About the position
Doctoral position in theoretical modeling of nanocrystal growth
Research Field: Chemistry » Computational chemistry
Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?: Not funded by a EU programme
Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?: No
Norris) in the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering (D-MAVT) at ETH Zurich investigates the synthesis, growth, structure, and optical properties of semiconductor nanomaterials.
The central aim of this project is to develop a universal theoretical framework that explains how these different nanocrystal growth modes emerge.
The doctoral student will develop theoretical and computational descriptions of the nucleation and growth of semiconductor nanocrystals.
The initial focus will be on combining existing models for CdSe nanoplatelets and magic-sized nanocrystals.
The project will combine three complementary modeling approaches: First, the student will use density functional theory (DFT) to calculate the energies of surfactant-terminated nanocrystal surfaces, edges, steps, and vertices.
Third, the student will use kinetic Monte Carlo simulations to investigate the early stages of nanocrystal growth.
Such calculations will examine how initially small crystallites develop into competing morphologies and how growth conditions influence the selection of nanoplatelets, magic-sized nanocrystals, or quantum dots.
The doctoral student will work closely with experimentalists responsible for nanocrystal synthesis and growth studies.
In addition to research, the doctoral candidate will contribute to general laboratory activities and will have opportunities to participate in teaching and the supervision of bachelor and master’s students.
We are seeking a curious, motivated, and self-driven candidate with a strong interest in applying theoretical and computational methods to fundamental problems in materials growth.
Prior experience with every method used in the project is not required.
We offer a stimulating doctoral project at the interface of theory, computation, and experiment.
The project provides opportunities for external research collaboration, access to advanced computing facilities, interaction with experimental scientists, participation in international conferences, and the supervision of student research projects.
A cover letter describing your motivation for the position, your relevant research experience, and your principal scientific achievements to date (max. two pages)
We are recruiting a full-time doctoral candidate to develop theoretical and computational models of semiconductor nanocrystal growth, with an intended starting date on or after October 1, 2026.
The doctoral position is intended for four years at 100% employment and will be supervised by Prof.
cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge
https://academicpositions.com/ad/eth-zurich/2026/doctoral-position-in-theoretic…
Years of Research Experience: 1 - 4
What you’ll bring
- In addition to research, the doctoral candidate will contribute to general laboratory activities and will have opportunities to participate in teaching and the supervision of bachelor and master’s students.
- Applicants must hold, or be close to completing, an MSc degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science, physics, computational science, or a closely related discipline.
- Experience in one or more of the following areas would be advantageous:
- Prior experience with every method used in the project is not required.
- Research Field: Chemistry
- Years of Research Experience: 1 - 4
- Research Field: Physics
At a glance
- Position type
- PhD
- Institution
- ETH Zürich
- Department
- Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering
- Research group
- Not stated
- Location
- Zurich, Switzerland, CH
ETH Zurich’s central campus in Zurich, Switzerland, CH - Supervisor / contact person
- Prof. David J. Norris
- Funding
- Funding not stated
Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?: Not funded by a EU programme - Duration
- Not stated
- Expected start
- Not stated
- Vacancy reference
- EURAXESS-460211
Research focus
- Discipline
- Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computational Science
- Research area
- Semiconductors, Nanomaterials, Surfaces & interfaces
- Methods
- DFT, Monte carlo, Synthesis, Spectroscopy, Microscopy
- Software
- Not stated
Dates to know
- Listed on FOSS Positions
- 17 Sep 2026
- Original advertisement date
- Not stated in the source
- Application deadline
- 09 Nov 2026 · 22:59 UTC
- Priority review date
- Not stated
- Last checked
- 17 Sep 2026
- Last updated
- 17 Sep 2026
2026-11-09T22:59:59+00:00
How to apply
Application Deadline: 9 Nov 2026 - 22:59 (UTC)
We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents as a single PDF:
Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.
Where to apply
Apply now
https://academicpositions.com/ad/eth-zurich/2026/doctoral-position-in-theoretical-modeling-of-nanocrystal-growth/251861
Contact: dnorris@ethz.ch
Original sources
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