Empa

PhD Student in 1D moiré physics

Dübendorf, Switzerland

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Materials science and technology are our passion. 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.

Our group focusses on the development of carbon-based (thermo)electric nanoscale devices and their application for quantum technologies and energy conversion. Our research is at the interface between fundamental quantum physics, thermodynamics, nanotechnology, and nanofabrication.

Project background

This project aims to harness the remarkable properties of 1D moiré systems to develop novel device architectures to advance our understanding of strongly correlated quantum systems. The central goal is to fabricate quantum devices hosting heterostructures of ultra-long graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) encapsulated in hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN). The charge transport properties of these devices will be investigated using a combination of conductance and thermocurrent spectroscopy in the presence of large magnetic fields and at cryogenic temperatures.

PhD Student in 1D moiré physics

Your tasks

Synthesis of graphene nanoribbons using chemical vapour deposition
Nanofabrication of quantum devices in cleanroom
Electric and thermoelectric characterization of devices at cryogenic temperatures and in the presence of large magnetic fields
Presenting results at international conferences
Dissemination of results in scientific journals

Your profile
We are looking for a highly-motivated student with a MSc degree in physics, quantum engineering, nanoscience, material science, electrical engineering or a related field. Excellent communication skills and fluency in English (both written and oral) are mandatory. Experience in the field of material synthesis, nanofabrication and/or quantum device characterization is highly appreciated. We are looking for committed and creative individuals able to work in a team. The candidate will work in a top-level research environment with state-of-the-art laboratory infrastructure, offering a unique opportunity to develop their research abilities.

Our offer

The work will be carried out under supervision of Prof. Dr. Mickael Perrin (ETH Zurich and Empa). The Quantum Devices group is part of the Transport at Nanoscale Interfaces Laboratory headed by Prof. Calame at Empa, which offers a highly-stimulating research environments with state-of-the-art facilities and a broad interdisciplinary surrounding. The PhD degree will be awarded by ETH Zurich. The PhD student will have access to the advanced nanofabrication facilities available at the ETH FIRST Lab and at the Binnig and Rohrer Nanotechnology Center (IBM Research Zurich).

This fully-funded and full-time position will be available from September 2025 on, with a planned project duration of four years. The PhD student will develop expertise in the areas of material synthesis and characterisation, nanofabrication, (thermos)electric characterization of nanodevices at cryogenic temperatures, and carbon-based nanoelectronics.

We live a culture of inclusion and respect. We welcome all people who are interested in innovative, sustainable and meaningful activities - that's what counts.

We look forward to receiving your complete online application including a letter of motivation, CV, certificates, diplomas with transcripts 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.