Postdoctoral Researcher in Ceramic Proton Conductors and Semiconductor Photoelectrochemistry

Empa - Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology; Dübendorf; On-site; CHF 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Empa - Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology in Dübendorf, Switzerland, invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher focused on ceramic proton conductors and semiconductor photoelectrochemistry. You will design and perform experiments, synthesize materials, and model charge transport, contributing to international collaborations.

The ideal candidate holds a PhD in physics, chemistry or materials science, with a strong background in solid-state electrochemistry or

Qualifications

• PhD in physics, chemistry or materials science with strong experimental background.
• Demonstrated experience in solid-state electrochemistry and semiconductor photoelectrochemistry.
• Strong publication record and ability to communicate across disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Conduct experimental investigations and theory building of charge and ion transport in functional materials.
• Synthesize and process ceramic proton conductors, solid electrolytes, and semiconductor photoelectrodes.
• Characterize structure using X-ray and neutron diffraction.
• Investigate ionic transport by impedance spectroscopy and related electrochemical methods.
• Determine electronic, vibrational and vibronic structures via spectroscopy.
• Develop quantitative models of charge transport and proton dynamics.
• Publish peer-reviewed papers and contribute to research proposals.

Skills

Solid-state electrochemistry

Semiconductor photoelectrochemistry

X-ray diffraction

Neutron diffraction

Impedance spectroscopy

Spectroscopy techniques

Education

PhD in physics, chemistry or materials science

Tools

X-ray diffraction

Neutron diffraction

Impedance spectroscopy equipment

Job description

Postdoctoral Researcher in Ceramic Proton Conductors and Semiconductor Photoelectrochemistry

Empa - Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology

Dübendorf, Switzerland

Your tasks

• The research focuses on experimental investigations and theory building of charge and ion transport processes in functional materials.


• Synthesis and processing of ceramic proton conductors, solid electrolytes and semiconductor photoelectrodes


• Structural characterization using X-ray and neutron diffraction


• Investigation of ionic transport by impedance spectroscopy and complementary electrochemical methods


• Determination of electronic, vibrational and vibronic structure using synchrotron- and neutron-based spectroscopic techniques


• Development and validation of quantitative physical models describing charge transport, proton dynamics and electrochemical conversion


• Writing peer reviewed publications and research proposals

Your profile

We are looking for a highly motivated scientist who thrives in a competitive, high-intensity research environment. The ideal candidate is an experimentalist holding a PhD in physics, chemistry or materials science, with a strong background in solid-state electrochemistry and/or semiconductor photoelectrochemistry. A genuine interest in the fundamental theories of condensed matter physics and physical chemistry, demonstrated through a convincing publication record, is essential.

As our research addresses fundamental scientific questions beyond the state of the art, we seek an individual with outstanding problem-solving abilities, strong experimental and technical skills, excellent scientific writing skills, and the ability to synthesize concepts across different disciplines. Experience in electrochemistry, solid-state chemistry, neutron or synchrotron techniques, spectroscopy, or related methods will be considered an advantage.

The successful candidate is expected to work with low supervision in the laboratory while contributing actively to an international collaborative research environment through effective communication and teamwork.