Postdoctoral Researcher in Plasmonic Crystals for Solar Energy

About the role

The SNSF project "Coupled oscillations in plasmonic crystals" seeks a postdoctoral researcher with experience in numerical modelling, preparation and experimental characterisation of nanostructured materials. The project studies how plasmonic oscillations couple in metallic micro- and nanostructures, aiming at plasmonic crystals with broad bands of extraordinary optical transmission in the UV-VIS-NIR range, with applications in photovoltaics, displays, OLED lighting and energy-efficient glazing. The position is offered by the research group SCI-ENAC-AS, Nanotechnology for Solar Energy Conversion, led by Prof. Andreas Schüler.

Key responsibilities

• Take full responsibility for your own original research
• Carry out research in close collaboration with lab members and international collaborators
• Design and run experiments, analyse and interpret results
• Write scientific articles for peer-reviewed journals and present at international conferences
• Supervise master students, advise PhD students and give basic administrative support
• Support teaching activities

Required profile

• PhD in Micro-/Nanotechnology, Physics, Optics, Materials Science, Energy or a related quantitative field
• 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, self-management and teamwork

Required skills

• Reactive magnetron sputtering and electron-beam lithography
• FDTD computer simulations
• Multiangle UV-VIS-NIR ellipsometry and spectrophotometry
• Ultra-high vacuum STM and photoelectron spectroscopies (XPS, UPS)

What we offer

• One-year contract, renewable depending on organisational needs and availability
• Competitive remuneration
• An international research environment and access to cutting-edge laboratory equipment

Applications (CV, motivation letter, diplomas and recommendation letters) are submitted through the EPFL online application portal by 30 November 2026; the expected start date is 1 May 2027. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.