PhD in electron-enhanced ALD

Empa, Materials Science and Technology; Verwaltungsregion Oberland; On-site; CHF 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Empa’s Laboratory for Mechanics of Materials and Nanostructures in Thun invites applications for a PhD position focused on electron-enhanced ALD (e-ALD). The successful candidate will join an international, multidisciplinary team working on advanced thin film materials using in situ and ex situ techniques.

You will implement an electron gun, perform e-ALD experiments, analyze data, and publish results in peer-reviewed journals.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science or related field.
• Strong motivation to work in international, multidisciplinary research.
• Hands-on experience with vacuum tech, CVD or ALD is desirable.
• Proficiency in English; German or French is an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Carry out in-situ measurements and interpret results.
• Develop and run e-ALD experiments.
• Publish results in peer-reviewed journals.
• Collaborate with an international, multidisciplinary team.

Skills

English proficiency

Teamwork

Collaboration

Education

Master's degree in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science

Tools

ALD/CVD equipment

Vacuum technology

Job description

Materials science and technology are our passion. With our cutting-edge research, Empa's around 1,100 employees make essential contributions to the well-being of society for a future worth living. Empa is a research institution of the ETH Domain.

PhD in electron-enhanced ALD

Our Laboratory for Mechanics of Materials and Nanostructures is looking for a highly motivated candidate.

Your tasks

You will work on a Swiss National Science Foundation funded project investigating electrons as a reaction partner in atomic layer deposition (ALD) to explore new thin film materials. You will run in situ mass measurements, ellipsometry, and mass spectrometry to investigate the e-ALD surface reactions with adsorbed metalorganic molecules. You will implement a dedicated electron gun, run the e-ALD experiments, collect in situ measurement data and interpret results in terms of reaction products as function of electron beam energy and dose. Ex situ characterization tasks comprise thin film morphology and composition analysis. You are expected to publish your research output in high-level peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Your profile

You must hold a Master degree in Physics, Chemistry, Material Science, or similar. A high level of motivation to work in close collaboration with an international, multidisciplinary research team is essential. Hand-on experience in vacuum technology, CVD and/or ALD is highly desirable. Knowledge of English (oral and written) is required and knowledge of German or French would be an advantage.

Our offer

The Laboratory for Mechanics of Materials and Nanostructures of Empa in Thun offers an ideal working environment, with state-of-the art equipment (cleanrooms, high level materials analysis facilities, ALD/MLD/PVD infrastructure, and computation). The city is situated in a beautiful area near the mountains in the German-speaking part of Switzerland. The planned duration for receiving a PhD is four years. The enrolment will be at the EPFL doctoral programme EDMX. The tentative start date is beginning of 2027 or upon mutual agreement.

We live a culture of inclusion and respect. We welcome all people who are interested in innovative, sustainable and meaningful activities - that's what counts.