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

Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne; Schweiz; On-site; CHF 55,000 - 70,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

International research environment

PhD supervision

Financial support

Job summary

Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne invites applications for a First Stage Researcher (R1) to pursue a PhD in the field of physics and microengineering. The project focuses on numerical modeling of nanostructured materials for solar energy applications within an SNSF program, with international collaboration and a strong emphasis on experimental design and data interpretation.

The successful candidate will work in a cutting-edge lab at EPFL, conduct simulations, analyze results, and publish

Qualifications

• Master's-level degree in Physics, Optics, Micro-/Nanotechnology, Materials Science, Energy, or a related field.
• Experience with numerical modeling and simulations is required.
• Interest in micro-/nanostructures, solar energy and energy-related materials.

Responsibilities

• Assume full responsibility for the PhD dissertation and research project.
• Design and execute experiments in collaboration with international partners.
• Analyze and interpret experimental results and publish in peer-reviewed journals.
• Present at international conferences and contribute to teaching.

Skills

FDTD simulations

Light-matter interaction theory

Team collaboration

Independent working

English proficiency

Education

Master's degree in Physics/Optics/Materials Science

Tools

UV-VIS-NIR ellipsometry

UV-VIS-NIR spectrophotometry

Job description

Organisation/Company Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne Research Field Physics Engineering » Microengineering Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Application Deadline 29 Nov 2026 - 23:24 (UTC) Country Switzerland Type of Contract Other Job Status Other Hours Per Week 42 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

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.

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.

Requirements

• 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
• The opportunity to work on innovative materials in a laboratory with a cutting-edge equipmen