PhD Position in Piezoelectric Thin Films for MEMS at Empa/ETH Zürich Empa (Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology) in collaboration with ETH Zürich in Switzerland

Empa, a leading research institution within the ETH Domain, is renowned for its pioneering work in materials science and technology. With a team of around 1,100 employees, Empa contributes significantly to societal well-being through innovative research. The Coating Technologies Group in Empa's Laboratory for Surface Science & Coating Technologies specializes in physical vapor deposition (PVD) of advanced thin films for emerging technologies, leveraging high throughput experimentation and data science to develop materials with enhanced performance and discover new functionalities.

This PhD project centers on the development of piezoelectric nitrides, such as AlScN, using reactive high-power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS). Piezoelectric materials are integral to technologies like frequency filters for 5G and WiFi, as well as precision motion and sensing at micro scales. The increasing demand for highly integrated micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) drives the need for novel piezoelectric thin films. The research will utilize Empa's unique laboratory, which combines state-of-the-art PVD, surface analysis, and closed-loop autonomous experimentation, aiming to create highly efficient piezoelectric thin films and advance fundamental understanding of synthesis-structure-property relationships in polar nitride materials.

The project offers a stimulating, international, and collaborative environment, with access to excellent infrastructure and interdisciplinary resources. The fully funded 4-year PhD position is held in collaboration with ETH Zürich, with the candidate working at Empa's Dübendorf campus and enrolled in ETH Zürich's doctoral program. The position is available from July 1, 2026, or later by agreement.

Applicants should possess a master's degree in physics, materials science, electrical engineering, or a related field, with hands-on experience in thin film deposition and UHV technology. Additional expertise in materials science, piezoelectric/ferroelectric materials, semiconductors, sputter deposition, materials characterization (XRD, XPS, SEM/TEM), lab automation, data science, and python is advantageous. Strong English proficiency is required; German is optional. Candidates should demonstrate initiative, systematic work habits, reliability, responsibility, teamwork, and communication skills.

Empa values inclusion and respect, welcoming all individuals interested in innovative, sustainable, and meaningful research. For further information about the Coating Technologies Group, visit www.empa.ch/ct. Applications should be submitted via the online portal by July 31, 2026.