What we do:
We pioneer the design and fabrication of thin film materials and systems with enhanced properties arising from nanoscale effects. For the fabrication of coatings for protective and medical applications, several sputter coating systems, including an Ingenia SP3 HiPIMS system are available in our laboratories. The tools for the characterization range from XRD, SEM, TEM, AFM, Profilometry for structural, Tribometers and Indentors for mechanical, and XPS, ToF-SIMS, and Kelvin Probe Microscopy for chemical analysis of the thin film systems. Systems for on-line Plasma analytics are under consideration.
Your tasks
You take the lead of a research team in the field of coatings & tribology.
You establish an original and creative research portfolio, striving for excellence, develop novel experimental methods and develop your team according to the research portfolio.
You actively collaborate with other Empa units, with national and international research teams and with industrial partners.
You successfully present your results in peer-reviewed scientific journals and at international conferences.
You successfully acquire external funding and support the laboratory mission.
Your profile:
We search for a candidate with a Ph.D. degree in experimental physics, or materials science with a strong background in coatings, sputter deposition methods, and profound expertise in most of the analytical techniques available in the laboratory. Candidates should further have a strong background and standing in academic research, i.e. in composing research proposals and scientific publications and preferably have work experience in an industrial environment. A high motivation to work in interdisciplinary projects and willingness to gain a sufficiently deep understanding in other research fields are considered mandatory.
We offer a challenging executive position at a research institution with excellent infrastructure and broad interdisciplinary surrounding. The position is available upon agreement and will initially be limited to three years. Contract extension will be performance based.