PhD Student Position in Fabrication and Characterization of Plasmonic Crystals for Solar Energy

Join EPFL to research nanostructured plasmonic crystals for advanced solar energy applications.

Best for:Best for Master's graduates in physics or materials science with hands-on experience in nanofabrication and optical characterization.

EPFL École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne · Lausanne, Switzerland · R1 · First-stage researcher

More professors at EPFL École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne

plasmonicsnanostructuressolar energyopticsthin films

Deadline

Nov 30, 2026

43 days

Funding

Salaried

Financial support in accordance with EPFL doctoral student conditions

Start date

2027-05-01

Fixed-term

Location

Lausanne

Switzerland

Overview

The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL) invites applications for a 4-year funded PhD position within the Nanotechnology for Solar Energy Conversion group. The successful candidate will investigate coupled oscillations in plasmonic crystals under the SNSF-funded project 'Coupled oscillations in plasmonic crystals'. Responsibilities include experimental fabrication and characterization of nanostructured materials, data analysis, publishing scientific papers, and contributing to teaching. Applicants are expected to hold a Master's degree in a relevant quantitative field and bring strong experimental skills.

plasmonic crystalsnanofabricationsolar energyspectroscopylithographythin films

What you'll do

Assume full responsibility for completing the PhD dissertation and research objectives
Design and execute experiments to prepare and characterize nanostructured materials
Analyze and interpret experimental results using advanced characterization techniques
Collaborate closely with internal lab members and international research partners
Write and publish scientific articles in peer-reviewed journals
Present research findings at international conferences
Contribute to teaching activities, supervise Master's students, and provide basic administrative support

Requirements

Degree required: Master’s-level degree in Micro-/Nanotechnology, Physics, Materials Science, Energy, or a related quantitative field

Degree offered: PhD

Language: English; proficiency required (French is a plus)

Instruction: English

Required skills

Background in reactive magnetron sputtering or electron-beam lithography
Experience with UV-VIS-NIR spectrophotometry or photoelectron spectroscopies
Demonstrated interest in micro- and nanostructures, plasmonics, and solar energy applications
Strong critical thinking, independence, and self-management skills
Excellent teamwork and collaboration capabilities

Nice to have

Experience with ultra-high vacuum scanning tunneling microscopyFamiliarity with XPS and UPS characterization techniquesInterest in an academic career path involving both research and teachingBasic working knowledge of French

Eligibility

Must hold a recognized Master's degree or equivalent in a relevant field
Must successfully apply and be admitted to an EPFL doctoral school program in parallel

Funding & terms

Type

Salaried

Amount

Financial support in accordance with EPFL doctoral student conditions

Duration

4 years

Programme

SNSF project 'Coupled oscillations in plasmonic crystals'

Swiss National Science Foundation

How to apply

Deadline: 2026-11-30 (Europe/Zurich)

Candidates must submit their application through the online EPFL job opportunities platform. Ensure all required documentation including CV, motivation letter, diplomas, and transcripts are uploaded. Successful applicants must also complete a separate application to enroll in an EPFL doctoral school program.

Documents required