Doctoral Position in functional oxide thin films

Growing epitaxial thin films and heterostructures by pulsed-laser deposition and magnetron sputtering and using epitaxial strain and interfacial effects to stabilize metastable phases with desired structural, electronic, and magnetic functionality. Thin-film structural and functional characterization using X-ray diffraction, scanning-probe microscopy, magnetometry, synchrotron-based experiments (e.g., at Paul Scherrer Institute). Fabricating thin-film devices in a cleanroom and performing electrical and transport characterization. Using first-principles calculations and machine-learning foundation models during the initial stage of the project to identify promising metastable compositions for experimental stabilization as thin films. Presenting your results at scientific conferences, publishing your work, and collaborating with researchers within the group and internationally.

The newly established Solid-State Materials Chemistry Group at the Laboratory of Inorganic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences (D-CHAB), ETH Zurich, is seeking a highly motivated Doctoral Position. Our research investigates how crystal chemistry, structure, and dimensionality can be used to control and create functionality in complex inorganic solids. We are currently establishing a laboratory for thin-film synthesis using physical vapor deposition methods, structural modification using wet-chemistry-based approaches, and advanced structural and functional characterization. Our long-term goal is to develop materials with potential for technology transfer to semiconductor and photonic industries, as well as energy conversion and storage applications.

• You should hold a master’s degree in chemistry, physics, materials science or a related field

• We are looking for a highly motivated, curious, and self-driven researcher, who would be enthusiastic about helping establish a new laboratory: contributing to the installation of equipment, developing reliable experimental protocols and helping create a collaborative group culture

• Excellent spoken and written English

• Willingness to work in an international and diverse team

• Experience in one or more of the following areas would be advantageous, but not required: thin-film deposition, solid-state synthesis, crystallography, complex transition-metal oxides, scanning probe microscopy, electrical transport measurements, device fabrication, first-principles material modelling.