Postdoctoral Fellow in photoactive oxynitride thin films for energy conversion

Postdoctoral Fellow in Photoactive Oxynitride Thin Films for Energy Conversion

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.

The Thin Films and Interfaces Group is looking for a Postdoctoral Fellow in photoactive oxynitride thin films for energy conversion.

Your Tasks

This project is part of an international collaboration, aiming to develop highly efficient photoelectrocatalytic water splitting technologies. As part of this project, you will be responsible for the growth and characterization (including but not limited to composition, structure, and (photo)electrochemical properties) of photoactive oxynitride thin films and multilayers. The films will be grown by pulsed laser deposition and subsequently integrated into a water splitting device through an international collaborative effort. You will utilize several characterization methods such as XRD, AFM, XPS, and RBS to understand the relationship between growth process parameters and the functional properties of the resultant thin films. You will employ the collected data to publish peer-reviewed articles. You will be involved in the multidisciplinary research activities of the group, assisting both internal and external partners with research activities, take part in the supervision of students, and help with ensuring the operation of key instrumentation.

Your Profile

Candidates are sought with a background in the natural sciences or engineering, alongside a passion for energy-related research themes. Candidates are expected to show excellent work ethics and to feel at home working as part of an interdisciplinary team. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Requirements for Candidates:

• Doctoral degree in Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, or Materials Sciences
• Solid background in solid-state physics and/or chemistry, with an understanding of photoelectrocatalytic processes
• Strong motivation for materials science and discovery, for working autonomously and solving challenging problems, and a team-oriented attitude
• Excellent communication skills in written and spoken English (knowledge of German is a plus)
• (optional, desirable but not required) Hands-on experience with physical vapor deposition techniques, vacuum systems, pulsed laser deposition, and/or atomic layer deposition

We Offer

Our institution is based on interdisciplinary, innovative, and dynamic collaboration. You will profit from 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. This is a fixed-term position. Your employment contract is limited to 1.5 years.

For further information, please contact Dr. Nikita Shepelin, email nikita.shepelin@psi.ch or Dr. Daniele Pergolesi, email daniele.pergolesi@psi.ch.

Please submit your application online by 5 May 2025 (including list of publications and addresses of referees) for the position as a Postdoctoral Fellow (index no. 3702-01).

Paul Scherrer Institute
Human Resources Management
Robin Schmid
5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland