PhD position in the field of transmission electron microscopy of 2D van der Waals layered ferroelectrics

Materials science and technology are our passion. With our cutting-edge research, Empa's around 1,100 employees make essential contributions to the well-being of society for a future worth living. Empa is a research institution of the ETH Domain.

Empa's Electron Microscopy Center located in Dübendorf (Switzerland) conducts forefront research in the development and application of new electron microscopy techniques in materials science and is offering a PhD position to carry out cutting-edge research in the field of ferroelectric materials. The objective of this project is to explore the van der Waals epitaxy of ferroelectric oxide membranes and to unveil the mechanisms leading to the formation of topological textures. The project will be carried out in close collaboration with the Nonlinear optics for Epitaxial growth of Advanced Thin films laboratory (NEAT lab) at ETH led by Prof. Morgan Trassin.

PhD position in the field of transmission electron microscopy of 2D van der Waals layered ferroelectrics

Your tasks
You will contribute to a research project in the field of free-standing ferroelectric membranes. The emphasis will be on the growth and characterization of complex polarization textures in 2D van der Waals ferroelectric superlattices. You will design and realize cutting-edge scanning transmission electron microscopy experiments (e.g. aberration-corrected STEM, STEM-DPC, 4D-STEM, ptychography, EELS and EDX). Additionally, a substantial part of this position involves the development and/or implementation of algorithms for data analysis and phase-field simulations.

Your profile

• Master's degree in physics, materials science or a related discipline
• Enthusiasm for the research areas listed above
• Self-motivated and willing to take initiatives
• Prior experience in transmission electron microscopy, image analysis and/or programming (e.g. Matlab, Python)
• Ability to work in interdisciplinary teams
• Proficient in English (written and spoken)

Our offer
We offer internationally competitive conditions, optimal experimental and computational facilities, and the opportunity to work in a multidisciplinary environment. The project will be carried out at Empa Dübendorf, near Zurich, under the supervision of Dr. Marta D. Rossell. You will be registered as a PhD student at the ETH Zurich under the guidance of Prof. Morgan Trassin. The planned project duration is four years starting February 2025 or upon agreement.

We live a culture of inclusion and respect. We welcome all people who are interested in innovative, sustainable and meaningful activities - that's what counts.

We look forward to receiving your complete online application including a letter of motivation, CV, certificates, diplomas and contact details of two reference persons. Please submit these exclusively via our job portal. Applications by e-mail and by post will not be considered.