Job Description

Postdoctoral Position in Plasmonic Crystals for Solar Energy

Organization: EPFL — École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne
Research Group: SCI-ENAC-AS: Nanotechnology for Solar Energy Conversion
Supervisor: Professor Andreas Schüler
Location: Lausanne, Switzerland
Position: Postdoctoral Researcher
Contract Duration: 1 year, with renewal subject to organizational needs and availability
Expected Start Date: 1 May 2027
Application Deadline: 30 November 2026

Project Overview

EPFL is seeking a postdoctoral researcher for the SNSF project “Coupled Oscillations in Plasmonic Crystals.” The project investigates the coupling of plasmonic oscillations in metallic micro- and nanostructures, with the aim of developing plasmonic crystals capable of producing broad frequency bands of extraordinary optical transmission (EOT) across the ultraviolet, visible and near-infrared (UV–VIS–NIR) spectral range.

The research combines numerical modelling, nanostructure preparation and experimental characterization of materials. Its findings could contribute to advances in photovoltaics, flat screens, flexible displays, energy-efficient OLED lighting, electrochromic devices and energy-efficient insulating glazing.

Research Group

The successful candidate will join the Nanotechnology for Solar Energy Conversion group (SCI-ENAC-AS), led by Professor Andreas Schüler.

The group develops innovative micro- and nanostructured smart materials for active and passive solar-energy applications integrated into building envelopes. Its research emphasizes thin films, which can cover large surface areas while using relatively small quantities of raw materials, and investigates their electronic and optical properties for solar-energy applications.

The group offers an international research environment and access to advanced experimental facilities.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Take responsibility for conducting original research within the project.
• Collaborate closely with laboratory members and international research partners.
• Design and execute experiments involving plasmonic crystals and nanostructured materials.
• Analyse and interpret experimental results.
• Contribute to numerical modelling and experimental characterization.
• Prepare scientific articles for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
• Present research findings at international conferences.
• Coach master’s students and advise PhD students.
• Provide basic administrative support and contribute to teaching activities.

Qualifications and Eligibility

Applicants must hold a PhD in Micro-/Nanotechnology, Physics, Optics, Materials Science, Energy or a related quantitative discipline.

Candidates should have a strong background in several relevant areas, including reactive magnetron sputtering, electron-beam lithography, light–matter interaction theory, FDTD simulations, multi-angle UV–VIS–NIR ellipsometry, UV–VIS–NIR spectrophotometry, ultra-high-vacuum STM, or photoelectron spectroscopies such as XPS and UPS.

A strong interest in micro- and nanostructures, electronic and optical material properties, plasmonics and solar energy is essential. Applicants must be proficient in English; French is an advantage. Independence, critical thinking, effective self-management, teamwork and motivation for academic research are also expected. An interest in a research and teaching career is an asset.

Employment Conditions and Benefits

The position is offered on a one-year contract, with renewal subject to organizational needs and availability. EPFL offers competitive remuneration, although the exact salary is not specified in the vacancy.

The successful candidate will join an international and stimulating research environment at a leading engineering institution, with access to advanced laboratory equipment and opportunities to collaborate with researchers working on innovative materials and solar-energy technologies.

Application Documents

Applicants should prepare the following documents:

• Curriculum vitae (CV).
• Motivation letter.
• Academic diplomas.
• Recommendation letters.

Applications must be submitted through EPFL’s online recruitment platform. Only applications submitted through the official online system will be considered. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Contact Information

For further information about the position, contact:

Email: [email protected]
Research Group: https://www.epfl.ch/labs/sci-enac-as/

How to Apply

Submit your application through the official EPFL careers portal by 30 November 2026. The expected start date is 1 May 2027, although an alternative date may exceptionally be agreed upon by mutual consent.

Official application link: https://careers.epfl.ch/job/Lausanne-Postdoctoral-Position-in-Plasmonic-Crystals-for-Solar-Energy/1165576455/