PhD position in the field of Scanning Probe Investigation of Carbon-based Quantum Spin Systems (a)

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.

The

carbon nanomaterials group

focuses on the on-surface synthesis and characterization of carbon nanostructures with defined electronic and magnetic properties. Withing the PiMag project, we synthesize magnetic nanographenes with two or more exchange-coupled spins and investigate their electronic properties and magnetic excitations by means of scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy at low temperature and under ultrahigh vacuum conditions. Within an interdisciplinary consortium of synthetic chemists, surface physicists and theoretical physicists (Empa, ETH Zurich, University of Zurich, Iberian Nanotechnology Center), we explore magnetic nanographenes with specific magnetic ground states and excitation spectra.

You will focus on the

• fabrication of specific magnetic nanographenes using on-surface synthesis
• investigation of their electronic and magnetic properties using scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy
• decoupling of the magnetic nanographenes using thin insulating layers such as NaCl and MgO to investigate their intrinsic properties
• collaboration with synthetic chemists and theoretical physicists to design and achieve nanographenes with specific magnetic properties

Your profile

We are looking for highly motivated and talented candidates with a strong experimental background in Solid State Physics, Surface Science or Physical Chemistry to take up a challenging PhD position in the area of low-dimensional carbon nanomaterials. Required qualifications include a Master’s Degree in Physics or Physical Chemistry. A solid background in Surface Science and previous experience using scanning probe methods or other ultrahigh vacuum surface analysis equipment would be significant benefits. Very good communication skills in English are essential.

Our offer

We offer a challenging position in a materials research institution in the Zurich area with outstanding infrastructure and broad interdisciplinary surroundings. Join our dynamic international team to perform cutting-edge research in atomic-scale molecular systems. Located in the Zurich Area, the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa) offers outstanding infrastructure, a broad interdisciplinary environment and competitive salaries. Empa is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. This full time position is immediately available upon agreement, with a planned duration of four years.

«a» stands for «all» in our job advertisements. 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.

CristinaMarinoni, Bereichspersonalleiterin / HR Partner