SD-25231- PHD IN PYROELECTRIC / PHOTOVOLTAIC HYBRID SOLAR ENERGY HARVESTER

SD-25231- PHD IN PYROELECTRIC / PHOTOVOLTAIC HYBRID SOLAR ENERGY HARVESTER

Temporary contract | 48 months (3 years under IMT contract and 1 year under LIST contract) | Belval

Are you passionate about research? So are we! Come and join us

The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) is a Research and Technology Organization (RTO) active in the fields of materials, environment and IT. By transforming scientific knowledge into technologies, smart data and tools, LIST empowers citizens in their choices, public authorities in their decisions and businesses in their strategies.

Do you want to know more about LIST? Check our website :

How will you contribute?

The LIST researchers have been working for many years on the definition and implementation of pyroelectric materials capable of producing electrical energy when subjected to thermal potential variations. Their expertise has recently been recognized through a publication in the journal NATURE [1]. This article demonstrates, for the first time worldwide, the experimental possibility of energy production in the Joule domain. This discovery is groundbreaking and opens up brand new development prospects for this technology, which was previously limited to low-power electronic applications (, sensors).

The EFT team has been working for several years (through the SOLINOV project) on energy efficiency, particularly on the development and optimization of self-regulating and innovative Photovoltaic Thermal (PVT) solar panels that simultaneously produce electricity and heat. In current scenarios of using these PVT panels, a significant amount of heat generated during the summer is lost.

The collaboration between the two research laboratories will allow to study and develop an innovative concept for integrating a pyroelectric component into a photovoltaic / thermal solar system. This intelligent coupling will make possible to harness previously lost thermal energy and create a brand new renewable energy generation system.

The PhD candidate will spend two years at IMT premises, followed by two years at LIST premises.

Activities :

Conduct a preliminary bibliographic study (PVT systems, pyroelectric materials)

Propose integration configurations for a pyroelectric component in a PVT system

Perform an energy static study to select preferred integration concepts and carry out initial sizing of the installation

Conduct thermal and electrical characterization of the selected pyroelectric material for the study

Contribute to the development of the test bench and laboratory prototype, and carry out an experimental study on the integration of the pyroelectric component

Model / simulate thermo-fluid exchanges using finite element or volume simulation software, and optimize integration architectures and geometric configurations of the pyroelectric component

Modify the existing test bench to test the new configurations obtained through simulation, and compare the numerical and experimental results

Promote the work done by presenting at international conferences and publishing scientific papers in renowned international journals

During the respective stays at IMT Nord Europe and LIST, teaching involvement will be possible, including conducting tutorials and practical exercises

1] P. Lheritier, A. Torelló, T. Usui, Y. Nouchokgwe, A. Aravindhan, J. Li, U. Prah, V. Kovacova, O. Bouton, S. Hirose & E. Defay. Large harvested energy with non-linear pyroelectric modules. NATURE. 2021

Is Your profile described below? Are you our future colleague? Apply now!

Engineering degree or a Master's degree with a strong focus on energy, thermodynamics, or materials science

Proficiency in finite volume or finite element modeling (Fluent, StarCCM+, Comsol, etc.) would be a plus

Excellent analytical and synthesis skills, with a critical mindset

Proficient in scientific communication (written / oral)

An excellent English level is waited for this international collaboration

The candidate will have to demonstrate a real team spirit, as he will have a predominant role in the good continuity of the project between two research teams located in two different countries

Your LIST benefits

An organization with a passion for impact and strong RDI partnerships in Luxembourg and Europe that works on responsible and independent research projects

Sustainable by design, empowering our belief that we play an essential role in paving the way to a green society

Innovative infrastructures and exceptional labs occupying more than 5,000 square metres, including innovations in all that we do

An environment encouraging curiosity, innovation and entrepreneurship in all areas

Personalized learning programme to foster our staff’s soft and technical skills

Multicultural and international work environment with more than 50 nationalities represented in our workforce

Diverse and inclusive work environment empowering our people to fulfil their personal and professional ambitions

Gender-friendly environment with multiple actions to attract, develop and retain women in science

32 days’ paid annual leave, 11 public holidays, 13-month salary, statutory health insurance

Flexible working hours, home working policy and access to lunch vouchers

Apply online

Your application must include :

A motivation letter oriented towards the position and detailing your experience

A scientific CV with contact details

List of publications (and patents, if applicable)

Contact details of 2 references

Please apply ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by email will not be considered.

Application procedure and conditions

We kindly request applicants to provide their nationality for statistical purposes only, as part of our commitment to promoting diversity and ensuring equal opportunities in our workforce. This information will be kept confidential and will not be used for any discriminatory purposes.

LIST is dedicated to maintaining an inclusive work environment and is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to attracting, hiring, and retaining a diverse workforce. All applicants will be considered for employment without discrimination based on national origin, race, colour, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, religion, age, or disability.

Applications will be continuously reviewed until the position is filled. An assessment committee will thoroughly evaluate applications, adhering to guidelines designed to ensure equal opportunities. The primary criteria for selection will be the alignment of the applicant's existing skills and expertise with the requirements mentioned above.

PhD additional conditions :

Registration at the University of Lille (France)

Supervisors at IMT : Prof. Serge Russeil, Prof. Daniel Bougeard, Ugo Pelay

Supervisor at LIST : Prof. Emmanuel Defay

Work location : Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), Belvaux, Luxembourg

Candidates must be available to start their position in spring 2028. Please note that university enrolment fees, currently set at 400 EUR per semester (as of July 2025) must be covered by the successful applicant.

Your master diploma must be recognized in Luxembourg. Please refer to :

REQUIREDLANGUAGESTo be considered for this position it is crucial that you have knowledge of the following languagesEnglishReadC1 AdvancedWriteC1 AdvancedSpeakC1 Advancedminimum requiredEducationMasterRequired work experiencein years0 or more yearsJob CategoryScience & ResearchDetailsEmployment typeFull-TimeContract typeFixed Term contractHours per week40Contract periodMonthsContract duration12LocationCountryLuxembourgCityEsch-Sur-AlzetteProfile typePhd StudentUOMATERIALS (MRT)Employment typeFull-TimeContract TypeFixed Term contractRecruiter in chargeHélène ARAGO