M/F Post doc - Molecular Beam Epitaxy of Functional Oxides for Photoelectrode Fabrication

European Commission; France; Sur place; EUR 35 000 - 45 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

L'Institut des Nanotechnologies de Lyon recrute un chercheur postdoctoral spécialisé dans la croissance MBE d'oxydes fonctionnels pour des applications en photoélectrochimie. Le candidat idéal aura un doctorat en physique ou dans un domaine lié, avec une forte expérience en caractérisation des surfaces et en travail en équipe. Ce poste est une occasion unique dans un environnement innovant aux technologies de pointe, contribuant à des recherches significatives dans le domaine de la nanotechnologie.

Qualifications

• Expérience en croissance d'oxydes fonctionnels.
• Capacité à travailler en équipe et interagir avec divers chercheurs.
• Excellentes compétences en communication et rédaction scientifique en anglais.

Responsabilités

• Responsable de la croissance MBE des oxydes fonctionnels.
• Étudier les mécanismes de dégradation et optimiser les interfaces.
• Contribuer aux publications scientifiques.

Connaissances

Croissance MBE

Caractérisation des nanomatériaux

Photoélectrochimie

Compétences en communication

Formation

Doctorat en physique, science des matériaux ou nanotechnologie

Description du poste

Organisation/Company CNRS Department Institut des Nanotechnologies de Lyon Research Field Engineering Physics Technology Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Country France Application Deadline 7 Jul 2025 - 23:59 (UTC) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 1 Nov 2025 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

The postdoctoral researcher will be responsible for:
• MBE growth of functional oxides on substrates and nanostructures for photoelectrocatalysis.
• Studying degradation mechanisms and optimizing interfaces to improve device stability and efficiency.
• Contributing to scientific publications and dissemination of results.

The development of renewable energy sources is a major challenge to address current energy and environmental issues. Green hydrogen, produced by photoelectrochemical water splitting, represents a promising alternative to fossil fuels [1, 2]. However, to optimize this technology, it is essential to improve the efficiency and durability of photoelectrodes used for solar energy conversion into hydrogen.

The goal of this project is to design and fabricate photoelectrodes based on semiconductor materials and functional oxides grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). Silicon, with its 1.1 eV bandgap, is an attractive material for solar energy conversion. However, its natural passivation by a thin silica layer degrades the performance of photoelectrodes. To overcome this issue, we are developing passivation layers using MBE-grown perovskite-structured oxides such as SrTiO3 [3], which offer visible transparency, resistance to photocorrosion, and efficient charge transport.

We will specifically explore interface quality and band alignments to enhance charge transport, with the aim of improving the lifetime and efficiency of photoelectrodes.

[1]: L. Ji et al. A silicon-based photocathode for water reduction with an epitaxial SrTiO3 protection layer and a nanostructured catalyst. Nature Nanotechnology 84, 10 (2015).
[2]: T. Dursap et al. Enhanced Light Trapping in GaAs/TiO2-Based Photocathodes for Hydrogen Production. ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces 15, 46 (2023).
[3]: G. Saint-Girons et al. Epitaxy of SrTiO3 on silicon: the knitting machine strategy, Chemistry of Materials 28, 5347 (2016).

The Institut des Nanotechnologies de Lyon (INL) aims to develop multidisciplinary technological research in the field of micro and nanotechnologies and their applications. The research carried out ranges from materials to systems. The laboratory is supported by Lyon's NanoLyon technology platform.
The areas of application cover major economic sectors: the semiconductor industry, information technologies, life and health technologies, energy and the environment.
The laboratory is multi-site, with locations on the Ecully and Lyon-Tech La Doua campuses. It employs around 200 people, including 121 permanent staff. The INL is a major player in the Research and Teaching Cluster.
This position is located in an innovative environment, at the cutting edge of future technologies, in strategic application sectors.

The candidate must hold a Ph.D. in physics, materials science, nanotechnology, or a related field. Expertise in the following areas will be particularly valued:
• Experience in molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) or functional oxide growth.
• Skills in nanomaterial and surface characterization.
• Knowledge of photoelectrochemistry and/or solar catalysis.
• Ability to work in a team and interact with researchers from various disciplines.
• Excellent communication and scientific writing skills in English.