Postdoctoral Researcher in Ceramic Proton Conductors and Semiconductor Photoelectrochemistry

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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 Laboratory for High Performance Ceramics addresses fundamental questions in electrochemical energy conversion and storage by combining advanced materials synthesis with synchrotron radiation, neutron scattering, spectroscopy and electroanalytical methods. A major research direction is the development of physical methods and models for the description of cooperative effects in charge transport, proton dynamics and electrochemical conversion in solids and at electrochemical interfaces.

Your tasks

The research focuses on experimental investigations and theory building of charge and ion transport processes in functional materials. 

• Synthesis and processing of ceramic proton conductors, solid electrolytes and semiconductor photoelectrodes
• Structural characterization using X-ray and neutron diffraction
• Investigation of ionic transport by impedance spectroscopy and complementary electrochemical methods
• Determination of electronic, vibrational and vibronic structure using synchrotron- and neutron-based spectroscopic techniques
• Development and validation of quantitative physical models describing charge transport, proton dynamics and electrochemical conversion
• Writing peer reviewed publications and research proposals

Your profile

We are looking for a highly motivated scientist who thrives in a competitive, high-intensity research environment. The ideal candidate is an experimentalist holding a PhD in physics, chemistry or materials science, with a strong background in solid-state electrochemistry and/or semiconductor photoelectrochemistry. A genuine interest in the fundamental theories of condensed matter physics and physical chemistry, demonstrated through a convincing publication record, is essential.

As our research addresses fundamental scientific questions beyond the state of the art, we seek an individual with outstanding problem-solving abilities, strong experimental and technical skills, excellent scientific writing skills, and the ability to synthesize concepts across different disciplines. Experience in electrochemistry, solid-state chemistry, neutron or synchrotron techniques, spectroscopy, or related methods will be considered an advantage. 

The successful candidate is expected to work with low supervision in the laboratory while contributing actively to an international collaborative research environment through effective communication and teamwork.

Our offer

You will join the Laboratory for High Performance Ceramics at Empa, working directly with the Principal Investigator on internationally funded research projects in solid-state ionics and semiconductor photoelectrochemistry. The position offers a unique opportunity to pursue fundamental materials research in close collaboration with leading international research groups. 

The laboratory provides a modern experimental environment for ceramic processing, electrochemical and photoelectrochemical characterization, optical spectroscopy, and structural analysis. A broad range of instrumentation is available, including UV–Vis, Raman and impedance spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and complementary analytical techniques. 

The projects provide access to neutron and synchrotron facilities and are embedded in long-standing international collaborations with leading scientists and research institutions. The successful candidate will participate in experiments at large-scale research facilities and contribute to interdisciplinary research at the forefront of energy materials science.

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.

Cristina Marinoni , Bereichspersonalleiterin / HR Partner

Questions?

Dr. Artur Braun

Your future place of work

Empa

Ueberlandstrasse 129

8600 Dübendorf

Empa as an employer

Innovative, sustainable, meaningful activities

Creating added value for society

International, multicultural working environment

Freedom to create and develop

Culture of inclusion and respect

Excellent balance between different areas of life

Multiple award-winning and certified employer

Benefits for rail, mobile, childcare, catering, etc.

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