Applications are invited for a fully funded PhD Student Position in Numerical Modeling and Design of Plasmonic Crystals for Solar Energy at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL). This doctoral position is hosted within the Nanotechnology for Solar Energy Conversion research group (SCI-ENAC-AS) under the supervision of Prof. Andreas Schüler, as part of the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) funded project “Coupled oscillations in plasmonic crystals.”
Overview of the Position
| Position / Designation | PhD Student / Doctoral Researcher |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | EPFL (École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne) |
| Research Group | SCI-ENAC-AS: Nanotechnology for Solar Energy Conversion (Prof. Andreas Schüler) |
| Research Area | Numerical Modeling, Plasmonics, Light-Matter Interaction, Solar Energy Conversion |
| Location | Lausanne, Switzerland |
| Funding & Duration | Full financial support according to EPFL guidelines; up to 4 years (1-year CDD renewable) |
| Expected Start Date | May 1st, 2027 (or by mutual agreement) |
| Application Deadline | November 30, 2026 |
Designation
PhD Student / Doctoral Researcher
Research Area
The successful applicant will work on the SNSF-funded project titled “Coupled oscillations in plasmonic crystals.” The research focuses on:
- Numerical modeling and computer simulation of nanostructured materials and metallic micro-/nanostructures.
- Coupling effects of plasmonic oscillations to achieve broad frequency bands of extraordinary optical transmission (EOT) across the UV-VIS-NIR spectral range.
- Application of smart nanomaterials in photovoltaics, electrochromic devices, energy-efficient OLED lighting, flexible displays, and insulating architectural glazing.
Location
EPFL Campus, Lausanne, Switzerland. EPFL is consistently ranked among the world’s top 20 universities, offering a world-class international campus on the shores of Lake Geneva.
Scholarship Description & Offer
This doctoral position is supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) and offers:
- A stable academic contract for up to 4 years (initial 1-year fixed-term contract/CDD, renewable up to 4 years upon satisfactory progress).
- Competitive financial remuneration and benefits adhering strictly to EPFL doctoral student standards.
- Close individual supervision, mentorship, and integration into a vibrant international research team.
- Access to advanced experimental laboratories and state-of-the-art research infrastructure.
- Career development through scientific publishing, participation in international conferences, and co-supervising Master’s students.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Conduct independent research and take full ownership of the PhD dissertation.
- Perform numerical simulations using Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) methods and design experimental validations.
- Analyze, interpret, and publish scientific results in peer-reviewed international journals.
- Present research findings at prestigious international conferences.
- Collaborate actively with interdisciplinary team members and international partners.
- Contribute to academic teaching and mentor undergraduate and Master’s students.
Eligibility and Qualifications
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered:
- Education: An excellent Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Physics, Optics, Micro-/Nanotechnology, Materials Science, Energy, or an allied quantitative engineering/science discipline.
- Technical Knowledge: Solid grounding in the theory of light-matter interaction, numerical methods/FDTD simulations, UV-VIS-NIR spectrophotometry, and/or optical material characterization via multiangle ellipsometry.
- Interests: Genuine curiosity for plasmonics, optical/electronic properties of thin films, and solar energy conversion.
- Language Skills: High proficiency in written and spoken English. Knowledge of French is a useful asset but not mandatory.
- Personal Attributes: High motivation for scientific inquiry, self-direction, analytical mindset, and an collaborative team spirit.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted electronically via the EPFL recruitment portal. Prepare the following documents in PDF format:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Detailed Cover/Motivation Letter explaining your fit for this specific project
- Copies of relevant university degrees/diplomas
- Official academic transcripts (Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees)
Important Note on Doctoral School Admission: In parallel to securing this employment position, successful candidates must formally apply for and be admitted to an appropriate EPFL Doctoral Program (such as EDEY, EDCE, EDMX, or EDPY). Doctoral admission is a prerequisite for formal employment.
Last Date for Apply
November 30, 2026. Early submission is strongly recommended as applications will be screened systematically.
Apply Link
For more details and to submit your formal application, please visit the official EPFL career listing below:
For project-related inquiries, you may contact the laboratory directly at: nanosolar.jobs@epfl.ch
