PhD Position: Solid State Reactions in Complex Thin Film Architectures

PhD Position:
Solid State Reactions in Complex Thin Film Architectures

We are seeking a candidate to develop novel materials for on‑chip heat delivery and self‑healing at the Laboratory for Nanometallurgy, ETH Zürich. The project focuses on the intersection of nanofabrication, solid state reactions and non‑equilibrium thermodynamics. Our research spans from nanoscale materials and optical metamaterials to the mechanics of hierarchical and biological materials. We aim to create materials with unprecedented properties by controlling structure at the atomic and nanometer scales.

• Develop and characterize hierarchical materials capable of localized, on‑chip heat delivery and autonomous repair (self‑healing)
• Utilize advanced cleanroom techniques to fabricate structures at the nanometer and atomic scales
• Investigate the physics of solid‑state reactions
• Employ high‑resolution microscopy and thermal characterization tools to validate material performance and structural integrity

• A master’s degree in Materials Science, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or similar
• Strong understanding of materials synthesis, structure‑property relations and transport phenomena
• Hands‑on experience with nanoscale characterization, e.g. FIB, XRD or TEM is a significant advantage
• Experience in finite element modeling (FEM) or molecular dynamics (MD) would be a plus
• Proficiency in English (written and oral) is essential

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