Postdoctoral Position in Plasmonic Crystals for Solar Energy

Research Group SCI-ENAC-AS: Nanotechnology for Solar Energy Conversion
Prof. Andreas Schüler

In our research group, we develop novel micro- and nanostructured smart materials for active and passive solar energy applications being integrated into the building envelope. We focus on thin films, because these allow covering a large surface area with a small quantity of raw material - and we focus on their electronic and optical properties, because these closely interrelated properties are most important for the use of solar energy.

We are seeking a post-doctoral candidate with experience in numerical modelling, preparation and experimental characterization of nanostructured materials to join our SNSF project “Coupled oscillations in plasmonic crystals”.

In this project, we focus on the effects of coupling of plasmonic oscillations in metallic micro-/nanostructures. It might be possible to achieve plasmonic crystals featuring broad frequency bands of extraordinary optical transmission (EOT) in the UV-VIS-NIR spectral range. The insights from this project will have considerable impact on the fields of photovoltaics, flat screens and flexible displays, as well as energy efficient OLED lighting, electrochromic devices and energy-efficient insulating glazing.

Description

We are seeking a post-doctoral candidate with experience in numerical modelling, preparation and experimental characterization of nanostructured materials to join our SNSF project “Coupled oscillations in plasmonic crystals”.

In this project, we focus on the effects of coupling of plasmonic oscillations in metallic micro-/nanostructures. It might be possible to achieve plasmonic crystals featuring broad frequency bands of extraordinary optical transmission (EOT) in the UV-VIS-NIR spectral range. The insights from this project will have considerable impact on the fields of photovoltaics, flat screens and flexible displays, as well as energy efficient OLED lighting, electrochromic devices and energy-efficient insulating glazing.

Requirements

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will be expected to:

• Assume full responsibility for your original research;
• Perform research in close collaboration with other lab members and international collaborators;
• Design and execute experiments;
• Analyze and interpret experimental results;
• Write scientific articles for publication in peer-reviewed journals;
• Present at international conferences;
• Coach Master students, advice PhD students and provide basic administrative support;
• Provide support in teaching activities.

Profile

• A PhD degree in Micro-/Nanotechnology, Physics, Optics, Materials Science, Energy, or a related quantitative field
• A strong background in several of the following fields: reactive magnetron sputtering, electron-beam lithography, theory of light-matter interaction, computer simulations using the method of Finite Differences in the Time Domain (FDTD), determination of optical material constants by multiangle UV-VIS-NIR ellipsometry, UV-VIS-NIR spectrophotometry, ultra-high vacuum scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), and/or photoelectron spectroscopies (XPS, UPS)
• A sincere interest in micro-/nanostructures, electronic and optical material properties, plasmonics and solar energy
• Proficiency in English (French is a plus)
• Strong motivation for academic research, critical thinking, independence, good self-management skills, and excellent team spirit
• Interest in a career involving research and teaching is an asset

We offer

• Term of employment: One-year contract, renewal subject to organizational needs and availability
• Competitive remuneration
• An international research environment
• An inspiring and stimulating environment within our research group
• The opportunity to work on innovative materials in a laboratory with a cutting-edge equipment
• EPFL is an international and world-class engineering institution that hosts state-of-the-art experimental facilities and a rich and vibrant scientific and entrepreneurial community Information

Contact and Address

Your application should include:

• CV
• Motivation letter
• Diplomas
• Recommendation letters

Expected start date : May 1st, 2027. An alternative start date may exceptionally be agreed upon by mutual agreement.

Application : Application deadline is November 30, 2026. Apply through the EPFL job opportunities webpage . Only applications submitted through the online platform are considered.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For any further information, please contact nanosolar.jobs @ epfl.ch