Postdoctoral Fellow – Photoactive Oxynitride Thin Films for Energy Conversion
Location: Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI), Villigen, Switzerland
Application Deadline: 5 May 2025
Duration: 1.5 years (Fixed-term)
Project Overview
Join the Thin Films and Interfaces Group at PSI to contribute to an international collaboration developing high-efficiency photoelectrocatalytic water splitting systems. This role focuses on growth and characterization of oxynitride thin films using pulsed laser deposition (PLD), aiming to optimize structural and photoelectrochemical performance.
Key Responsibilities
Grow and characterize photoactive oxynitride thin films and multilayers.
Use techniques such as XRD, AFM, XPS, RBS to correlate film growth parameters with functional properties.
Collaborate internationally to integrate films into water-splitting devices.
Assist with lab infrastructure, student supervision, and interdisciplinary projects.
Publish peer-reviewed articles.
Requirements
PhD in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or Engineering
Background in solid-state physics/chemistry and photoelectrocatalytic processes
Strong motivation for materials discovery, ability to work autonomously and collaboratively
Excellent English skills (German is a plus)
(Desirable) Hands-on experience with PLD, vacuum systems, or atomic layer deposition
What PSI Offers
A collaborative, interdisciplinary, and innovative environment.
On-site infrastructure and modern employment benefits.
Opportunities for professional growth and work-life balance.
Contact
For further info:
Dr. Nikita Shepelin – nikita.shepelin@psi.ch
Dr. Daniele Pergolesi – daniele.pergolesi@psi.ch
Submit your application (including publication list and referees) online by 5 May 2025.
More details: www.psi.ch/en
