Postdoc Researcher in Accelerated Thin Film Development & Materials Informatics

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.
Postdoc Researcher in Accelerated Thin Film Development & Materials Informatics 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 UV-resilient transparent conductive materials for photovoltaic technologies. You'll work at the exciting intersection of experimental materials science and materials informatics, collaborating with CSEM and EPFL in a Swiss National Science Foundation (SNF) Bridge Project.
Your tasks

• Conduct combinatorial physical vapor deposition and automated characterization together with other team members
• Perform accelerated optical degradation tests of transparent conductive materials
• Apply machine learning techniques for data analysis and time-series forecasting 
• Collaborate in a multidisciplinary team to accelerate functional thin film development

Your work will be part of a larger effort in our laboratory to develop tools and methods to accelerate the development of new functional thin films. In addition to the work described above, you will have the chance to contribute to many other exciting projects ranging from autonomous sputter deposition to the development of new ferroelectric materials for non-volatile memory applications.

Your profile

• PhD degree in physics, materials science, chemistry, electrical engineering or a related discipline
• Strong background in materials informatics and data science
• Proficiency in Python programming
• Experience in machine learning for materials development (e.g. supervised and active learning, feature engineering)
• Interest in lab automation (LabView experience is a plus)
• Knowledge of UHV and thin-film deposition is advantageous
• 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

• Access to cutting-edge research facilities and equipment
• Collaborative, international research environment
• Opportunities for professional growth and networking
• Competitive salary and benefits package

The contract duration is initially for two years with the possibility for extension and a long-term perspective in the team . The position is available from 1 May 2025 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.
We look forward to receiving your complete online application including a letter of motivation, CV, certificates, diplomas and contact details of two reference persons. Please submit these exclusively via our job portal. Applications by e-mail and by post will not be considered.