David J. Norris

ETH Zurich’s Optical Materials Engineering Laboratory in the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering (D-MAVT) is recruiting a doctoral candidate for a project on the theoretical modeling of semiconductor nanocrystal growth. The research focuses on understanding how different growth modes emerge in semiconductor nanocrystals, including CdSe nanoplatelets, magic-sized nanocrystals, and conventional quantum dots, with extension to other materials such as InP. The project combines density functional theory (DFT) , mass-balance and rate-equation modeling , and kinetic Monte Carlo simulations to study nucleation, growth, dissolution, morphology selection, and the transition between discrete and continuous growth. The work is embedded in a highly collaborative environment at ETH Zurich, where theory and experiment are closely linked. Experimental nanocrystal synthesis and stability measurements will inform the models, while simulations will help guide new experiments. The student will also have access to ETH Zurich’s high-performance computing infrastructure and may contribute to teaching and supervision of bachelor’s and master’s students. Applicants should have, or be close to completing, an MSc in chemistry, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science, physics, computational science, or a related field. A strong background in thermodynamics, kinetics, statistical mechanics, solid-state physics, physical chemistry, or materials modeling is expected. Helpful experience includes DFT, stochastic simulation, numerical differential-equation solving, atomistic or mesoscale modeling, semiconductor nanocrystals, scientific programming, and HPC. Strong quantitative ability, independence, academic excellence, and fluent English are important. The position is based in Zurich, Switzerland, is full-time (100%) for four years, and is intended to start on or after October 1, 2026. Applications must be submitted online as a single PDF containing a cover letter, CV, diplomas/transcripts, and at least three references. Questions about the position can be directed to Prof. Dr. David J. Norris at [email protected].

Doctoral position in experimental characterization of semiconductor nanocrystals at ETH Zurich , in the Optical Materials Engineering Laboratory of Prof. David J. Norris (Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering, D-MAVT). The project studies the synthesis, growth, structure, and optical properties of semiconductor nanocrystals, with an initial focus on CdSe magic-sized nanocrystals and later expansion to other sizes, compositions, surface treatments, and heterostructures including core/shell and InP nanocrystals . The research combines optical spectroscopy , single-particle microscopy , cryogenic electron microscopy , structural analysis, and quantitative data analysis to understand how size, shape, composition, surface chemistry, and structure affect optical behavior. The doctoral student will investigate emission linewidths, excited-state dynamics, spectral fluctuations, and suitability as single-photon emitters, while also determining three-dimensional nanocrystal structures with near-atomic resolution. The work is highly interdisciplinary and will involve close collaboration with nanocrystal synthesis and theoretical modeling researchers, using ETH Zurich’s optical microscopy/spectroscopy infrastructure and advanced electron microscopy facilities. Eligibility: MSc degree completed or near completion in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, mechanical engineering, nanoscience, physics, or a closely related field. Strong experimental and quantitative background, fluency in English, and interest in nanoscale materials characterization are required. Helpful experience includes spectroscopy, microscopy, electron microscopy, image processing, 3D reconstruction, machine learning, scientific programming, and data analysis. Funding and duration: Full-time doctoral appointment at 100% employment for four years. The position is conditional on admission to the ETH Zurich doctoral program. Application: Apply online via ETH Zurich’s portal. Prepare a cover letter, CV, diplomas and transcripts, and contact details for at least three references. Direct questions to Prof. David J. Norris at [email protected]. No email or postal applications are accepted. Location: Zurich, Switzerland.