Postdoctoral Fellow / Postdoctoral Fellowess

Your Tasks

This project is part of an international collaboration aimed at developing highly efficient photoelectrocatalytic water splitting technologies.

In this role, you will be responsible for the growth and characterization of photoactive oxynitride thin films and multilayers. This includes assessing their composition, structure, and (photo)electrochemical properties. The films will be grown using pulsed laser deposition and later integrated into a water splitting device through collaborative international efforts. You will employ several characterization methods such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) to understand the relationship between growth parameters and the functional properties of the resulting thin films. Furthermore, you will utilize the data collected to publish peer-reviewed articles.

Additionally, you will engage in multidisciplinary research activities within the group, assisting both internal and external partners, supervising students, and ensuring the operation of key instrumentation.

Your Profile

We are seeking candidates with a background in the natural sciences or engineering, coupled with a passion for energy-related research themes. Applicants should demonstrate strong work ethics and thrive in an interdisciplinary team environment. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

• Doctoral degree in Physics, Chemistry, Engineering, or Materials Sciences
• Solid background in solid-state physics and/or chemistry, with an understanding of photoelectrocatalytic processes
• Strong motivation for materials science and discovery, the ability to work autonomously in solving complex problems, and a team-oriented attitude
• Excellent communication skills in written and spoken English (knowledge of German is a plus)
• (Optional but desirable) Hands-on experience with physical vapor deposition techniques, vacuum systems, pulsed laser deposition, and/or atomic layer deposition

We Offer

Our institution fosters an interdisciplinary, innovative, and dynamic collaborative environment. You will benefit from systematic on-the-job training along with opportunities for personal development within a strong vocational training culture. We support a balanced work and family life, along with other personal interests, through modern employment conditions and our comprehensive on-site infrastructure.

This is a fixed-term position with an employment contract limited to 1.5 years.

Contact Information

For further inquiries, please contact Dr. Nikita Shepelin at Show e-mail or Dr. Daniele Pergolesi at Show e-mail.

Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

Paul Scherrer Institute, Human Resources Management, Robin Schmid, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland