PhD position: Solid-State Chemistry of Metal Halides in Zürich

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

A PhD position is immediately available in the Functional Inorganic Material group (KovalenkoLab) at the Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences.

The candidate will join a multidisciplinary research group focused on the synthesis, characterization and applications of inorganic materials.

The activities of the doctoral student will encompass the high-temperature synthesis of metal halide poly- and single-crystals, their structural characterization (single crystal and powder XRD), studies of establishment of structure-property relationships by testing their basic optical end electronic properties. The application of state-of-the-art crystal growth methods, especially the vertical Bridgman method, will yield high-quality metal halide semiconductors as bulk single crystals. This includes the development of novel synthetic pathways of phase-pure compounds, as well as the exploration of new compositions that have not yet been synthesized in single crystalline form. This project is envisioned to be highly flexible, and in later stages of the work, the candidate will utilize chemical intuition to discern structure-property relationships and accordingly design materials for optoelectronic applications.

Highly motivated candidates should have recently obtained a master's degree in chemistry or material science with outstanding grades. Candidates should have a strong experimental background in materials synthesis and characterization, especially solid-state chemistry chemistry. Experience with single crystal growth is highly desirable but not essential. A basic knowledge of semiconductor characterization is similarly beneficial. Excellent communication skills and fluency in English (both written and oral) are mandatory.

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.