PhD Position “Functional properties of piezoelectric thin films”

Updated: 3 months ago
Deadline: 31 Dec 2023

  • Vacancies
  • PhD Position “Functional properties of piezoelectric thin films”

  • Key takeaways

    Are you enthusiastic about exploring scientific challenges with an industrial application perspective?

    Piezoelectric thin films find applications in several areas of science and technology as sensors and actuators. Extension and accuracy performance of piezoelectric thin films is of prominent importance for such application areas.

    We are looking for a motivated and skilled PhD student to conduct research on the fundamental physics questions on the growth and characterization of piezoelectric thin films and exploring their structure-performance relations.

    The XUV Optics Group at Twente has started a new multidisciplinary research program on these topics. We develop forefront fundamental research, relevant to high tech applications (www.utwente.nl/xuv/). The research will take place in a state-of-the-art thin film laboratory within the MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology at the University of Twente, in collaboration with various academic and industrial partners. The XUV group has a track record in developing thin film physics and holds several records in functional film properties, including the reflectivity of thin film multilayer optics.

    Challenge

    Your goal is to develop the key material science required for growing, characterizing, and modeling piezoelectric thin films. This includes:

    • Exploring the layer growth processes and molecular scale process engineering of piezoelectric thin films, using physical vapor deposition techniques such as pulsed laser deposition and others, aiming for high and accurate piezoelectric functional properties.
    • Developing the understanding of the piezoelectric film structures and their functional properties using characterization techniques such as AFM, XRD, SEM and DBLI and detailed data analysis.
    • Developing models for relating the functional properties to the structure of the piezoelectric thin films.

    Information and application

    Your reaction should include:

    • an application/motivation letter, emphasizing your specific interest and motivation for this particular position,
    • a detailed CV, containing your publications list, contact details of referees, and an academic transcript of B.Sc. and M.Sc. education.

    An interview and a scientific presentation will be part of the selection procedure. For detailed information, you can contact Dr. Muharrem Bayraktar at [email protected], +31 53 489 3910.

    Please apply via the “Apply Now” button below.


    About the department

    The University of Twente stands for life sciences and technology. High tech and human touch. Education and research that matter. New technology which leads change, innovation, and progress in society. The University of Twente is the only campus university in the Netherlands. We have a strong focus on personal development and give scope for carrying out pioneering research. The Faculty of Science & Technology works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders.

    The XUV Optics group is embedded in the MESA+ Institute (www.mesaplus.utwente.nl), which is one of the largest nanotechnology research institutes in the world, delivering competitive and successful high-quality research. The institute employs 500 people of which 275 are PhD’s or Postdocs. With its unique NanoLab facilities the institute holds 1250 m2 of cleanroom space and state-of-the-art research equipment.

    The University of Twente is an equal opportunity employer which values diversity. We do not discriminate on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability status. Because of our diversity values we do particularly support women to apply.


    About the organisation

    The Faculty of Science & Technology (Technische Natuurwetenschappen, TNW) engages some 700 staff members and 2000 students in education and research on the cutting edge of chemical technology, applied physics and biomedical technology. Our fields of application include sustainable energy, process technology and materials science, nanotechnology and technical medicine. As part of a people-first tech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally and is strengthened by the many young researchers working on innovative projects with as doctoral candidates and post-docs. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.



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