Staff Scientist

Date: Jul ‎3, ‎2022
Location: Saudi Arabia
Company: King Abdullah University of Science & Technology
Position Summary
This is a full-time, permanent position at the Staff Scientist / Engineer
level, supporting the KAUST Solar Center's research and technology development
activities. The position requires a background in solar cell and PV module
manufacturing, engineering, characterization, and reliability / stability
testing, as well as hands-on knowledge/experience with high-tech equipment,
which is both critical and necessary for the Center's state-of the-art
research and development projects. Furthermore, the ability to work
independently or as part of a team, as required, is a prerequisite.
Major Responsibilities
* Support the Center-affiliated research groups in the upscaling of lab-scale PV technologies using for instance, solution-processing, printing, and vacuum deposition techniques
* Test lamination and encapsulation protocols for conventional and emerging PV technologies
* Test lamination and encapsulation materials from internal and external collaborators by lab (indoor) and outdoor testing
* Support the Center's lab operations and technology manager in advancing and maintaining the Center's downstream technology development activities, specifically the PV module fabrication lab
* Support the Center's faculty and researchers in collaborations with local, regional, and international research institutes, universities, and companies from an operational standpoint
* Perform reliability and stability testing of cells and modules following industrial standards
* Support the Center's large-area printing activities of emerging PV semiconductor technologies
* Support and advance the Center's PV module fabrication, testing, and certification capabilities
* Develop preventive maintenance approaches for all the assigned equipment and maintain proper and complete operations and maintenance records
* Oversee equipment availability and utilization, order required spare parts and consumables for the routine operations of the assigned equipment
* Work with other operations team members to provide general support to researchers for their lab related issues
* Work with researchers, solving and troubleshooting issues related to devices fabrication and characterization, and maintain the safety documents as per KSC safety policy
Other Responsibilities
* Assist the Lab Operations Manager in maintaining research equipment, scheduling preventive maintenance and procuring supplies, ensuring the continued and smooth running of laboratory operations
* Provide day-to-day support to students, researchers, and faculty
* Impose awareness of safety, hazards, and occupational health related issues
* Assist in maintaining effective safety protocols for keeping the clean room facilities safe
Competencies
* Broad background in photovoltaic technologies and solar energy conversion
* Experience in thin film deposition techniques, including solution, printing, and ultrahigh vacuum processing of inorganic, hybrid, and organic semiconductors
* Experience in lamination materials, techniques, and protocols
* Experience in upscaling lab-scale technologies to industrially-relevant sizes
* Knowledgeable and/or experienced in device fabrication and characterization and in related disciplines/areas
* Experience in materials characterization, specifically physical properties of macromolecular materials and in surface science techniques
* Experience in troubleshooting and repairing equipment is required
* Can work independently and demonstrate problem-solving skills, while maintaining close interactions with KSC Faculty and the Lab Operations Manager
* Experienced and reliable in maintaining equipment and is available on both a regular and non-regular basis
* Familiarity with university-based scientific and engineering research and graduate education, both mission and operations
* Ability to work collaboratively and foster a cooperative work environment
* Strong verbal and written communication skills in English
Qualifications
Desired Qualifications:
Ph.D. (or equivalent experience) with at least five years of subsequent
experience in solar cell engineering and characterization, with a background
in materials science, polymer science, or related engineering disciplines
Demonstrated proficiency in all forms of communication, along with solid time
management, teamwork and organizational skills