Doctoral Position in Functional Oxide Thin Films ETH Zürich in Switzerland

Doctoral Position in Functional Oxide Thin Films at ETH Zurich

The newly established Solid-State Materials Chemistry Group in the Laboratory of Inorganic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences (D-CHAB), ETH Zurich, is offering a fully funded doctoral position in the area of functional oxide thin films. The project focuses on crystal chemistry, structure, and dimensionality in complex inorganic solids, with the goal of creating materials that exhibit useful electric, magnetic, ferroelectric, and structural properties.

The research is centered on layered perovskite-based oxides and epitaxial thin films, where strain and interfacial effects can be used to stabilize metastable phases and tune electronic and magnetic functionality. The work combines experimental thin-film growth with structural, functional, and computational methods, offering an interdisciplinary environment at one of Europe’s leading universities.

Project work includes growth of epitaxial thin films and heterostructures by pulsed-laser deposition and magnetron sputtering, followed by characterization using X-ray diffraction, scanning-probe microscopy, magnetometry, synchrotron-based experiments, and device-level electrical and transport measurements. The project also involves thin-film device fabrication in a cleanroom and the use of first-principles calculations and machine-learning foundation models to identify promising metastable compositions for experimental stabilization.

The position is part of a new laboratory environment being established at ETH Zurich, and the successful candidate will contribute not only to research, but also to setting up equipment, developing reliable protocols, and helping build a collaborative group culture. The group’s long-term vision is to develop materials relevant to semiconductor and photonic technologies as well as energy conversion and storage applications.

Applicants should hold a master’s degree in chemistry, physics, materials science, or a related field. Strong English skills, a high level of motivation, curiosity, and independence are expected. Prior experience in thin-film deposition, solid-state synthesis, crystallography, transition-metal oxides, scanning probe microscopy, electrical transport, device fabrication, or first-principles modelling is helpful but not mandatory.

The post is fully funded for four years and includes a competitive salary according to ETH standards, access to advanced deposition and characterization facilities, and excellent employment conditions. Additional benefits include public transport season tickets, car sharing, sports opportunities, childcare, and attractive pension provisions.

Applications should be submitted as a single PDF through the ETH Zurich online portal and include a cover letter, CV, transcripts, referee details, and optionally a representative sample of research work. Applications are reviewed immediately and accepted until the position is filled. The targeted starting date is 1 November 2026 or by mutual agreement.