PhD Student in Plasmonic Crystals for Solar Energy

About the role

The SNSF project "Coupled oscillations in plasmonic crystals" within the SCI-ENAC-AS research group (Nanotechnology for Solar Energy Conversion, Prof. Andreas Schüler) is looking for a PhD student with experience in preparing and experimentally characterising nanostructured materials. The project studies how plasmonic oscillations couple in metallic micro- and nanostructures, aiming at plasmonic crystals with broad extraordinary optical transmission in the UV-VIS-NIR range, with applications in photovoltaics, displays, OLED lighting and energy-efficient glazing. The expected start date is 1 May 2027.

Key responsibilities

• Take full responsibility for the PhD dissertation
• Carry out research in close collaboration with lab members and international collaborators
• Design and run experiments, analyse and interpret results
• Write scientific articles and present at international conferences
• Contribute to teaching, coach Master students and give basic administrative support

Required profile

• Masters' degree in Micro-/Nanotechnology, Physics, Materials Science, Energy or a related quantitative field
• Strong interest in micro-/nanostructures, electronic and optical material properties, plasmonics and solar energy
• Proficiency in English (French is a plus)
• Strong motivation for research, critical thinking, independence and teamwork

Required skills

• Reactive magnetron sputtering
• Electron-beam lithography
• UV-VIS-NIR spectrophotometry
• Ultra-high vacuum scanning tunneling microscopy (STM)
• XPS and UPS photoelectron spectroscopy

What we offer

• A stable position for up to 4 years, on a 1-year fixed-term contract renewable for 4 years
• Financial support according to EPFL doctoral student conditions
• An international research environment with individual, intensive supervision
• Work on innovative materials with cutting-edge equipment

Applications require a CV, motivation letter, diplomas and transcripts; the deadline is 30 November 2026 and must be submitted through the EPFL online application portal. Successful candidates must also enrol in an EPFL doctoral school programme (EDEY, EDCE, EDMX or EDPY).