PhD Student in Surface / Interface Science

PhD Student in Surface / Interface Science

The Swiss Nanoscience Institute (SNI) at the University of Basel is a center of excellence for nanosciences and nanotechnology. In the «Nanolab» we are interested in the controlled self-assembly of materials with atomic precision and the unique materials' properties and processes on the atomic scale.
In a project funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation we will assess the properties of small amounts of condensed matter (a few atoms or molecules) condensed within the quantum wells formed by on-surface molecular networks on atomically clean surfaces. We shall investigate the onset of cooperative properties like electrical conductivity by a variety of experimental techniques including Scanning Tunneling Microscopy and Photoelectron / Photoabsorption spectroscopy, also at the Swiss Light Source (https://www.psi.ch/en/sls ). More, new to be developed experiments, shall be performed by non-contact Scanning Force Microscopy at low, variable temperatures in conjunction with other Surface Science preparation and investigation techniques; this in collaboration with our Nanolino lab neighbours. (https://nanolino.unibas.ch/pages/instrumentation/LT%20Tuning%20Fork%20AFM_STM.htm )

Your position
In collaboration with the project leader you shall investigate the bi-/ multi-stability of single atoms and small condensates hosted in quantum wells. Scanning Tunneling Microscopy and Spectroscopy experiments shall be performed at selected, variable, temperatures in UHV in the nanolab (https://nanolab.unibas.ch/ ). Surface Chemical Analysis experiments shall be performed at the Surface Science Laboratory in Paul Scherrer Institut (PSI) (https://www.psi.ch/en/lxn/molecular-nanoscience ). You will prepare samples and analyze them both at ambient conditions and in ultra-high vacuum using a broad range of photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS and UPS) techniques. Additionally, you will perform. X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) experiments at the Swiss Light Source – the synchrotron facility of PSI. You will supervise laboratory courses / internships or teach within the Nanoscience or Physics Curriculum at the University of Basel.

Your profile
We seek for a highly motivated individual who enjoys working in a small team of scientists with different backgrounds. A Master degree in materials science, physics, physical chemistry or a related field is expected and an interdisciplinary background is of advantage. Interest in and some experience with scientific writing is desirable.

Application / Contact
https://nanolab.unibas.ch/TemplateReducedQC2/pages/ThomasCV.htm
We look forward to receiving your application containing a cover letter, a CV, and at least two names and contacts of reference persons by August 31st, 2022.
Please apply via email by sending one PDF document to
Dr. Aisha Ahsan, +41 61 207 37 0, [email protected]
Swiss Nanoscience Institute, University of Basel, Klingelbergstrasse 82, 4056 Basel, Switzerland
Ref. code: 'nano-condensate'.
www.unibas.ch