The Liquid Interfaces group is a young work group within the van Bokhoven laboratory in the Institute for Chemical and Bioengineering at ETH Zurich. Currently we are four members and ten affiliated associates. We seek a highly motivated research candidate as we expand our interests into the field of hard X-ray ambient pressure photoemission at the liquid-solid interface.

PhD student in ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

The work group is principally concerned with fundamental properties such as geometric and electronic structures at vapor-liquid and liquid-nanoparticle interfaces using modern surface science instrumentation that operate in liquid environments. A large portion of our research is conducted at the Swiss Light Source synchrotron radiation facility using our near ambient pressure photoemission (NAPP) spectrometer.

We are looking for a new member PhD candidate to develop NAPP at the liquid-solid interface using hard X-ray synchrotron radiation for studies addressing the structure-reactivity relationship of supported catalysts in liquid solutions. The position requires a Master’s degree or equivalent in physics, chemistry, materials science, or a related field. The successful candidate must be willing and able to work effectively in a dynamic team environment, have interest in developing advanced instrumentation and methodology, travel and participate at synchrotron beamtimes, and have proficiency in English. The position is funded for three years and the estimated start date is spring/summer 2014.

For further information please visit our website at www.surfacescience.ethz.ch or e-mail the work group leader, Dr. Matthew Brown, at matthew.brown@chem.ethz.ch (no applications).

Applications with cover letter, cv, diplomas and work certificates should be sent online with attention to: ETH Zurich, Mr. Hans-Peter Freitag, Human Resources, CH-8093 Zürich.