Postdoc in piezoelectric thin films for micro- and nano-electromechanics - DTU Energy

Are you passionate about material science and have an innovative mindset? Are you passionate about microelectromechanical systems? If you are establishing your career as a scientist and looking for the best possible foundation for fulfilling your dreams and ambitions, it is right in front of you. At DTU Energy, we continuously strive for innovative energy solutions and are now looking for a postdoc to be a part of new, exciting research. Partially funded by the European Commission, we will work on new electromechanically functional materials for micro- and nano-electromechanical systems (MEMS and NEMS).
Are you passionate about material science and have an innovative mindset?

Are you passionate about microelectromechanical systems?

If you are establishing your career as a scientist and looking for the best possible foundation for fulfilling your dreams and ambitions, it is right in front of you. At DTU Energy, we continuously strive for innovative energy solutions and are now looking for a postdoc to be a part of new, exciting research. Partially funded by the European Commission, we will work on new electromechanically functional materials for micro- and nano-electromechanical systems (MEMS and NEMS).

Prof. Vincenzo Esposito leads the project in the framework of a dynamic team in the Functional Oxides section. The FOX team possesses excellent competencies and the most advanced investigation tools for advanced functional materials.

Responsibilities and qualifications
The project aims to fabricate nanometric material, including nanostructured Nitrides and Oxides, 2D materials, and heterostructures for high-frequency applications. State-of-the-art physical vapor deposition methods (PLD and Sputtering) and laser interferometry are available for the fabrication and characterization of the devices.

Your overall focus will be strengthening the department’s material science competencies for new energy technologies. You will work with colleagues nearby and academic and industrial partners in Denmark and abroad. Your primary tasks will be to:

• Experimental set-up: develop a motorized system to deposit the thin films.
• Chemical synthesis: the candidate will fabricate ceramic targets for thin film deposition using the solid-state reaction and similar chemical methods.
• PVD deposition: The candidate will assemble the materials using advanced techniques, such as pulsed laser deposition (PLD) and radio frequency magnetron sputtering (RFMS). These techniques allow for assembling the compounds with atomic precision.
• Structural, microstructural, and chemical compositions: the candidate will characterize the nanostructures using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and electron microscopy techniques.
• Electrochemical characterization: the candidate will characterize the deposited thin films by various electrochemical methods, including AC and DC techniques.
• Electromechanical: Laser interferometry and optical probes are used to characterize the electromechanical response of the thin films on the polymeric substrates.
• Test of the device for the biomedical application with reference fluids.
• Manage the project and support the coordinator in reporting to the EU Commission.

Other characterization methods at various synchrotron facilities in the EU will be adopted throughout the project.

We need a collaborator with the following skills and qualifications

• A PhD degree in chemistry, physics, materials science, engineering, or similar
• Good communication skills in English, both written and spoken
• The ability to work independently with a strong drive to plan and carry out complicated tasks
• Interest in contributing positively to a new research group with a collaborative and diverse culture
• A creative mindset for solving problems and identifying new directions and opportunities in your project.

We also value experience with:

• Experience with ferroelectrics
• PVD of ferroelectric metal oxides and/or oxygen ionic conductors.
• Experience with defective metal oxides and nanomaterials.
• Electrochemical characterization techniques (impedance spectroscopy, DC methods, and cyclic voltammetry)
• Characterisation of materials by X-ray diffraction, Scanning electron microscopy, and Atomic force microscopy.
• Project management competencies
• XPS, Raman spectroscopy, and other spectroscopic methods. As a formal qualification, you must hold a PhD degree (or equivalent).

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and terms of employment
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union.

The period of employment is 1 year. The position is a full-time position.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.
Further information may be obtained from Vincenzo Esposito ([email protected])

You can read more about the department at www.energy.dtu.dk

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark.

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 13 April 2025 (23:59 Danish time).

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• Application (cover letter)
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc/PhD – in English)
• List of publications
• Scientific highlights
• List of references (at least two)

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

DTU Energy
The Department of Energy Conversion and Storage is focused on education, research, and development within functional materials and their application in sustainable energy technologies. The department focuses on functional materials and their application in sustainable energy technology. Our research areas include fuel cells, electrolysis, polymer solar cells, magnetic refrigeration, superconductivity, thermoelectrics, sustainable synthetic fuels, and batteries. Additional information about the department can be found at www.energy.dtu.dk

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.

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