PhD Student in laser induced plasmas of functional oxides

PSI; Villigen; Remote; CHF 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Doctoral program enrollment

On-site infrastructure

Modern employment conditions

Job summary

Paul Scherrer Institute PSI in Villigen is offering a PhD studentship in laser induced plasmas of functional oxides. You will work in an interdisciplinary team, operate a pulsed laser deposition chamber with in situ analysis, and develop ML approaches to improve film reproducibility during growth, leading to peer‑reviewed publications.

The appointment includes doctoral enrollment through ETH Zürich and access to our on‑site infrastructure and training culture, with excellent prospects for career

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in materials science, chemistry, physics or related field.
• Foundational knowledge of laser-induced plasmas.
• Experience with physical vapor deposition and vacuum systems; Python is a plus.
• Excellent communication and ability to work in an interdisciplinary team.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English; German is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Develop understanding of how process parameters in pulsed laser deposition translate into the composition of complex oxide thin films.
• Identify and investigate material compositions relevant to the technology.
• Be responsible for a pulsed laser deposition chamber utilizing in situ characterization techniques to reach these goals.
• Develop strategies, including machine learning algorithms, to improve the reproducibility of the grown films using in situ techniques during the time of growth.
• Employ the collected data to publish peer‑reviewed articles.

Skills

Foundational knowledge of laser‑indued

Communicative and team‑oriented

English proficiency

Interdisciplinary interest

Education

Master’s degree in materials science/chemistry/physics

Tools

Python

Vacuum systems

Pulsed laser deposition

Job description

PhD Student in laser induced plasmas of functional oxides

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

Your tasks

• Develop a fundamental understanding of how process parameters in pulsed laser deposition translate into the composition of complex oxide thin films and ultimately into their functionality
• Identify and investigate material compositions relevant to the technology
• Be responsible for a pulsed laser deposition chamber utilizing highly unique in situ characterization techniques to reach these goals
• Develop strategies, including machine learning algorithms, to improve the reproducibility of the grown films using in situ techniques during the time of growth
• 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 the physics and/or chemistry of laser induced plasmas
• Understanding of physical vapor deposition and vacuum infrastructure, development of electronic or mechanical components for vacuum chambers and 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

www.psi.ch