EPFL (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne), ranked among the world’s top 20 universities, invites applications for a fully funded PhD Student Position in Fabrication and Characterization of Plasmonic Crystals for Solar Energy. This doctoral opportunity is hosted within the Nanotechnology for Solar Energy Conversion research group (SCI-ENAC-AS), led by Prof. Andreas Schüler, as part of the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) project titled “Coupled oscillations in plasmonic crystals.”
Quick Overview
| Designation | PhD Student / Doctoral Researcher |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | EPFL (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne) |
| Research Group | Nanotechnology for Solar Energy Conversion (SCI-ENAC-AS) |
| Research Area | Micro-/Nanotechnology, Plasmonics, Thin Films, Solar Energy Conversion |
| Location | Lausanne, Switzerland |
| Duration | Up to 4 years (1-year initial contract, renewable) |
| Funding | Fully funded position according to EPFL doctoral salary standards |
| Expected Start Date | May 1, 2027 (negotiable) |
| Application Deadline | November 30, 2026 |
Designation
PhD Student / Doctoral Researcher in the field of Nanotechnology for Solar Energy Conversion.
Research Area
The selected PhD candidate will conduct research on the SNSF project “Coupled oscillations in plasmonic crystals.” The project investigates the coupling effects of plasmonic oscillations in metallic micro- and nanostructures, aiming to achieve broad frequency bands of extraordinary optical transmission (EOT) across the UV-VIS-NIR spectral range.
Outcomes from this research will advance smart materials integrated into building envelopes and have far-reaching impacts on:
- Advanced Photovoltaics
- Energy-efficient OLED lighting
- Flat screens and flexible display technologies
- Electrochromic devices and smart insulating glazing
Location
EPFL Campus, Lausanne, Switzerland. EPFL offers an international and dynamic scientific environment with state-of-the-art facilities and a community of over 18,500 people from more than 120 nations.
Scholarship Description & Benefits
The successful applicant will join a world-class laboratory equipped with cutting-edge nanotech and surface analysis instrumentation. EPFL offers:
- A stable academic position for up to 4 years (initial 1-year CDD contract, renewable for up to 4 years).
- Full financial support and competitive salary under official EPFL doctoral student employment regulations.
- Dedicated individual supervision and continuous mentoring from Prof. Andreas Schüler and team members.
- Access to advanced experimental facilities (electron-beam lithography, magnetron sputtering, UHV-STM, XPS/UPS, spectrophotometry).
- Opportunities to present findings at major international conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals.
Eligibility and Qualifications
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered:
- Education: An outstanding Master’s degree in Micro-/Nanotechnology, Physics, Materials Science, Energy Engineering, or a closely related quantitative field.
- Technical Background: Demonstrated experience or solid background in one or more of the following:
- Reactive magnetron sputtering
- Electron-beam lithography (EBL)
- UV-VIS-NIR spectrophotometry
- Ultra-high vacuum scanning tunneling microscopy (UHV-STM)
- Photoelectron spectroscopies (XPS, UPS)
- Core Competencies: Genuine enthusiasm for plasmonics, optical/electronic properties of thin films, and solar energy applications.
- Language Skills: Excellent proficiency in English (oral and written). Knowledge of French is an added benefit.
- Attributes: Strong scientific mindset, critical thinking, autonomy, and collaborative spirit.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Lead research and development activities dedicated to the doctoral dissertation.
- Design, fabricate, and experimentally characterize nanostructured plasmonic crystals.
- Analyze and model experimental data to understand plasmonic coupling mechanisms.
- Write high-quality scientific papers and present project developments at international workshops and conferences.
- Assist in laboratory operations, supervise Master’s student projects, and support group teaching activities.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted electronically via the EPFL recruitment platform. Emailed documents cannot be evaluated directly for formal processing.
Prepare the following documents in PDF format:
- Comprehensive Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Cover / Motivation Letter describing your research background and interest in the position
- Copies of Bachelor’s and Master’s degree diplomas
- Complete academic transcripts / grade sheets
Important Note: Successful appointment is contingent upon admission to one of EPFL’s doctoral schools (such as EDEY, EDCE, EDMX, or EDPY). Candidates must complete the EPFL doctoral school admission process in parallel.
Last Date for Apply
The deadline to submit your online application is November 30, 2026. Early submission is strongly encouraged as applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Apply Link
To submit your application and access the official job posting, visit the link below:
Apply Online – EPFL PhD Student Position in Plasmonic Crystals
For project-specific questions, please reach out to: nanosolar.jobs@epfl.ch
