PhD Student in ferroelectric field effect transistors

PSI Laboratory for Energy Systems Analysis (LEA); Villigen; On-site; CHF 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Paul Scherrer Institute seeks a PhD Student in ferroelectric field effect transistors in the Physical Properties of Materials Group. You will perform epitaxy and characterisation of perovskite oxide thin films and their heterostructures, establishing structure–property relationships and publishing results with collaborators.

Enrolled in the Doctoral program at ETH Zürich, you will gain a structured training on the job and contribute to interdisciplinary research in an international setting;

Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent in materials science, chemistry, physics or a related discipline.
• Foundational knowledge on solid state chemistry and/or physics; knowledge of semiconductors and ferroelectrics is advantageous.
• Understanding of physical vapor deposition and vacuum infrastructure; computational studies of electronic structure; familiarity with cleanroom device fabrication and Python are advantageous.
• Communicative and team-oriented profile; enjoys interdisciplinary research.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English; German is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Perform epitaxy and characterization of functional perovskite oxide thin films and their heterostructures.
• Establish a composition-structure-function relationship for ferroelectric, semiconducting and metallic materials with collaborators.
• Grow multilayers and define lithographic workflows to process devices and conduct electrical testing.
• Supplement data with band structure computations for high-performance ferroelectric FETs.
• Publish peer-reviewed articles based on collected data.

Skills

Solid-state chemistry

Solid-state physics

Semiconductors

Ferroelectrics

Vapor deposition

Vacuum infrastructure

Python

Cleanroom fabrication

Computational studies

English proficiency

Education

Master's degree in materials science, chemistry or physics

Tools

Python

DFT calculations

Job description

The Paul Scherrer Institute PSI is the largest research institute for natural and engineering sciences within Switzerland. We perform cutting-edge research in the fields of future technologies, energy and climate, health innovation and fundamentals of nature. By performing fundamental and applied research, we work on sustainable solutions for major challenges facing society, science and economy. PSI is committed to the training of future generations. Therefore, about one quarter of our staff are post-docs, post-graduates or apprentices. Altogether, PSI employs 2300 people.

For the Physical Properties of Materials Group we are looking for a PhD Student in ferroelectric field effect transistors 22.10.2026

Your tasks

• Perform epitaxy and characterization of functional perovskite oxide thin films and their heterostructures
• Establish a composition-structure-function relationship for ferroelectric, semiconducting and metallic materials, together with collaborators
• Grow metal-ferroelectric-semiconductor multilayers, define and optimize lithographic workflows to process the multilayers into device architectures and perform electrical testing and benchmarking of both the individual layers and the multilayer structures as ferroelectric field effect transistors
• Supplement this information with band structure computations towards building a high-performance ferroelectric field effect transistor
• Employ the collected data to publish peer-reviewed articles

Your profile

• Master’s degree or equivalent in materials science, chemistry, physics or a related discipline
• Foundational knowledge on solid state chemistry and/or physics, with knowledge on semiconductors and ferroelectrics considered advantageous
• Understanding of physical vapor deposition and vacuum infrastructure, computational studies of the electronic structure of materials, familiarity with cleanroom device fabrication and experience with Python are considered advantageous
• A communicative and team-oriented profile, who enjoys working in an interdisciplinary research environment
• Professional proficiency in written and spoken English is required; knowledge of German is an asset

We offer

Our institution is based on an interdisciplinary, innovative and dynamic collaboration. You will profit from a systematic training on the job, in addition to personal development possibilities and our pronounced vocational training culture. If you wish to optimally combine work and family life or other personal interests, we are able to support you with our modern employment conditions and the on-site infrastructure.

You will be enrolled in the Doctoral program at ETH Zürich, from which you will receive the PhD title.

For further information, please contact Dr Nikita Shepelin, email [e-mail].

Paul Scherrer Institute, People & Culture, Emily Kulowatz, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland