PhD position in developing innovative plasmonic materials

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.

Applications are invited for a PhD position in the Air Quality and Particle Technology group (Prof. Dr. J. Wang). The successful candidate will work in the Laboratory of Nano Particles at Empa and also matriculate in ETH Zürich.

The research focuses on developing innovative plasmonic materials. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) are strong photon-induced collective hot-electron coupling effects, which can create intense and sensitive electromagnetic near field. SPR and LSPR have found intriguing successes in biosensing, control switches, signal amplifiers and modulators, and high-performance photocatalysis. The conventional plasmonic materials include noble metals, e.g. gold, which was extensively used in biosensing research in our group. On the other hand, the plasmonic properties are strongly dependent on the materials, the surrounding media, and the geometrical parameters, which makes engineering of the material and nanostructure extremely important to realize highly tunable and designable optical properties.

The student will be involved in tasks such as

• Designing innovative plasmonic materials with precisely engineered nanostructures
• Fabricating the plasmonic materials using micro-nanofabrication technologies
• Investigating the tunable and designable optical properties of the materials
• Validating the advantages of new materials in applications.

Additionally, our group performs research on nanomaterial engineering, microfluidics and electrochemistry, which provides a wide range of opportunities for the PhD candidate.

We are looking for suitable candidates with a master level degree in material science, chemical engineering, physical chemistry or related fields with excellent grades. Good experimental capability is of high value. Good command of English is required.

• A highly interdisciplinary and dynamic research environment with state-of-the-art laboratory equipment
• Attractive employment conditions of the ETH Domain 
• An international network and contacts to academic and industrial partners

Position starting from July 2025 or 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.

DavidHeusser, HR Partner