PhD position in vibrational and optoelectronic properties of quasi-1D chalcogenides

Empa; Dübendorf; On-site; CHF 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully funded PhD

International environment

Career development & conferences

Job summary

Empa, the ETH Domain research institution in Dübendorf near Zurich, invites applications for a fully funded, three-year PhD in the Nanomaterials Spectroscopy and Imaging Group. The project investigates quasi-1D chalcogenides, focusing on vibrational, optical and carrier-dynamic properties in single crystals and orientation-controlled thin films.

You will perform Raman and PL spectroscopy, TRPL, terahertz and transient absorption measurements, analyze data, and collaborate with synthesis, theory

Qualifications

• Master's degree in physics, materials science, chemistry, nanoscience or a closely related field.
• Strong interest in optical spectroscopy, semiconductor physics and low-dimensional or quantum materials.
• Hands-on experience with Raman, photoluminescence, time-resolved spectroscopy, cryogenic measurements or semiconductor characterization is an advantage.
• Experience with quantitative data analysis and programming (e.g. Python or MATLAB) is an asset.
• Self-motivated and organized working style, with the ability to work independently while contributing to an interdisciplinary team.
• Excellent written and spoken English; willingness to collaborate across institutions and undertake a research stay abroad.

Responsibilities

• Perform Raman and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, including polarization- and temperature-dependent measurements.
• Characterize optical properties and carrier dynamics using time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL), terahertz spectroscopy and transient absorption.
• Develop and apply data-analysis approaches for correlating results from complementary characterization techniques.
• Collaborate with synthesis, theory and device partners, and publish and present results in peer-reviewed journals and at international conferences.

Skills

Optical spectroscopy

Data analysis & programming

Independent & organized

English proficiency

Education

Master's degree in physics or related field

Tools

Python

MATLAB

Raman spectroscopy

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.

The Nanomaterials Spectroscopy and Imaging Group within Empa's Transport at Nanoscale Interfaces Laboratory develops and applies advanced optical and time-resolved spectroscopic methods to understand how structure, defects and the local environment govern material behaviour. We are looking for a PhD student to investigate quasi-1D (Ba,Sr)(Ti,Nb,Ta)(S,Se)3 chalcogenides, a family of semiconductors with strong optical anisotropy and collective electronic phenomena such as charge-density-wave order. The project will establish how composition, defects and chain alignment determine vibrational, optical and carrier-dynamic properties in single crystals and orientation-controlled thin films. The PhD is part of a collaborative project with FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg funded by SNF and DPG.

Your tasks

• Perform Raman and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, including polarization- and temperature-dependent measurements, to investigate structural, vibrational and optoelectronic properties of quasi-1D chalcogenides.
• Characterize optical properties and carrier dynamics using time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL), terahertz spectroscopy and transient absorption.
• Develop and apply data-analysis approaches for correlating results obtained from complementary characterization techniques.
• Collaborate closely with synthesis, theory and device partners, and publish and present the results in peer-reviewed journals and at international conferences.

Your profile

• Master's degree in physics, materials science, chemistry, nanoscience or a closely related field.
• Strong interest in optical spectroscopy, semiconductor physics and low-dimensional or quantum materials.
• A plus is hands-on experience with Raman, photoluminescence, time-resolved spectroscopy, cryogenic measurements or semiconductor characterization is an advantage.
• Experience with quantitative data analysis and programming (e.g. Python or MATLAB) is an asset.
• A self-motivated and organized working style, with the ability to work independently while contributing effectively to an interdisciplinary and international team.
• Excellent written and spoken English; willingness to collaborate across institutions and undertake a research stay abroad.

Our offer

We offer a fully funded, full-time (100%) PhD position for three years at Empa in Dübendorf, near Zurich, with a starting date on 1st of March. You will work in a highly interdisciplinary environment with access to state-of-the-art materials-characterization infrastructure. We provide excellent research conditions within the ETH Domain and strong opportunities for scientific training, conference participation and career development. The PhD will be enrolled at University of Basel.

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.

Patricia Nitzsche, Stv. Leiterin Human Resources / Dep. Head Human Resources

Questions?

Dr Mirjana Dimitrievska, Group Leader, Transport at Nanoscale Interfaces

https://www.empa.ch/web/s405/nsig

Your future place of work

Empa
Ueberlandstrasse 129
8600 Dübendorf

Empa as an employer

• Innovative, sustainable, meaningful activities
• Creating added value for society
• International, multicultural working environment
• Freedom to create and develop
• Culture of inclusion and respect
• Excellent balance between different areas of life
• Multiple award-winning and certified employer
• Benefits for rail, mobile, childcare, catering, etc.

Good to know

• Empa website
• Working in Switzerland
• Employment process
• Conditions of employment