Postdoctoral Fellow in photoactive oxynitride thin films for energy conversion 100%
Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI)
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The Paul Scherrer Institute PSI is the largest research institute for natural and engineering sciences within
Switzerland. We perform cutting-edge research in the fields of future technologies, energy and climate, health
innovation and fundamentals of nature. By performing fundamental and applied research, we work on sustainable solutions
for major challenges facing society, science and economy. PSI is committed to the training of future generations.
Therefore, about one quarter of our staff are post-docs, post-graduates or apprentices. Altogether, PSI employs 2300
people.
The Thin Films and Interfaces Group is looking for a
Postdoctoral Fellow in photoactive oxynitride thin films for energy conversion
Your tasks
This project is part of an international collaboration, aiming to develop highly efficient photoelectrocatalytic water
splitting technologies.
As part of this project, you will be responsible for the growth and characterization (including but not limited to
composition, structure and (photo)electrochemical properties) of photoactive oxynitride thin films and multilayers. The
films will be grown by pulsed laser deposition and subsequently integrated into a water splitting device through an
international collaborative effort. You will utilize several characterization methods such as XRD, AFM, XPS and RBS to
understand the relationship between growth process parameters and the functional properties of the resultant thin
films. You will employ the collected data to publish peer reviewed articles.
You will be involved in the multidisciplinary research activities of the group, assisting both internal and external
partners with research activities, take part in the supervision of students, and help with ensuring the operation of
key instrumentation.
Your profile
Candidates are sought with a background in the natural sciences or engineering, alongside a passion for energy-related
research themes. Candidates are expected to show excellent work ethics and to feel at home working as part of an
interdisciplinary team. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Requirements for candidates:
- Doctoral degree in Physics, Chemistry, Engineering or Materials Sciences
- Solid background in solid-state physics and/or chemistry, with an understanding of photoelectrocatalytic processes
- Strong motivation for materials science and discovery, for working autonomously and solving challenging problems,
and a team-oriented attitude
- Excellent communication skills in written and spoken English (knowledge of German is a plus)
- (optional, desirable but not required) Hands-on experience with physical vapor deposition techniques, vacuum
systems, pulsed laser deposition and/or atomic layer deposition
We offer
Our institution is based on an interdisciplinary, innovative and dynamic collaboration. You will profit from a
systematic training on the job, in addition to personal development possibilities and our pronounced vocational
training culture. If you wish to optimally combine work and family life or other personal interests, we are able to
support you with our modern employment conditions and the on-site infrastructure.
This is a fixed-term position. Your employment contract is limited to 1.5 years.
For further information, please contact Dr Nikita Shepelin, email nikita.shepelin@psi.ch or Dr Daniele Pergolesi,
email daniele.pergolesi@psi.ch.
Please submit your application online by 5 May 2025 (including list of publications and addresses of referees) for the
position as a/an Postdoctoral Fellow (index no. 3702-01).
Paul Scherrer Institute, Human Resources Management, Robin Schmid, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland
www.psi.chApply now
Switzerland. We perform cutting-edge research in the fields of future technologies, energy and climate, health
innovation and fundamentals of nature. By performing fundamental and applied research, we work on sustainable solutions
for major challenges facing society, science and economy. PSI is committed to the training of future generations.
Therefore, about one quarter of our staff are post-docs, post-graduates or apprentices. Altogether, PSI employs 2300
people.
The Thin Films and Interfaces Group is looking for a
Postdoctoral Fellow in photoactive oxynitride thin films for energy conversion
Your tasks
This project is part of an international collaboration, aiming to develop highly efficient photoelectrocatalytic water
splitting technologies.
As part of this project, you will be responsible for the growth and characterization (including but not limited to
composition, structure and (photo)electrochemical properties) of photoactive oxynitride thin films and multilayers. The
films will be grown by pulsed laser deposition and subsequently integrated into a water splitting device through an
international collaborative effort. You will utilize several characterization methods such as XRD, AFM, XPS and RBS to
understand the relationship between growth process parameters and the functional properties of the resultant thin
films. You will employ the collected data to publish peer reviewed articles.
You will be involved in the multidisciplinary research activities of the group, assisting both internal and external
partners with research activities, take part in the supervision of students, and help with ensuring the operation of
key instrumentation.
Your profile
Candidates are sought with a background in the natural sciences or engineering, alongside a passion for energy-related
research themes. Candidates are expected to show excellent work ethics and to feel at home working as part of an
interdisciplinary team. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Requirements for candidates:
- Doctoral degree in Physics, Chemistry, Engineering or Materials Sciences
- Solid background in solid-state physics and/or chemistry, with an understanding of photoelectrocatalytic processes
- Strong motivation for materials science and discovery, for working autonomously and solving challenging problems,
and a team-oriented attitude
- Excellent communication skills in written and spoken English (knowledge of German is a plus)
- (optional, desirable but not required) Hands-on experience with physical vapor deposition techniques, vacuum
systems, pulsed laser deposition and/or atomic layer deposition
We offer
Our institution is based on an interdisciplinary, innovative and dynamic collaboration. You will profit from a
systematic training on the job, in addition to personal development possibilities and our pronounced vocational
training culture. If you wish to optimally combine work and family life or other personal interests, we are able to
support you with our modern employment conditions and the on-site infrastructure.
This is a fixed-term position. Your employment contract is limited to 1.5 years.
For further information, please contact Dr Nikita Shepelin, email nikita.shepelin@psi.ch or Dr Daniele Pergolesi,
email daniele.pergolesi@psi.ch.
Please submit your application online by 5 May 2025 (including list of publications and addresses of referees) for the
position as a/an Postdoctoral Fellow (index no. 3702-01).
Paul Scherrer Institute, Human Resources Management, Robin Schmid, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland
www.psi.chApply now