Postdoctoral position in plasma resistant coatings for commercial products (Chemistry, Physics, or Materials Sciences), Switzerland

PostDoc position in Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) for plasma resistant material Empa. The aim of the project is to develop plasma resistant coatings for commercial products. The focus is on an experimental ALD approach, plasma exposure tests and comprehensive thin film characterisation. Modelling comprises simulations for materials design guidelines and gas/plasma flow.

The project will be together with our thin film characterization group (responsible for the comprehensive thin film materials characterization and mechanical tests) and a Swiss company who will conduct the plasma corrosion tests on the developed materials. Technical support and workshop capabilities for reactor fabrication are available.

Your Tasks

  • design and construct an ALD lab-reactor and its gas supply
  • transfer of the developed ALD processes to commercial ALD reactor
  • organizing regular progress meetings, scientific discussion meetings, and sample exchange with project partners
  • project monitoring and reporting as well as  publishing in scientific journals

Your Profile

We are looking for a person who will successfully lead projects due to her/his excellent skills in solution-driven scientific and technological work. You must have a Doctoral Degree preferably in Chemistry, Physics, or Materials Sciences from an internationally recognized institution. Hands-on background in metalorganic chemistry, vacuum science, ALD reactor design, thin film deposition and characterisation are highly desired. Modelling background with standard math & physics software (like Matlab and COMSOL or similar) is also required.

You are a highly motivated person with the ability to think creatively, to progress work autonomously, and to filter essential scientific content from experiments. Furthermore, you are a team player, mobile to keep contact with the project partners, and you have an excellent knowledge of English (oral and written) as well as excellent communication skills in general.

This position is available from September 1st, 2015 or upon agreement for a period of 1 year with the possibility of extension up to three years.

We are looking forward to your application including a letter of motivation, CV, and transcripts of diplomas, BSc, MSc, and doctoral levels, list of publications and a list of at least three references. For additional information please contact Dr Ivo Utke Ivo.Utke@empa.ch.

Please submit your application online and upload all documents (“pdf”-file is recommended) through this webpage. Any other way of applying will not be considered.