Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) 
Villigen, Switzerland Offer Summary
The Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) in Villigen, Switzerland, is seeking a PhD Student for the Physical Properties of Materials Group. This position focuses on ferroelectric field effect transistor technologies within an international collaboration. The candidate will perform epitaxy and characterization of functional perovskite oxide thin films, establish composition-structure-function relationships, and optimize lithographic workflows for device architectures. Responsibilities include electrical testing, band structure computations, and publishing peer-reviewed articles. Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in materials science, chemistry, physics, or a related discipline, with foundational knowledge in solid-state physics. Familiarity with physical vapor deposition, cleanroom fabrication, and Python is advantageous. The role requires professional English proficiency; German is an asset. Candidates will be enrolled in the ETH Zürich Doctoral program. Applications are due by 22 November 2026.
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Project Description
PhD Student in ferroelectric field effect transistors
The Paul Scherrer Institute PSI is the largest research institute for natural and engineering sciences within Switzerland. We perform cutting-edge research in the fields of future technologies, energy and climate, health innovation and fundamentals of nature. By performing fundamental and applied research, we work on sustainable solutions for major challenges facing society, science and economy. PSI is committed to the training of future generations. Therefore, about one quarter of our staff are post-docs, post-graduates or apprentices. Altogether, PSI employs 2300 people.
For the Physical Properties of Materials Group we are looking for a
Your tasks
As part of an international collaboration investigating ferroelectric field effect transistor technologies, you will:
- Perform epitaxy and characterization of functional perovskite oxide thin films and their heterostructures
- Establish a composition-structure-function relationship for ferroelectric, semiconducting and metallic materials, together with collaborators
- Grow metal-ferroelectric-semiconductor multilayers, define and optimize lithographic workflows to process the multilayers into device architectures and perform electrical testing and benchmarking of both the individual layers and the multilayer structures as ferroelectric field effect transistors
- Supplement this information with band structure computations towards building a high-performance ferroelectric field effect transistor
- Employ the collected data to publish peer-reviewed articles
Your profile
- Master’s degree or equivalent in materials science, chemistry, physics or a related discipline
- Foundational knowledge on solid state chemistry and/or physics, with knowledge on semiconductors and ferroelectrics considered advantageous
- Understanding of physical vapor deposition and vacuum infrastructure, computational studies of the electronic structure of materials, familiarity with cleanroom device fabrication and experience with Python are considered advantageous
- A communicative and team-oriented profile, who enjoys working in an interdisciplinary research environment
- Professional proficiency in written and spoken English is required; knowledge of German is an asset
We offer
Our institution is based on an interdisciplinary, innovative and dynamic collaboration. You will profit from a systematic training on the job, in addition to personal development possibilities and our pronounced vocational training culture. If you wish to optimally combine work and family life or other personal interests, we are able to support you with our modern employment conditions and the on-site infrastructure.
You will be enrolled in the Doctoral program at ETH Zürich, from which you will receive the PhD title.
For further information, please contact Dr Nikita Shepelin, email nikita.shepelin@psi.ch.
Please submit your application online by 22 November 2026 including addresses of referees for the position as a PhD Student (Index-Nr. 3704-30793).
Paul Scherrer Institute, People & Culture, Emily Kulowatz, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland
