Postdoctoral Researcher in the Development of Thin Films and Deposition Processes using Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Experiments.

About the position

Postdoctoral Researcher in the Development of Thin Films and Deposition Processes using Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Experiments.

Institution: Empa

Research Field: Chemistry » Other

Researcher Profile: Recognised Researcher (R2)

Application Deadline: 17 Dec 2026 - 22:59 (UTC)

Job Status: Full-time

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

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 Coating Technologies Group in Empa's Laboratory for Surface Science & Coating Technologies develops next-generation functional thin films through innovative deposition processes and high-throughput materials screening.

The opportunityContribute to groundbreaking research on accelerated thin-film and process development for emerging applications such as ferroelectric memory, photonic integrated circuits and next-generation telecommunications.

Conduct physical vapor deposition experiments using advanced PVD processes such as synchronized HiPIMS

Apply and improve high-throughput experimental workflows including closed-loop thin-film optimization

Apply AI and Machine Learning for data analysis and modelling

Develop, improve and implement HW/SW concepts and components to automate experiments and enable autonomous experiments

The focus of this position is to use advanced PVD processes to develop state-of-the art thin films, such as piezoelectric and ferroelectric nitrides.

You will use synchronized HiPIMS processes to tune the properties and performance of the films.

This laboratory is currently in development and will include sputter deposition and in-situ surface analysis techniques such as RHEED, AES and XPS.

PhD degree in physics, materials science, chemistry, electrical engineering or a related discipline

Prior experience in PVD and surface science

Knowledge of PVD process development and pulsed sputtering is an advantage

The ability to collaborate in a multidisciplinary research environment is essential.

Personal initiative, ability to work systematically, reliability, responsibility, teamwork and communication skills are a must.

Collaborative, international research environment

Challenging projects bridging fundamental research and applied research for industry

Access to cutting-edge research facilities and equipment including unique thin-film deposition infrastructure

Opportunities for professional growth and networking

Competitive salary and benefits package

The position is available from 1 December 2026 or later upon agreement.

Please submit these exclusively via our job portal.

https://academicpositions.com/ad/empa/2026/postdoctoral-researcher-in-the-devel…

Research Field: Chemistry

Years of Research Experience: 4 - 10

Research Field: Computer science

Research Field: Engineering

Research Field: Physics

Research Field: Technology

Website for additional job details: https://academicpositions.com

What you’ll bring

• Prior experience in PVD and surface science
• Prior experience with piezoelectric- or ferroelectric nitrides is an advantage
• Research Field: Chemistry
• Years of Research Experience: 4 - 10
• Research Field: Computer science
• Research Field: Engineering
• Research Field: Physics
• Research Field: Technology

At a glance

Position type

Postdoc

Institution

Empa

Department

Not stated

Research group

Not stated

Location

Dübendorf, Switzerland, CH

Supervisor / contact person

Not stated

Funding

Salaried
Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?: Not funded by a EU programme
Competitive salary and benefits package

Duration

Not stated

Expected start

Not stated

Vacancy reference

EURAXESS-466970

Research focus

Discipline

Materials Science, Chemistry, Physics

Research area

Surfaces & interfaces

Methods

Not stated

Software

Python

Dates to know

Listed on FOSS Positions

28 Sep 2026

Original advertisement date

Not stated in the source

Application deadline

17 Dec 2026 · 22:59 UTC

Priority review date

Not stated

Last checked

28 Sep 2026

Last updated

28 Sep 2026

2026-12-17T22:59:59+00:00

How to apply

Application Deadline: 17 Dec 2026 - 22:59 (UTC)
Apply and improve high-throughput experimental workflows including closed-loop thin-film optimization
Apply AI and Machine Learning for data analysis and modelling
We look forward to receiving your complete online application including a letter of motivation, CV, certificates, diplomas and contact details of two reference persons. Please submit these exclusively via our job portal. Applications by e-mail and by post will not be considered.
Where to apply
Apply now

https://academicpositions.com/ad/empa/2026/postdoctoral-researcher-in-the-development-of-thin-films-and-deposition-processes-using-artificial-intelligence-and-autonomous-experiments/253185

Original sources

https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/466970 ↗

https://academicpositions.com/ad/empa/2026/postdoctoral-researcher-in-the-development-of-thin-films-and-deposition-processes-using-artificial-intelligence-and-autonomous-experiments/253185 ↗