PhD Student Position in Semiconductor Photocatalysis

University of Zürich Department of Chemistry

Department of Chemistry

PhD Student Position in Semiconductor Photocatalysis 80 %

Start of employment September 1, 2026, or upon mutual agreement

The group of Prof. David Tilley has an opening for a PhD position at the intersection of materials chemistry, catalysis, and solar energy. We are located at the University of Zurich, Irchel campus, where you would work in one of the newest and most modern chemistry buildings in Europe.

Your responsibilities

As a PhD student in our group, you will work on the synthesis and study of semiconducting inorganic particles for solar-driven catalysis.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Synthesis of semiconducting inorganic particles and thin films (e.g., Cu2O, antimony chalcogenides, ...)
• Coating the particles with charge extraction and/or catalytic layers
• Structural and compositional characterization using techniques such as XRD, SEM/TEM, AFM, and XPS, as well as characterization by electrochemical methods
• Investigation of photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical reactions, including value-added reduction and oxidation of organic molecules
• Design, execution, and analysis of experiments with a high level of scientific rigor
• Presentation of results in group meetings, conferences, and peer-reviewed publications

Your profile

We are seeking a highly motivated candidate with a strong interest in materials chemistry and solar-driven catalysis.

Required qualifications:

• Master's degree in chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, or a related discipline
• Experience in synthetic chemistry, materials chemistry, or nanomaterials synthesis
• Strong interest in photocatalysis, electrochemistry, or renewable energy technologies
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative research environment
• Excellent communication skills in English (spoken and written)

Desirable:

• Experience with semiconductor materials or inorganic synthesis
• Experience with photocatalysis or photoelectrochemistry
• Experience with materials characterization techniques (e.g., XRD, electron microscopy, various spectroscopies)
• Experience with electrochemical measurements

Information on your application

Please submit your application as a single PDF file that includes the following: i) a cover letter describing previous research and motivation for applying to this position, ii) a detailed curriculum vitae, and iii) the names of two people who can supply reference letters. Letters of recommendation will only be requested for shortlisted candidates. Applications will be received until May 7th, 2026. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

What we offer

Work-Life Balance

• Flexible working models (such as part-time positions, mobile working, job-sharing)
• Childcare at the kihz foundation of UZH and ETH

Learning and Development

• Wide range of continuing education courses of UZH and the Canton of Zurich
• Language Center run jointly with ETH Zurich

Food

• Food and drinks at reduced prices in the UZH cafeterias
• Lunch-Check-card with UZH contribution

Healthcare

• Special conditions on the Academic Sports Association ASVZ
• Free seasonal flu vaccinations
• Rest and relaxation at the quiet room in the university tower

Discounts

• Private traffic: Carsharing, rent a vehicle, parking space
• Digitalization: Hardware, software, mobile phone subscriptions
• Special conditions on hotel reservations

Conditions of Employment

• Policies of the UZH
• Most UZH staff are employed according to public law

International Services

• Support for people from outside Switzerland

Campuses

• Campuses Zurich City, Zurich Irchel, Oerlikon and Schlieren
• Sites Zurich West, Old Botanical Garden, Botanical Garden and Lengg

Location

Department of Chemistry

Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland

Further information

Questions about the job

Prof. Dr. David Tilley Professor