Autonomous AI-Driven Thin-Film Researcher

EMPA - Eidgenössische Materialprüfungs- und Forschungsanstalt; Dübendorf; On-site; CHF 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

International collaboration

Cutting-edge facilities

Professional growth opportunities

Job summary

EMPA - Eidgenössische Materialprüfungs- und Forschungsanstalt in Dübendorf near Zurich seeks a Doctoral-level Postdoctoral Researcher to advance thin-film deposition using AI and autonomous experiments. You will lead experiments with PVD, optimize HiPIMS processes, and apply machine learning to accelerate materials discovery.

You will collaborate across physics, chemistry, and electrical engineering, develop automated workflows, and contribute to a self-driving thin-film lab infrastructure,

Qualifications

• PhD in physics, materials science, chemistry, EE or related field.
• Knowledge of UHV and thin-film tech.
• Experience with PVD and surface science.
• Experience with piezoelectric- or ferroelectric nitrides is advantageous.
• Knowledge of PVD process development and pulsed sputtering is advantageous.
• Proficiency in Python programming.
• Interest in lab automation and agentic AI (e.g., Claude Code, Codex).
• Excellent communication skills in English.
• Strong academic track record and publications.

Responsibilities

• Conduct physical vapor deposition experiments using advanced PVD processes such as synchronized HiPIMS.
• Perform in-depth materials characterization and surface analysis.
• Apply and improve high-throughput experimental workflows including closed-loop thin-film optimization.
• Apply AI and Machine Learning for data analysis and modelling.
• Develop, improve and implement HW/SW concepts to automate experiments and enable autonomous experiments.

Skills

Python

PVD

Surface science

Lab automation

AI

English

Publications

Education

PhD in physics, materials science, chemistry, electrical engineering or related

Tools

HiPIMS

RHEED

AES

XPS

Job description

EMPA - Eidgenössische Materialprüfungs- und Forschungsanstalt in Dübendorf near Zurich seeks a Doctoral-level Postdoctoral Researcher to advance thin-film deposition using AI and autonomous experiments. You will lead experiments with PVD, optimize HiPIMS processes, and apply machine learning to accelerate materials discovery.

You will collaborate across physics, chemistry, and electrical engineering, develop automated workflows, and contribute to a self-driving thin-film lab infrastructure,