Job Detail

 Zurich University of Applied Sciences ZHAW is one of Switzerland’s largest multidisciplinary universities of applied sciences, with over 13,000 students and 3,000 faculty and staff.



As one of the leading engineering faculties in Switzerland, the ZHAW School of Engineering emphasizes topics which will be relevant in the future. Our 13 institutes and centers guarantee superior-quality education, research and development with a focus on the areas of energy, mobility, information and health.



In the Novel Semiconductors group at the Institute of Computational Physics (ICP) we investigate the physics of solar cells and further optoelectronic devices using innovative characterization and modelling approaches. We at ICP, furthermore, operate a laboratory for fabrication of organic and perovskite thin-film devices. To support our team, we are looking for two

PhD Candidates in Physics of Perovskite Semiconductor DevicesYou would be part of our just launched research activities funded by an ERC Starting Grant. Our goal is to investigate the mixed ionic-electronic conductivity in metal halide perovskites. On the one hand, these semiconductors show exceptional optoelectronic properties, which lead to solar-cell efficiencies of more than 25%. On the other hand, particularities occur due to the interplay between ionic and electronic conductivity. In our project, we intend to better understand the role of ionic conductivity on performance and stability of solar cells. Beyond solar cells, we want to build and characterize memristive devices. The project is highly interdisciplinary, as it spans over macroscopic device fabrication and characterization, nano-scale microscopy-based measurements methods, and device modelling. We tackle this challenge in a highly collaborative team, where one of the two candidates might focus more on the experimental and the other one more on the theoretical part.



Tasks include:

• Characterization of perovskite devices with steady-state and transient methods including impedance and optical spectroscopy


• Extension of available electrical characterization methods


• Fabrication of devices in various architectures


• Employment of available numerical device simulation tools (such as setfos) to model the experiments


• Development of device simulation methods by using novel approaches such as machine learning

You have a master’s degree in electrical engineering, physics, materials science, or similar. A good understanding of semiconductor physics is required. Previous experience in processing of perovskites is advantageous for the more experimentally-oriented position. A high affinity for computers including programming skills in a common (scientific) language is highly advantageous. In addition, you are self-motivated, proactive, flexible and enjoy a result-oriented way of working. Professional fluency in English is required and knowledge of German is preferred but not indispensable. Whereas the research work is done at ZHAW, we would seek for an enrollment in one of the doctoral programs of local universities such as the University of Zurich or the EPFL. You would need to hold the proper qualification for entering the respective PhD program.

You can expect a collaborative environment and an interdisciplinary and highly motivated team that is internationally well-connected and eager to do work on innovative applied research with great impact. As we are a young and growing team, you can make a difference and will have a great share of the success of our exciting research.The positions are financed by an ERC Starting Grant and limited to a maximum of four years. Compensation is according to the guidelines by the Swiss National Science Foundation.

Do you have any questions about this position? For more information regarding the vacancy, please contact Dr. Wolfgang Tress, e-mail: wolfgang.tress@zhaw.ch.



Are you interested? If you would like to apply, please use the online platform to send us your complete application, Attn. Anja Windler, Recruiting Assistant. Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis starting from 1st of October.

Apply onlineAccess for H.R. consultants  For further information on our Institute, go to: www.zhaw.ch Zurich University of Appliend Sciences Print this Page Recommend this pageTwitterFacebookXingLinkedInGoogle+