Summary
The Solid-State Materials Chemistry Group at the Laboratory of Inorganic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences (D-CHAB), ETH Zurich, invites applications for a fully funded, 4-year doctoral position. The project focuses on synthesizing, characterizing, and modifying layered perovskite-based oxide thin films and heterostructures to discover and couple structural, electronic, and magnetic functionality for next-generation low-power electronics and energy storage applications.
Fully Funded Doctoral Position in Functional Oxide Thin Films at ETH Zurich
Designation
- Doctoral Researcher / PhD Candidate (Fixed-term, 100%, 4 Years)
Quick Overview
| Parameter | Details |
| Position | Doctoral Position (PhD Candidate) |
| Host Institution | ETH Zurich (Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences – D-CHAB) |
| Research Group | Solid-State Materials Chemistry Group (Prof. Elzbieta Gradauskaite) |
| Field | Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science |
| Duration & Workload | 4 Years, 100% Full-time (Fixed-term) |
| Funding | Fully funded with competitive salary according to ETH standards |
| Location | Zurich, Switzerland |
| Target Start Date | November 1, 2026 (or upon mutual agreement) |
| Application Deadline | Open until filled (Review starts immediately; early application encouraged) |
Research Area
- Primary Discipline: Solid-State Materials Chemistry / Condensed Matter Physics / Materials Science
- Focus Areas:
- Thin-film synthesis via Pulsed-Laser Deposition (PLD) and Magnetron Sputtering
- Epitaxial strain and interface engineering in transition-metal perovskite oxides
- Structural and functional characterization (XRD, SPM, magnetometry, synchrotron techniques at Paul Scherrer Institute)
- Cleanroom device fabrication and electrical/transport characterization
- First-principles calculations and machine-learning foundation models for material screening
Location
- City: Zurich, Switzerland
- Institution: ETH Zurich (Laboratory of Inorganic Chemistry, D-CHAB)
Eligibility / Qualifications
Mandatory Requirements:
- A completed Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, or a closely related discipline.
- Excellent command of written and spoken English.
- High motivation, curiosity, independence, and eagerness to participate in building up a new laboratory environment.
- Strong commitment to working constructively within an international and diverse research team.
Desirable / Advantageous Skills:
- Prior experience with thin-film deposition techniques (PLD, sputtering), solid-state synthesis, or crystallography.
- Knowledge of complex transition-metal oxides, scanning probe microscopy (SPM), or electrical transport measurements.
- Experience in cleanroom micro/nanofabrication or computational first-principles modeling.
Scholarship / Position Description
Project Scope & Responsibilities:
- Grow epitaxial thin films and complex heterostructures using UHV physical vapor deposition (PVD).
- Characterize structural, ferroelectric, electronic, and magnetic properties using state-of-the-art laboratory and synchrotron facilities.
- Fabricate thin-film devices and execute electrical transport measurements.
- Utilize materials modeling tools and machine-learning frameworks to guide target compositions.
- Present research findings at international scientific conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals.
Benefits & What ETH Zurich Offers:
- Full Financial Support: 4-year fully funded PhD position with a competitive salary aligned with official ETH Zurich salary scales.
- World-Class Infrastructure: Access to ultra-high-vacuum thin-film clusters, wet-chemical laboratories, and synchrotron beamlines (e.g., PSI).
- Workplace Benefits: Attractive pension scheme, subsidized public transport season tickets, car sharing, comprehensive sports facilities via ASVZ, and childcare options.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted exclusively via the ETH Zurich Online Application Portal. Applications via email or regular post will not be accepted.
Required Documents (Merged into a Single PDF):
- Cover Letter (1 page): Outlining relevant experience, research interests, and motivation for applying.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Detailed academic record and research experience.
- Academic Transcripts: Transcripts and certificates for all completed and ongoing university degrees.
- References: Names and contact details of two academic referees.
- Sample Research Work (if available): Master’s thesis or a peer-reviewed publication.
Inquiries regarding the position should be addressed directly to Prof. Elzbieta Gradauskaite at gradause@ethz.ch (inquiries only; no applications).
Last Date for Apply
- Deadline: Open until filled (Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis immediately; submit early for priority consideration).
- Target Start Date: November 1, 2026 (or by mutual agreement).
