PhD Student in laser induced plasmas of functional oxides

PSI Laboratory for Energy Systems Analysis (LEA); Villigen; On-site; CHF 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

The Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) in Villigen, Switzerland, invites applications for a PhD Student in laser induced plasmas of functional oxides. The role is embedded in the Physical Properties of Materials Group and includes on-site experimental work, in situ characterization, and data-driven approaches to understanding oxide thin films.

The position is enrolled in ETH Zürich Doctoral program, with English proficiency required and German knowledge advantageous.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent in materials science, chemistry, physics or related discipline.
• Foundational knowledge on the physics/chemistry of laser induced plasmas.
• Understanding of physical vapor deposition and vacuum infrastructure; experience with vacuum chambers is advantageous.
• Good communicator and team player in interdisciplinary research.
• Proficiency in English; German knowledge is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Develop understanding of how pulsed laser deposition parameters translate into oxide film composition and functionality.
• Identify material compositions relevant to the technology.
• Be responsible for a pulsed laser deposition chamber with in situ characterization techniques.
• Develop strategies, including machine learning, to improve reproducibility of grown films during growth.
• Publish peer‑reviewed articles using collected data.

Skills

Foundational knowledge of laser plasms

Machine learning concepts

Vacuum systems knowledge

Education

Master’s degree or equivalent in materials science, chemistry, physics or a related discipline

Tools

Python

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 laser induced plasmas of functional oxides

22.10.2026

• Doctoral
• 3704-30792
• 100%

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].

Application deadline: 22 November 2026

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