PhD Student / PhD Student

PhD Student in High-Resolution Time-Resolved Microstructural Evolution Under Ion Irradiation via TEM

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

ETH Zürich is one of the world's leading universities, specializing in science and technology. It is renowned for its excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research, and commitment to translating new knowledge and innovations into practice. The Laboratory of Metal Physics and Technology (LMPT), part of the Department of Materials at ETH Zürich, conducts research and teaching across a range of disciplines, primarily in metal-related areas. Led by Jörg F. Löffler, our team consists of physicists, materials scientists, chemists, and biomedical engineers from around the globe. We are dedicated to creating novel materials and exploring emerging phenomena in metal physics and technology through detailed materials analysis and modeling.

The Ernst Ruska-Center for Microscopy and Spectroscopy with Electrons (ER-C) at the Jülich Research Center (FZ Jülich) hosts one of the world's most advanced transmission electron microscopy (TEM) facilities. Our collection of state-of-the-art instruments enables ultrahigh-resolution studies of materials and devices with unmatched spatial, energy, and temporal resolution.

Project Background

Are you ready to delve into Materials Science? We are seeking a PhD candidate to collaborate with ER-C (Forschungszentrum Jülich) and LMPT (ETH Zürich) to explore high-resolution, real-time microstructural evolution in materials subjected to ion irradiation. This research aims to deepen our understanding of materials performance in future fusion reactors and particle accelerators, along with comprehending materials' behavior when driven far from equilibrium. The utilization of in situ TEM and Dynamic TEM (DTEM) will facilitate the revelation of microstructure-property relationships in materials under operational conditions, an area that remains largely unexplored for ion-irradiated materials. Despite extensive research, the fundamental mechanisms governing sub-nanosecond displacement cascade evolution, defect dynamics, and irradiation-induced phase transitions are still not fully understood, particularly in realistic external stimuli contexts.

Project Overview

The successful candidate will leverage advanced analytical techniques and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM), in collaboration with ER-C, to directly observe structural changes at the atomic level. Fast scanning calorimetry and synchrotron radiation techniques will examine the kinetics and thermodynamics of phase transformations. The project will investigate how temperature, mechanical strain, and irradiation induce changes in atomic structure and dynamics. Key focuses include the influence of atomic arrangement on stability, transformation kinetics, and crystallization.

Job Description

• Study of defect dynamics and phase transitions using in situ and Dynamic TEM with controlled ion irradiation.
• Nanoscale microstructure analysis through time-resolved TEM and complementary ex situ characterization.
• Simulation and modeling using molecular dynamics, kinetic Monte Carlo, and kinetic rate theory.
• Data analysis and interpretation, drawing conclusions from experimental and simulated data.
• Scientific reporting through publishing and presenting research findings.
• Collaborative research contributions to group projects at ETH Zürich and FZ Jülich.
• Teaching assistance in practicals and lecture assignments at ETH Zürich and FZ Jülich.

Profile

The ideal candidate will hold a Master's degree in physics, materials science, or a related discipline, and should possess:

• A background in solid-state physics with a demonstrated interest in experimental research.
• Familiarity with scientific programming or atomistic simulations.
• Proficiency in both oral and written English.

Additional advantageous assets include:

• Experience with electron microscopy (TEM/STEM).
• Experience in ion irradiation or radiation damage studies.
• Experience with synchrotron and calorimetry techniques.

Workplace

Join us in a collaborative and supportive research environment that provides access to a world-class collection of state-of-the-art transmission electron microscopes and analytical instruments at Forschungszentrum Jülich and ETH Zürich.

We Offer

• Opportunity for impactful contributions to groundbreaking research in real-time microstructural observations.
• A collaborative research environment with expert mentorship.
• A 100% position with an initial appointment lasting four years, with the possibility of extension to complete the doctorate.
• Position available immediately or upon mutual agreement.
• ETH Zürich and Forschungszentrum Jülich are equal opportunity employers.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

In line with our values, ETH Zürich promotes an inclusive culture that emphasizes equality of opportunity, values diversity, and nurtures a respectful working and learning environment. We are committed to sustainability and are continually working towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

We look forward to receiving your online application using the form below. Please include the following documents:

• CV
• A short motivation letter
• BSc and MSc transcripts
• Names and contact details of two referees

For more information about the Laboratory of Metal Physics and Technology and the Jülich Research Center (FZ Jülich), please visit our respective websites. For inquiries regarding the position, please contact Dr. Amir H. Tavabi at a.tavabi@fz-juelich.de, Dr. Robin E. Schäublin at robin.schaeublin@mat.ethz.ch, Prof. Jörg F. Löffler at joerg.loeffler@mat.ethz.ch, or Prof. Rafal Dunin-Borkowski at r.dunin-borkowski@fz-juelich.de (no applications).

Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.