Doctoral position in theoretical modeling of nanocrystal growth

About the position

Doctoral position in theoretical modeling of nanocrystal growth

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.

Project background

Because this property is useful for creating tunable optical materials for optoelectronic applications ranging from displays and infrared cameras to nanophotonics and quantum technologies, chemical syntheses have been developed that produce nanocrystals from various semiconductors.

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

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.

At a glance

Position type

PhD

Institution

ETH Zürich

Department

Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering

Research group

Not stated

Location

ETH Zurich’s central campus in Zurich, Switzerland, CH

Supervisor / contact person

Prof. David J. Norris

Funding

Funding not stated

Duration

Not stated

Expected start

Not stated

Vacancy reference

Not stated

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

18 Sep 2026

Original advertisement date

Not stated in the source

Application deadline

01 Oct 2026 Timezone not stated. Check the original advert.

Priority review date

Not stated

Last checked

18 Sep 2026

Last updated

18 Sep 2026

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.

How to apply

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.

https://emea2.softfactors.com/job-opening/rgum-PItOe6oQJFLOGTo0rn

Contact: dnorris@ethz.ch

Original sources

https://www.jobs.ethz.ch/job/view/JOPG_ethz_PItOe6oQJFLOGTo0rn ↗

https://emea2.softfactors.com/job-opening/rgum-PItOe6oQJFLOGTo0rn ↗