PhD Student Position in Numerical Modeling and Design of Plasmonic Crystals for Solar Energy

École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne, EPFL; Lausanne; On-site; CHF 47,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

International environment

Intensive supervision

Financial support

PhD transcripts

Job summary

EPFL in Lausanne seeks a PhD Student in Numerical Modeling and Design of Plasmonic Crystals for Solar Energy. You will join the SNSF project on coupled plasmonic oscillations in metallic micro-/nanostructures, exploring broad frequency bands of extraordinary optical transmission relevant to photovoltaics and energy-efficient displays.

You will perform simulations, design experiments, contribute to publications, and collaborate with international researchers.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Physics, Optics, Micro-/Nanotechnology, Materials Science, Energy, or a related quantitative field.
• Strong background in light-matter interaction theory, computer simulations (FDTD), and optical material constants determination by UV-VIS-NIR ellipsometry.
• Interest in micro-/nanostructures, plasmonics, and solar energy.

Responsibilities

• Assume full responsibility for your PhD dissertation and progress.
• Collaborate with lab members and international partners.
• Design and execute experiments and analyze results.
• Publish articles in peer‑reviewed journals.
• Present at international conferences and participate in teaching.
• Provide basic administrative support.

Skills

English proficiency

Team collaboration

Independent work

Critical thinking

Education

Master’s degree in Physics/Optics/Micro-/Nanotechnology/Materials Science/Energy

Quantitative background

Tools

FDTD simulations

Ellipsometry

UV-VIS-NIR spectrophotometry

Job description

EPFL, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne, is one of the most dynamic university campuses in Europe and ranks among the top 20 universities worldwide. The EPFL employs more than 6,500 people supporting the three main missions of the institutions: education, research and innovation. The EPFL campus offers an exceptional working environment at the heart of a community of more than 18,500 people, including over 14,000 students and 4,000 researchers from more than 120 different countries.

PhD Student Position in Numerical Modeling and Design of Plasmonic Crystals for Solar Energy

Mission

We are seeking a candidate with experience in numerical modeling 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.

In our research group, we develop novel micro- and nanostructured smart materials for active and passive solar energy applications being integrated into the building envelope. We focus on thin films, because these allow covering a large surface area with a small quantity of raw material - and we focus on their electronic and optical properties, because these closely interrelated properties are most important for the use of solar energy.

As a PhD Student, you will be expected to:

• Assume full responsibility 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 for publication in peer-reviewed journals;
• Present at international conferences;
• Contribute to teaching, coach Master students and provide basic administrative support.

Profile

• An excellent Master’s-level degree in Physics, Optics, Micro-/Nanotechnology, Materials Science, Energy, or a related quantitative field
• A strong background in several of the following fields: theory of light-matter interaction, computer simulations using the method of Finite Differences in the Time Domain (FDTD), determination of optical material constants by multiangle UV-VIS-NIR ellipsometry, and/or characterization by UV-VIS-NIR spectrophotometry
• 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

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 international research environment
• Individual and intensive supervision of your PhD project
• Financial support in accordance with EPFL doctoral student conditions
• Transcripts/grades from Bachelor’s and Master’s studies

If you are successful, you will need to enrol in one of the EPFL doctoral school programs in parallel. Please check this page for additional information. Please note that this is a separate application process necessary to be eligible to complete your PhD at EPFL. Potential doctoral program for this position: EDEY, EDCE, EDMX, EDPY

Expected start date: May 1st, 2027. An alternative start date may exceptionally be agreed upon by mutual agreement.

Application: Application deadline is November 30, 2026.