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Empa in Dübendorf seeks a PhD student to work on Hydrogen on surfaces by REELS SHARC. The role will help establish the scientific basis for electron recoil spectroscopy for hydrogen analysis, with duties in UHV surface preparation, electron spectroscopy experiments, and data modeling. Requirements: Master in physics, physical chemistry or materials science; experience in surface science and hydrogen technology is advantageous. English required, German a plus; independence, goal orientation and collaboration essential. The position offers enrollment in the Zurich Graduate School. Apply online with a concise research statement, a CV with publications, and two referees; applications only via the job portal. Tips: tailor your statement to SHARC, emphasize UHV and spectroscopy, data analysis, and interdisciplinary teamwork; indicate start date and language willingness.

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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.

PhD student "Hydrogen on surfaces by high-resolution REELS"

The Laboratory Chemical Energy Carriers and Vehicle Systems Laboratory conducts, develops and optimizes processes for renewable fuels. The group “Hydrogen Spectroscopy” is further involved in hydrogen science & technology for novel energy storage technologies such as power-to-gas.
The aim of the project SHARC is to develop an instrument that can perform quantitative hydrogen analysis using electron spectroscopy. Main task of the PhD student is to establish the scientific basis for high-resolution electron recoil spectroscopy for surface hydrogen analysis.
Your tasks
The main experimental activities include 

• Working with Ultra-high vacuum technology (UHV) and surface techniques for preparation and analysis of surfaces
• Conducting and evaluation of electron spectroscopy experiments
• Modelling of experimental data

Your profile
The position is immediately available for a candidate with a master's degree (or equivalent) preferably in physics, physical chemistry or materials science. Experience in surface science and hydrogen technology is of advantage. The ideal candidate has an independent, target- and solution-driven work attitude, inter- and multidisciplinary thinking & strong motivation and interest to join an ambitious interdisciplinary research team with integrative and cooperative personality. Excellent English knowledge (written and oral) is required, German is an advantage.
Our offer
We offer an interesting research environment with excellent infrastructure and broad interdisciplinary surrounding. The PhD-student will be enrolled in the Graduate School of Chemical and Molecular Sciences Zurich.
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 short statement of research interests, CV including a list of publications and names and contact details of two references. Please submit these exclusively via our job portal. Applications by e-mail and by post will not be considered.