This IAESTE research and development internship contributes to a university group's work on multioptical concepts for renewable energy devices. The research starts from the fabrication of chalcopyrite photovoltaic absorbers by, for example, physical vapor deposition or printing. Other layers of the solar cell structure such as transparent conductive oxides also deserve further investigation and optimization.
Towards novel optical concepts, the group investigates photonic nanostructures and micro concentrators. The fabrication of the different materials is equally important as their detailed characterization with respect to optical, electrical and thermal properties. Measurements of scattering, current-voltage characteristics and light concentration play a major role here, so a background in physical or chemical fabrication approaches or in opto-electronic characterization is highly welcome.
๐ฑ Another German placement, this one telling the story of organic farming on camera: ESC Volunteering in ๐ฉ๐ช Germany ๐ฅ Video and Digital Media for Organic Farming ๐ฑ โ https://youthworkshub.org/20752
โ Student Requirements
๐ฌ General discipline: physical sciences, physics and physical sciences
๐ Completed years of study: 2, with a bachelor degree or close to a finished bachelor degree in one of the above fields
๐ฃ๏ธ Languages: English at excellent level, C1 or C2
๐งช Required Knowledge and Experience
๐งซ Familiar with basic principles of film materials, preferably related to energy conversion and photovoltaics
๐ก Knowledge in optics or nanostructures is beneficial
๐ป Matlab or LabVIEW skills are appreciated
โ๏ธ Experimental experience with material deposition is welcome
๐ Work Details
โณ Duration: 8 to 12 weeks
๐ Within 01.09.2026 and 31.12.2026, with the latest possible start date being 01.11.2026, and the starting date is flexible and can be discussed
๐๏ธ The company is closed during holidays from 01.08.2026 to 31.08.2026
๐ข Work environment: research and development
๐ Working hours: 40 per week, 8 per day
๐ Internship type: on-site
๐ Reference number: DE-2026-1005-1
๐ถ Pay and Living Costs
๐ฐ Gross pay: 992 EUR per month, variable
๐ Type of accommodation: other, with an estimated cost of lodging of 500 EUR per month
๐ Estimated cost of living including lodging: 992 EUR per month
โ ๏ธ Based on the figures in the offer, the monthly pay matches the estimated total cost of living, so it is intended to cover expenses rather than to leave a surplus.
๐ฌ A comparable laboratory research placement in another country: Internship in ๐จ๐ญ Switzerland ๐งช Polymer Synthesis and Materials Research at a University of Applied Sciences ๐ฌ (CHF 2,100-2,500/month) โ https://youthworkshub.org/20450
๐ฉ How to Apply
Apply through the IAESTE platform for this internship reference. Placements are advertised as continuous openings, so applying early is advisable.
โฐ Deadline
As soon as possible!
๐ Link
๐ Internship listing and application: https://iaeste.org/internships/de-2026-1005-1