PhD – Atomically Thin Nanoelectronic Devices University of Basel / SNI, Switzerland

2D Materials, Condensed Matter Physics, Electronic Materials, Nanoelectronics, Nanofabrication, Nanomaterials, Nanoscience, Nanotechnology, PHD, Quantum, Quantum Technology, Research, Research & Development, Semiconductor Physics, Superconductivity
Basel, Switzerland
29 September 2026
Fixed Term Full Time Fully Funded PhD PhD Opportunity PhD position Research

Job Description

Organization: University of Basel / Swiss Nanoscience Institute (SNI)

Location: Basel, Switzerland

Position: PhD – Atomically Thin Nanoelectronic Devices (P2601)

Project Overview

Atomically thin materials can be combined into artificial layered structures with properties that depend strongly on the relative crystal orientation between the layers. In particular, twisting two or more layers can produce a periodic modulation of the atomic lattice potential known as a moiré superlattice.

At specific, gate-tunable electron fillings, these systems can exhibit emergent electronic phases such as superconductivity, ferromagnetism and Mott insulating behaviour, driven by electron-electron Coulomb interactions. Similar strongly interacting phases have also been observed in twisted bilayers of atomically thin semiconductors, including transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs).

This PhD project will investigate electron-electron interactions in layered two-dimensional materials using circuit quantum electrodynamics (cQED). High-impedance superconducting resonators operating in the GHz regime will be used to probe material properties such as quantum capacitance and the kinetic inductance of superconductors.

The project will also investigate more complex interacting systems and explore the strong-coupling regime, where quantum states hybridise with photonic states. Measurements will combine cQED techniques with low-frequency transport experiments and pump-probe experiments adapted from qubit research.

The project provides an opportunity to work across modern nanofabrication, 2D materials, nanoelectronics, superconductivity, fundamental condensed-matter physics and quantum technology.

Key Responsibilities

  • Investigate electron-electron interactions in layered two-dimensional materials using circuit quantum electrodynamics techniques.
  • Work with high-impedance superconducting resonators operating in the GHz regime.
  • Study material properties including quantum capacitance and superconducting kinetic inductance.
  • Investigate strongly interacting electronic systems and identify potentially new relationships between electronic and photonic properties.
  • Work towards achieving and characterising the strong-coupling regime between quantum and photonic states.
  • Perform low-frequency transport measurements.
  • Develop and conduct pump-probe experiments adapted from qubit experiments.
  • Contribute to modern nanofabrication and layered-material device development.
  • Analyse experimental data and contribute to the interpretation of results.
  • Participate in interdisciplinary research within the Quantum Coherence Lab and the Swiss Nanoscience Institute.

Required Qualifications

  • Master’s degree in Physics, Nanoscience, or a related field.
  • Proficiency in English.
  • Strong curiosity and motivation for fundamental experimental research.
  • Willingness to undertake a challenging long-term research project over four years.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience in one or more of the following areas is advantageous:

  • Radio-frequency experiments.
  • Superconductivity.
  • Layered or two-dimensional materials.
  • Nanofabrication.
  • Python programming or similar scientific programming languages.
  • Quantum technology or quantum-device research.

Employment Details

  • Position reference: P2601.
  • Employment: Full-time PhD position.
  • Duration: 4 years.
  • Starting date: Not specified in the supplied vacancy information.
  • The successful candidate will join active research groups within the Quantum Coherence Lab and the Swiss Nanoscience Institute.

Salary & Benefits

The University of Basel and Swiss Nanoscience Institute offer:

  • Very competitive employment conditions.
  • An excellent scientific and social environment.
  • Membership in a supportive and recognised research community.
  • Access to the SNI PhD school and its interdisciplinary research environment.

The SNI PhD school currently supports approximately 30 scientists and covers areas including quantum physics and chemistry, materials science, nanotechnology, biochemistry, cell biology and medical research.

Research Environment

The project is based within the Quantum Coherence Lab and the Swiss Nanoscience Institute at the University of Basel.

The research combines:

  • Atomically thin and layered materials.
  • Nanoelectronic device fabrication.
  • Superconducting resonators.
  • Circuit quantum electrodynamics.
  • Strongly correlated electronic systems.
  • Quantum technology.
  • Low-frequency transport and pump-probe measurements.

Application Documents

The supplied vacancy information does not provide a detailed list of required application documents. Applicants should use the official SNI online application platform for the current application requirements.

English Language Requirement

Proficiency in English is required. No specific English-language test or minimum score is stated in the supplied vacancy information.

Supervisor(s)/Contact

For questions about the programme or position, applicants may contact:

Dr. Andreas Baumgartner
Head of the SNI PhD Programme
Email: [email protected]

Applicants may also contact the project leaders directly.

Application Deadline

31 December 2026.

The vacancy can be filled before the stated deadline, so applications may be considered on a rolling basis.

Starting Date

Not specified in the supplied vacancy information.

Reference

P2601

External Link

Location

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