PhD Student Position in Fabrication and Characterization of Plasmonic Crystals for Solar Energy

ABG - Association Bernard Gregory; Schweiz; On-site; CHF 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

International research environment

Intensive supervision of PhD project

Support under EPFL doctoral student條

Job summary

EPFL in Lausanne, Switzerland, invites applications for a PhD position within the SNSF project “Coupled oscillations in plasmonic crystals”. The researcher will work on nanostructured materials, plasmonic coupling, and energy-related optical properties, contributing to photovoltaics and display technologies.

The role includes independent dissertation work, collaboration with international peers, and teaching duties.

Qualifications

• An excellent Master’s-level degree in Micro-/Nanotechnology, Physics, Materials Science, Energy, or a related quantitative field
• A strong background in several of the following fields: reactive magnetron sputtering, electron-beam lithography, UV-VIS-NIR spectrophotometry, ultra-high vacuum scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), and/or photoelectron spectroscopies (XPS, UPS)
• A sincere interest in micro-/nanostructures, electronic and optical material properties, plasmonics and solar energy
• Proficiency in English (French is a plus)
• Strong motivation for academic research, critical thinking, independence, good self-management skills, and excellent team spirit
• Interest in a career involving research and teaching is an asset

Responsibilities

• Assume full respnsibility for your PhD dissertation;
• Perform research in close collaboration with other lab members and international collaborators;
• Design and execute experiments;
• Analyze and interpret experimental results;
• Write scientific articles fr publication in peer-reviewed journals;
• Present at internatinal conferences;
• Contribute to teaching, coach Master students and provide basic administrative support.

Skills

Master's degree background

English proficiency

Independent research skills

Team collaboration

Education

Master's degree in Micro-/Nanotechnology or related field

Tools

Electron-beam lithography

UV-VIS-NIR spectrophotometry

STM (scanning tunneling microscopy)

XPS/UPS spectroscopy

Reactive magnetron sputtering

Job description

Organisation/Company Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne EPFL Research Field Physics Technology » Energy technology Technology » Materials technology Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Leading Researcher (R4) First Stage Researcher (R1) Established Researcher (R3) Application Deadline 29 Nov 2026 - 22:00 (UTC) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Offer Starting Date 1 May 2027 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Mission

We are seeking a candidate with experience in preparation and experimental characterization of nanostructured materials to join our SNSF project “Coupled oscillations in plasmonic crystals”.

In this project, we focus on the effects of coupling of plasmonic oscillations in metallic micro-/nanostructures. It might be possible to achieve plasmonic crystals featuring broad frequency bands of extraordinary optical transmission (EOT) in the UV-VIS-NIR spectral range. The insights from this project will have considerable impact on the fields of photovoltaics, flat screens and flexible displays, as well as energy efficient OLED lighting, electrochromic devices and energy-efficient insulating glazing.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Assume full respnsibility for your PhD dissertation;
• Perform research in close collaboration with other lab members and international collaborators;
• Design and execute experiments;
• Analyze and interpret experimental results;
• Write scientific articles fr publication in peer-reviewed journals;
• Present at internatinal conferences;
• Contribute to teaching, coach Master students and provide basic administrative support.

We offer

• A stable position for up to 4 years in order to complete your PhD;
  Term of employment: 1-year fixed-term contract (CDD), renewable for 4 years
• An internatinal research environment
• Individual and intensive supervision of your PhD project
• Financial support in accordance with EPFL doctoral student conditions
• The opportunity to work on innovative materials in a laboratory with a cutting-edge equipment

• An excellent Master’s-level degree in Micro-/Nanotechnology, Physics, Materials Science, Energy, or a related quantitative field
• A strong background in several of the following fields: reactive magnetron sputtering, electron-beam lithography, UV-VIS-NIR spectrophotometry, ultra-high vacuum scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), and/or photoelectron spectroscopies (XPS, UPS)
• A sincere interest in micro-/nanostructures, electronic and optical material properties, plasmonics and solar energy
• Proficiency in English (French is a plus)
• Strong motivation for academic research, critical thinking, independence, good self-management skills, and excellent team spirit
• Interest in a career involving research and teaching is an asset

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne EPFL Country Switzerland City Lausanne