Christian Schuster

Researcher in solar PV and nuclear physics | Engineer with broad theoretical expertise | Outdoor and outreach enthusiast

Saulheim, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany

About

My main interest is a more energy-efficient solar technology and its rapid deployment. I created novel materials/devices in cleanroom environments and evaluated their performances for photovoltaic applications. I carried this work out across teams in Germany, Italy and the UK - which proved to be valuable when setting up project-specific teams. While most is ‘proof of principle’, they are recognized as key contributions to energy research (listed under honours & awards). My enthusiastic and energetic can-do attitude helped me to develop multiple tools, such as a bespoke ellipsometer plus modelling analysis software, and new methodologies, such as a universal figure of merit for light-trapping structures. I acquired wide-ranging capabilities that contributed, for example, to the success of a novel product for the nuclear decommissioning industry.

Experience

  • University of York (11 yrs 3 mos)
    • Independent Researcher, Domestic engineer, Head of People Operations, CEO Schuster Inc, Brainbuilder
      Jun 2017 - Present · 9 yrs 1 mo

      Fight the stereotypes and focus on my two children's first 1,000 days, to help them build the best brain architecture for life. Therefore, I’m leaning back in my career for the moment and leaning in at home, while learning to perform best under physical and mental extreme situations. Still, I'm grateful to remain an associate member of the university, so that I can continue my research work and help others thrive through Consulting Services [often altruistic for smaller jobs].

    • Postdoctoral Researcher
      Apr 2017 - Jun 2017 · 3 mos

      Investigating the capacity and capabilities of nano-imprinted chirped gratings for bio-optical applications.

    • Postdoctoral Researcher
      Apr 2015 - Mar 2017 · 2 yrs

      Development of a novel nuclear alpha-particle detector, in very close collaboration with KROMEK Ltd, Sedgefield (UK).

  • Internship at STMicroelectronics
    Jan 2014 - Feb 2014 · 2 mos

    my research tasks at 3SUN were in close collaboration with ST and involved the usage of their facilities, such as a class ISO3 cleanroom.

  • Internship at 3SUN srl
    Jan 2014 - Feb 2014 · 2 mos

    Working with the research team of 3SUN, for gaining expertise in the solar-panel manufacturing industry

  • Visiting Scientist at Università di Pavia
    Apr 2012 - Apr 2012 · 1 mo

    Working with the solid state theory and photonics team at Pavia, for gaining expertise in simulation/modelling of photonic structures

  • Internship at TRUMPF
    Jan 2011 - Jun 2011 · 6 mos

    Working in the application team (LASER Center). I was analyzing the impact of the laser's parameters on different materials, such as ceramics, various plastics and metals, and thereby helped to prepare test samples for customers.