Head of Laboratory for Thin Films and Photovoltaics

Empa - the place where innovation starts

Empa is the research institute for materials science and technology of the ETH Domain and conducts cutting-edge research for the benefit of industry and the well-being of society.

We are looking for a

Head of Laboratory for Thin Films and Photovoltaics

The general vision of the Laboratory is to develop next generation of high-performance solar cells, batteries and opto-electronic devices, novel functionalities with coatings and nanostructure materials for energy-sustainable future to the benefits of industry and society. The current research is focused around four topics: Thin Film Solar Cells and Optoelectronics, Battery Technologies, Printed Electronics and Functional Nanoscale Materials (associated with the group of Prof. Maksym Kovalenko, ETH/Empa), information can be found on www.empa.ch/web/s207 . The Laboratory is an active contributor to the operation of the Coating Competence Center  at Empa.

Your tasks

As an inspirational research leader you will manage a highly interdisciplinary laboratory, develop projects and obtain funding for national and international projects. Research topics include: 

• Materials with mixed ionic and electronic conduction: superionics, conversion and intercalation-type, composites; interface engineering for tailored ionic and mass transport; material discovery assisted by ML and AI. 
• Advanced manufacturing methods that outperform existing routines yet offer time and energy savings, including active process monitoring and compatible control concepts.
• Devices for the "electrification of everything", including batteries, sensors, smart windows. Novel device designs such as multi-junction concepts; flexible, transparent and adaptable geometries for seamless integration.

You will establish collaborations on national and international level with scientific and industrial partners, actively contribute to the cutting edge research and technological innovations, provide mentorship to members of the lab for achieving excellence with impactful results, and organise local and international scientific events. Teaching at university level is encouraged.

Your Profile 

You have a doctoral degree in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering or similar with an outstanding research track record and strong expertise in at least one of the core competences of the laboratory. Expertise in obtaining and leading externally funded research projects, maintaining long-term collaboration with scientific and industrial partners, organising scientific conferences are required. Excellent publishing and communication skills are essential together with an already existing broad professional national and international network. You are a team player and your strengths include taking personal responsibilities, high motivation for excellence, flair for elaborating out-of-the-box solutions.

We offer an executive position at a research institution with excellent infrastructure and broad interdisciplinary surroundings. You will work in close collaboration with other research groups at all three Empa sites and within the ETH domain.

For further information about the position please contact Dr Pierangelo Gröning, Head of Departement Advanced Materials and Surfaces, [email protected] , or André Schmid, Head of Human Resources, [email protected] and visit our websites www.empa.ch/web/s207 and Empa-Video

We look forward to receiving your online application including a letter of motivation, your CV, diplomas, publications, your research interests and vision, and two names of addressees of referees by the end of August 2022. Please upload the requested documents through our webpage. Applications via email will not be considered.

Empa, André Schmid, Human Resources, Überlandstrasse 129, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland.