PhD position on the "Data-Driven Development of Novel Piezoelectric Thin Films for Electronic, Photonic and Quantum Technologies"

Materials science and technology are our passion. With our cutting-edge research, Empa's around 1,100 employees make essential contributions to the well-being of society for a future worth living. Empa is a research institution of the ETH Domain.

The Laboratory for Surface Science & Coating Technologies performs physical vapor deposition (PVD) of innovative thin films for emerging technologies. By combining state of the art physical vapor deposition, high throughput experimentation and data science, we develop thin films with enhanced performance and discover entirely new functional materials. (www.empa.ch/ct).

PhD position on the "Data-Driven Development of Novel Piezoelectric Thin Films for Electronic, Photonic and Quantum Technologies"

The project

Piezoelectric materials are essential building blocks of many technologies we use every day. They power the frequency filters for 5G and WiFi communication and provide accurate motion and sensing at the smallest length scales. The growing need for highly integrated micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) necessitates the development of novel piezoelectric thin films. This research project focuses on the development of piezoelectric nitrides (e.g. AlScN) using reactive high-power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS).

The project will make use of a unique laboratory which combines state-of-the-art physical vapor deposition with surface analysis and closed-loop autonomous experimentation.

The goals of the project are to develop highly efficient piezoelectric thin films, but also to leverage large data sets to improve our fundamental understanding of the synthesis-structure-property relationships in these polar nitride materials.

This is an exciting project at the intersection of materials science, physics and data science, offering ample opportunities for growth and professional development.

Your profile

You have a master’s degree in physics, materials science, electrical engineering or a related discipline with hands-on experience in thin film deposition and UHV technology. Prior experience or knowledge in the following areas is a clear advantage: materials science, piezoelectric/ferroelectric materials, semiconductors, sputter deposition, materials' characterization (especially XRD, XPS and/or SEM/TEM), lab automation, data science, python.

The ability to collaborate in a multidisciplinary research environment is essential. Personal initiative, ability to work systematically, reliability, responsibility, teamwork and communication skills are a must. Excellent knowledge of English (oral and written) is mandatory. German is an advantage, but not required.

Our offer

A stimulating, international and collaborative research environment at a leading research institution with an excellent infrastructure and a broad interdisciplinary surrounding. The fully funded 4-year PhD position will be held in collaboration with ETH Zürich. The candidate will work on the Empa Campus in Dübendorf and will be enrolled in the doctoral program of ETH Zürich. The position is available from 1st July 2026 (or later upon agreement).

We live a culture of inclusion and respect. We welcome all people who are interested in innovative, sustainable and meaningful activities - that's what counts.

We look forward to receiving your complete online application including a letter of motivation, CV, certificates, diplomas and contact details of two reference persons. Please submit these exclusively via our job portal. Applications by e-mail and by post will not be considered.