Doctoral Position in topochemical tuning of layered oxides ETH Zürich in Switzerland

Doctoral Position in topochemical tuning of layered oxides 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 recruiting a motivated doctoral researcher. The project sits at the intersection of inorganic chemistry, materials science, and condensed matter physics, with a strong experimental focus on layered perovskite oxides, soft-chemistry, and post-synthetic tuning of functional solids.

Research will explore how low-temperature topochemical transformations can alter composition, symmetry, structure, and physical properties while preserving the underlying crystal framework. The work is centered on layered perovskite oxides, whose accessible interlayer chemistry makes them ideal candidates for ion exchange, intercalation, and redox-driven modification. These transformations can be used to tune electronic, magnetic, dipolar, ferroelectric, and ionic transport properties, opening routes to future memory, logic, sensing, semiconductor, and photonic applications.

The successful candidate will develop and study layered oxide precursors as thin films, single crystals, and nanoparticles using methods such as pulsed-laser deposition, floating-zone growth, and hydrothermal synthesis. Post-growth reactions will be performed using solution-based and controlled-atmosphere approaches. Structural and functional changes will be analyzed with X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, scanning-probe microscopy, magnetometry, and electrical measurements, complemented by access to large-scale facilities such as the Paul Scherrer Institute.

The position is fully funded for four years and offers a competitive salary according to ETH standards, together with access to a state-of-the-art ultra-high-vacuum thin-film deposition cluster, wet-chemical and solid-state synthesis laboratories, and advanced characterization facilities. The environment is collaborative, inclusive, and research intensive, with excellent training opportunities and strong institutional support.

Applicants should hold a master’s degree in chemistry, materials science, physics, or a related field, and should have a foundation in inorganic materials synthesis. Strong English skills and the ability to work in an international team are required. Helpful but non-mandatory experience includes solid-state synthesis, soft-chemical methods, hydrothermal or solvothermal synthesis, thin-film deposition, single-crystal growth, microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and electrical transport measurements.

Applications must be submitted as a single PDF via the ETH Zurich online application portal and should include a cover letter, CV, academic transcripts, names and contact details of two referees, and an example of research work if available. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. Elzbieta Gradauskaite at [email protected]. Review begins immediately and continues until the position is filled.

Target start date: 2026-11-01 or by mutual agreement.