The Optical Materials Engineering Laboratory in the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering (D-MAVT) at ETH Zurich investigates the synthesis, growth, structure, and optical properties of nanomaterials. The central aim of this project is to determine how closely individual magic-sized nanocrystals approach atomic-scale perfection and how their size, shape, composition, surface chemistry, and structure influence their optical properties. Advanced single-particle microscopy and spectroscopy will be used to uncover variations hidden in conventional measurements, guiding the synthesis and optimization of semiconductor nanocrystals for applications requiring highly uniform optical properties.
Tasks
- Characterize semiconductor nanocrystals using complementary optical and structural experimental techniques.
- Focus initially on CdSe magic-sized nanocrystals, expanding to nanocrystals of different sizes, compositions, surface treatments, and heterostructures, including core/shell and InP nanocrystals.
- Investigate how variations in nanocrystal size, shape, composition, surface chemistry, and structure influence optical properties.
- Use ensemble and single-particle spectroscopy to quantify optical heterogeneity and determine how closely magic-sized nanocrystals approach atomic-scale perfection.
- Measure properties such as emission linewidths, excited-state dynamics, spectral fluctuations, and suitability as single-photon emitters.
- Complement optical studies with advanced structural characterization, including cryogenic electron microscopy and single-particle analysis to determine three-dimensional structures with near-atomic or atomic-scale resolution.
- Examine nanocrystal shape, including possible truncation of tetrahedral magic-sized nanocrystals, and how it varies with particle size, material composition, surface treatment, and isolation procedure.
- Work closely with researchers responsible for nanocrystal synthesis and theoretical modeling, supplying advanced samples for measurements and guiding improvements in synthesis, surface treatment, and structural control.
- Use laboratory optical microscopy and spectroscopy infrastructure and ETH Zurich's state-of-the-art electron microscopy facilities.
- Contribute to general laboratory activities.
- Participate in teaching and supervision of bachelor’s and master’s students.
Requirements
- Curious, motivated, and self-driven with a strong interest in the experimental characterization of nanoscale materials.
- Hold, or be close to completing, an MSc degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, mechanical engineering, nanoscience, physics, or a closely related discipline.
- Experience in one or more of the following areas is advantageous: optical spectroscopy or microscopy; time-resolved or single-particle measurements; electron microscopy; image processing, three-dimensional reconstruction, or single-particle analysis; semiconductor nanocrystals, quantum dots, or other nanoscale materials; machine learning; scientific programming and quantitative data analysis.
- Prior experience with every technique used in the project is not required.
- Strong experimental and quantitative foundation and enthusiasm for learning new optical and structural characterization methods.
- Academic excellence, professional approach to research, careful laboratory practice, and ability to work independently.
- Ability to communicate fluently in English, both orally and in writing.
- Enjoy working in a collaborative and international research environment.
Benefits
- Stimulating doctoral project on nanomaterials using state-of-the-art experimental techniques.
- Join a collaborative and international research group.
- Receive training in complementary optical and structural characterization methods.
- Opportunities for collaboration with specialists in nanocrystal synthesis, theoretical modeling, and advanced microscopy.
- Participation in international conferences and supervision of student research projects.
- Position based in the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering (D-MAVT) at ETH Zurich’s central campus in Zurich, Switzerland.
- Access to laboratory optical microscopy and spectroscopy infrastructure, including advanced laser sources, spectrometers, detectors, and cryogenic equipment.
- Benefit from ETH Zurich’s world-class electron-microscopy facilities and expertise.
- Outstanding scientific environment with extensive opportunities for collaboration across materials science, chemistry, physics, and engineering.
- Inclusive culture, equality of opportunity, and respect for diversity.
- Sustainability as a core value, working towards a climate-neutral future.
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Das Team
The Optical Materials Engineering Laboratory is an interdisciplinary and international team combining materials chemistry, optical spectroscopy, electron microscopy, theoretical modeling, and numerical simulation to understand and control materials at the nanoscale. The doctoral student will work closely with researchers responsible for nanocrystal synthesis and theoretical modeling, and join a collaborative research group.