Postdoc/Scientist in the field of Advanced PVD Processes for Functional Inorganic Thin Films

Empa's Laboratory for Surface Science & Coating Technologies has an opening for a

Postdoc/Scientist in the field of Advanced PVD Processes for Functional Inorganic Thin Films

The Coating Technologies group has a long-standing expertise in physical vapor deposition (PVD) of functional thin-films and coatings, with a particular focus on plasma-based processes, such as magnetron sputtering. Our goal is to understand the synthesis-structure-property relationships in these processes to develop thin-film materials and coatings with improved properties, but also to synthesize entirely new functional materials, such as high-energy metastable phases.

One of the main topics of interest in our group is the development of advanced sputter processes, in-particular using High Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering (HiPIMS). Ionized physical vapor deposition processes such as HiPIMS enable unprecedented control over the deposition environment and consequently the materials functional properties.

This role will support our general research activities in advanced process design and contribute to different projects at Empa ranging from the development of coatings for Li-ion batteries and piezoelectric thin films to the discovery and synthesis of previously unreported phases. Due to the complexity of pulsed sputtering processes, a deep understanding of the physical processes in the deposition system is critical. This work will including the use of state of the art process diagnostics, but also multi-physics modelling using software tools such as COMSOL.

Your tasks:

• Develop thin film materials and coatings using advanced sputter deposition processes
• Investigate the materials' synthesis-structure-property relationships and contribute to extending our understanding of phase-formation and nucleation during non-equilibrium synthesis
• Simulate and model dynamic PVD processes, in particular pulsed sputtering i.e. HiPIMS
• Conduct research for fundamental- as well as industrial research projects
• Support and supervise junior researchers (e.g. Master students, Research Interns)
• Present your results in peer-reviewed publications and at international conferences