Empa is looking for an outstanding PhD candidate with a strong background in Physical Chemistry, Materials Science or Surface Science to take up a challenging PhD position in the area of Graphene Nanoribbon Science and Technology. Within this PhD project, to be conducted in partnership with the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry of the University of Bern, the implementation of specifically designed graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) in prototypical devices will be targeted. Beside the on-surface synthesis and characterization (STM, AFM, Raman, UV-VIS-NIR) of different types of GNRs, the project will focus on optimizing reaction conditions, exploring novel growth substrates, and on developing optimized protocols for the transfer of GNR films from their metallic growth substrate to arbitrary target substrates. Based on this key step in the exploitation of GNR properties, the successful candidate will characterize the optical, structural and transport properties of substrate transferred GNR samples in close collaboration with external partners.
Required qualifications include a master’s degree in Physical Chemistry, Physics or Materials Science. A solid background in (Surface) Chemistry and previous experience using STM or other ultrahigh vacuum surface analysis equipment would be a significant benefit. Very good communication skills in English are required, German language skills are beneficial.
The position is available upon agreement with a planned duration of up to four years.