PhD Student Position in Fabrication and Characterization of Plasmonic Crystals for Solar Energy

Mission

We are seeking a candidate with experience in preparation and experimental characterization 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.

Research Group SCI-ENAC-AS: Nanotechnology for Solar Energy Conversion
Prof. Andreas Schüler

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.

https://www.epfl.ch/labs/sci-enac-as/

Main duties and responsibilities

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 Micro-/Nanotechnology, Physics, Materials Science, Energy, or a related quantitative field
• A strong background in several of the following fields: reactive magnetron sputtering, electron-beam lithography, UV-VIS-NIR spectrophotometry, ultra-high vacuum scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), and/or photoelectron spectroscopies (XPS, UPS)
• 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 equipment

Information

Your application should include:

• CV
• Motivation letter
• Diplomas
• 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. Apply through the EPFL job opportunities webpage. Only applications submitted through the online platform are considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For any further information, please contact nanosolar.jobs@epfl.ch