Doctoral Position: Theoretical Modeling of Nanocrystal Growth

About the role

The Optical Materials Engineering Laboratory (Prof. David J. Norris) in the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering at ETH Zurich is looking for a full-time doctoral candidate to develop theoretical and computational models of semiconductor nanocrystal growth. The project aims to build a universal framework explaining how different nanocrystal growth modes emerge, so that experiments can better control size, shape and optical properties. The position is fixed-term for four years at 100% intensity, starts on or after 1 October 2026, and is conditional on admission to the doctoral program.

Key responsibilities

• Develop theoretical and computational descriptions of nucleation and growth of semiconductor nanocrystals, initially combining models for CdSe nanoplatelets and magic-sized nanocrystals, then extending them to conventional quantum dots and other materials such as InP.
• Use density functional theory (DFT) to calculate energies of surfactant-terminated surfaces, edges, steps and vertices, providing parameters for growth models and identifying stabilizing surfactants.
• Build mass-balance models of coupled growth and dissolution, solving coupled rate equations to explain the transition between discrete and continuous growth, and compare results with experimental stability measurements.
• Use kinetic Monte Carlo simulations to study early-stage growth and how conditions select nanoplatelets, magic-sized nanocrystals or quantum dots.
• Work closely with experimentalists, using experimental data to inform the models and simulations to guide new experiments; calculations run on ETH's high-performance computing infrastructure.
• Contribute to general laboratory activities and take part in teaching and supervising bachelor and master students.

Required profile

• MSc degree (or close to completion) in chemistry, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science, physics, computational science or a closely related field.
• Strong background in thermodynamics, kinetics, statistical mechanics, solid-state physics, physical chemistry or materials modeling.
• Fluent English, oral and written, and enjoyment of a collaborative, international research environment.
• Ability to work independently, with a strong quantitative foundation and enthusiasm for learning new computational techniques.

Required skills

• Advantageous: DFT and electronic-structure calculations, kinetic Monte Carlo or other stochastic simulations, numerical solution of coupled differential or rate equations, atomistic or mesoscale modeling, semiconductor nanocrystal growth, scientific programming, high-performance computing.
• Prior experience with every method is not required.

What we offer

• A stimulating project at the interface of theory, computation and experiment within a collaborative, international research group.
• Training in several complementary approaches to materials modeling.
• External research collaboration, access to advanced computing facilities and international conferences.
• Supervision of student research projects.

Applications are submitted online as a single PDF containing a cover letter, CV, diplomas and transcripts, and contact details for three references.