Technology » Telecommunications technology
Organisation/Company Empa Research Field Chemistry » Other Computer science » Informatics Computer science » Other Engineering » Electrical engineering Engineering » Materials engineering Physics » Other Technology » Telecommunications technology Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Application Deadline 17 Dec 2026 - 22:59 (UTC) Country Switzerland Type of Contract Permanent Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description Materials science and technology are our passion. With our cutting-edge research, Empa's around 1,100 employees make essential contributions to the well-being of society for a future worth living. Empa is a research institution of the ETH Domain.
The Coating Technologies Group in Empa's Laboratory for Surface Science & Coating Technologies develops next-generation functional thin films through innovative deposition processes and high-throughput materials screening. The opportunity Contribute to groundbreaking research on accelerated thin-film and process development for emerging applications such as ferroelectric memory, photonic integrated circuits and next-generation telecommunications. You'll work at the exciting intersection of experimental materials science and materials informatics, collaborating in an interdisciplinary team.
Postdoctoral Researcher in the Development of Thin Films and Deposition Processes using Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Experiments.
Conduct physical vapor deposition experiments using advanced PVD processes such as synchronized HiPIMS
Perform in-depth materials characterization and surface analysis
Apply and improve high-throughput experimental workflows including closed-loop thin-film optimization
Apply AI and Machine Learning for data analysis and modelling
Develop, improve and implement HW/SW concepts and components to automate experiments and enable autonomous experiments
The focus of this position is to use advanced PVD processes to develop state-of-the art thin films, such as piezoelectric and ferroelectric nitrides. You will use synchronized HiPIMS processes to tune the properties and performance of the films. The experiments will be informed by in-situ surface and interface analysis. Your work will make use of our group's unique comprehensive infrastructure for materials and device characterization. In addition, the work will benefit from a unique self-driving thin-film laboratory. This laboratory is currently in development and will include sputter deposition and in-situ surface analysis techniques such as RHEED, AES and XPS. Part of the work is also to optimize the workflows in this laboratory in collaboration with the team.
Your profile
PhD degree in physics, materials science, chemistry, electrical engineering or a related discipline
Knowledge of UHV and thin-film technology
Prior experience in PVD and surface science
Prior experience with piezoelectric- or ferroelectric nitrides is an advantage
Knowledge of PVD process development and pulsed sputtering is an advantage
Proficiency in Python programming
Interest in lab-automation and working with agentic AI (e.g. Claude Code, Codex)
Excellent communication skills in English
Strong academic track-record and publication history
The ability to collaborate in a multidisciplinary research environment is essential. Personal initiative, ability to work systematically, reliability, responsibility, teamwork and communication skills are a must.
Our offer
Collaborative, international research environment
Challenging projects bridging fundamental research and applied research for industry
Access to cutting-edge research facilities and equipment including unique thin-film deposition infrastructure
Opportunities for professional growth and networking
Competitive salary and benefits package
The contract duration is initially for two years with the possibility of extension and a long-term perspective in the team. The position is available from 1 December 2026 or later upon agreement.
We live a culture of inclusion and respect. We welcome all people who are interested in innovative, sustainable and meaningful activities - that's what counts.
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Postdoctoral Researcher in the Development of Thin Films and Deposition Processes using Artificial I Arbeitgeber: EMPA
Die EMPA in Dübendorf bietet eine inspirierende Arbeitsumgebung, in der Innovation und Teamarbeit im Mittelpunkt stehen. Als Gruppenleiter/in Elektro profitieren Sie von umfangreichen Weiterbildungsmöglichkeiten und einer offenen Unternehmenskultur, die Ihre persönliche und berufliche Entwicklung fördert. Zudem genießen Sie die Vorteile einer stabilen Institution, die sich für Forschung und Technik engagiert und Ihnen die Möglichkeit gibt, an spannenden Projekten mitzuarbeiten.
