluster, in particular with those from the fields of natural sciences and engineering.
• Tasks in the field of research and teaching at the Chair of Energy Economics comprise the second part of the employment.

Qualification profile

• A university degree (Master) in the fields of economics (industrial engineering, business administration, economics), business mathematics, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics or similar, and an interest in current energy economics and energy policy issues.
• You demonstrate strong analytical and economic thinking skills and have a keen interest in the application and further development of quantitative methods. Ideally, you have already gained some initial experience in the field of learning curves or energy system modelling.

Benefits

• Access to state‑of‑the‑art research of leading academic institutes.
• Possibility to apply for GreenRiskFunds to pursue your own high‑risk/high‑gain research ideas.
• Possibility of exchange with partner institutions in the Global South.
• Promotion of gender equality and a family‑friendly work environment.
• Supervision via a dual supervision concept, including a structured PhD project plan, international exchange, and a dedicated Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC).
• Mentorship via the REC² mentoring board.