Group Leader, Silicon Photovoltaics (F/M/D) 100%

Facing the challenges of our time

Help us grow and be more impactful!

Your mission

Our Silicon Photovoltaics group develops innovative device architectures, processes and industrial solutions for next-generation silicon solar cells and tandem bottom cells. The group combines applied research, scale-up and strong partnerships with Swiss and European industrial players to accelerate impact.

The position is based in Neuchâtel.

Your responsibilities

• Build a high-performance team with strong industrially-relevant applied research excellence, infrastructure and safety support, and grant-writing excellence.
• Work with the business developer to shape a market-aligned strategy that generates a portfolio of public and industry projects, IP and measurable industrial impact.
• Translate this strategy into a durable financial foundation for the group through industry-funded and public projects; existing grant-writing experience and an industry network are strong differentiators.
• Improve research efficiency by investing in automation and ML/AI to accelerate learning rates; prior experience is a plus, and on-the-job support from internal experts is available.
• Contribute to a positive working environment by engaging constructively with other teams across CSEM and with external partners.

Your profile

• Ph.D. in a relevant field is required, or an outstanding reputation in silicon device research.

Know-how

• Strong expertise in silicon materials and devices, with the credibility to lead both scientific direction and industrial relevance.
• Proven experience acquiring and managing industry and public projects in silicon PV; related integration into specialty applications is a strong differentiator.
• Demonstrated success building high-performance teams, developing talent and creating a culture of excellence.
• Experience using automation and ML/AI tools to accelerate learning cycles and R&D performance is a strong differentiator; this can also be developed on the job.

Interpersonal skills

• Curious and hands-on, you possess excellent communication, strategy, and negotiation skills.
• You thirst for solving industry problems and translating research findings into real-world impact.
• Fluent in English; knowledge of French and German is a strong differentiator.

CSEM mission and values

We believe in a future that is imagined, shared, and created TOGETHER.

At CSEM, we don’t just innovate, we envision technologies that shape tomorrow.

Since 1984, our purpose has remained constant: to harness science and technology for the benefit of society. Today, with over 650 people across Switzerland, we remain committed to our mission: to develop and transfer world-class solutions in digital technologies, precision manufacturing, and sustainable energy systems. In doing so, we empower Swiss industry to innovate and remain competitive.

Our strength is the excellence of our people. We believe that strong values support the successful development of our organization as well as the harmonious and balanced development of all our employees.

We are

• A unique place between research and industry at the cutting edge of new technologies
• An innovative, non-profit, and employee-driven company
• A dynamic, multidisciplinary, and multicultural environment
• A solar team focused on enabling solutions to energy challenges for a sustainable world

Working@CSEM means

• Being part of a passionate community
• Flexibility, attractive working conditions, and opportunities of development
• Benefit from a management style based on trust & feedback