Postdoctoral Researcher in the Development of Thin Films and Deposition Processes using Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Experiments. — Empa
- Location
- Dübendorf
- Contract
- full-time
- Posted
- 5 days ago
Role overview
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.
- 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.
- PhD degree in physics, materials science, chemistry, electrical engineering or a related discipline Knowledge of UHV and thin-film technology
- Prior experience in PVD and surface science
- In addition, the work will benefit from a unique self-driving thin-film laboratory.
Key requirements
- PhD degree in physics, materials science, chemistry, electrical engineering or a related discipline Knowledge of UHV and thin-film technology
- Prior experience in PVD and surface science
- Prior experience with piezoelectric- or ferroelectric nitrides is an advantage
- Knowledge of PVD process development and pulsed sputtering is an advantage Proficiency in Python programming
- Interest in lab-automation and working with agentic AI (e.g. Claude Code, Codex) 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
- Collaborative, international research environment
- Challenging projects bridging fundamental research and applied research for industry
- Access to cutting-edge research facilities and equipment including unique thin-film deposition infrastructure
- Opportunities for professional growth and networking Competitive salary and benefits package
What the company offers
- In addition, the work will benefit from a unique self-driving thin-film laboratory.
Application process
- Contribute to groundbreaking research on accelerated thin-film and process development for emerging applications such as ferroelectric memory, photonic integrated circuits and next-generation telecommunications.
- You'll work at the exciting intersection of experimental materials science and materials informatics, collaborating in an interdisciplinary team. Your tasks
- Conduct physical vapor deposition experiments using advanced PVD processes such as synchronized HiPIMS
- Perform in-depth materials characterization and surface analysis
- and improve high-throughput experimental workflows including closed-loop thin-film optimization
- AI and Machine Learning for data analysis and modelling
- Develop, improve and implement HW/SW concepts and components to automate experiments and enable autonomous experiments
- The focus of this position is to use advanced PVD processes to develop state-of-the art thin films, such as piezoelectric and ferroelectric nitrides.
Contacts
- Applications by e-mail and by post will not be considered.
Additional details
- 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.
- You'll work at the exciting intersection of experimental materials science and materials informatics, collaborating in an interdisciplinary team.
- Apply and improve high-throughput experimental workflows including closed-loop thin-film optimization
- Apply AI and Machine Learning for data analysis and modelling
- PhD degree in physics, materials science, chemistry, electrical engineering or a related discipline Knowledge of UHV and thin-film technology
- Knowledge of PVD process development and pulsed sputtering is an advantage Proficiency in Python programming
- Interest in lab-automation and working with agentic AI (e.g. Excellent communication skills in English
- Personal initiative, ability to work systematically, reliability, responsibility, teamwork and communication skills are a must.
- Opportunities for professional growth and networking Competitive salary and benefits package
Notes and original content
- The opportunity
- Your tasks
- Your profile
- PhD degree in physics, materials science, chemistry, electrical engineering or a related discipline
- Knowledge of UHV and thin-film technology
- Knowledge of PVD process development and pulsed sputtering is an advantage
- Proficiency in Python programming
- Interest in lab-automation and working with agentic AI (e.g.
- Claude Code, Codex)
- Excellent communication skills in English
Questions about this listing
What salary does Empa offer for this role?
Empa lists CHF 73'500 - 111'500 gross per year for this position in Dübendorf. This is the salary published in the original listing (or, when the employer omits a figure, a realistic estimate for the role and sector) — the calculator on this site converts it to your actual net take-home once cross-border tax and social contributions are applied.
Is this a full-time role, and what type of contract does Empa offer?
This listing is a full-time position. The contract type shown here comes directly from the employer's original posting; always confirm exact hours, notice period and probation length with Empa during the application process, since these details can vary by role even within the same contract category.
Do I need a cross-border work permit for a role in Zürich?
EU/EFTA residents living in the border zone of the country adjoining Canton Zürich can apply for a G permit; the Swiss employer files it with that canton's migration office after the contract is signed. Border-zone rules and processing times vary by neighbouring country and canton, so confirm the specifics with Zürich's cantonal migration office or with HR during the application.
How do I apply for this position at Empa?
Use the "Apply now" button on this page — it links directly to Empa's original listing at apply.refline.ch, so your application goes straight to the employer's own applicant-tracking system. Frontaliere Ticino does not collect or forward applications itself.
