Postdoctoral Fellow in solid state chemistry

02 February 2026
100%
Permanent position
Villigen PSI

Job summary

Join the Paul Scherrer Institute, Switzerland's leading research hub. Explore innovative opportunities in a collaborative environment.

Tasks

Synthesize novel polycrystalline and single crystalline compounds.
Utilize high-pressure synthesis and floating zone techniques.
Characterize materials and publish findings in scientific literature.

Skills

Recent PhD in chemistry, physics, or a related field required.
Experience with solid state synthesis and crystallography methods.
Strong communication skills in English, both written and spoken.

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About the job

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 our Solid State Chemistry Group of the PSI Center for Neutron and Muon Sciences we are looking for a

Your tasks

The position is available within the framework of the French-Swiss ANR-SNF grant, the aim of which is to create new phases of superconducting nickelates and map their phase diagram. At a fundamental level, your experimental study of nickelates will improve our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the high-temperature superconductivity, particularly in comparison to the well-known cuprates. The project will consist of the following tasks:

Synthesizing of polycrystalline and single crystalline novel compounds for the study at the large-scale facilities

Using various synthesis approaches, with a strong focus on high-pressure synthesis (at ETH) and travelling solvent floating zone techniques (at PSI)

Crystallographic characterization by means of single crystal and powder diffraction methods

Publication of research results in scientific literature and presentations at international conferences

Maintaining international scientific collaborations

Your profile

Recent PhD degree in chemistry, physics, or a closely related discipline

Experience of both synthesis methods of solid state chemistry and crystallography analytical methods

Understanding of open questions in physics of strongly correlated materials

Proficiency in spoken and written English, complemented by excellent communication skills

Experience of conducting experiments at large scale facilities is a plus

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.

Your employment contract is limited to 2 years.

For further information, please contact Dr. Dariusz Jakub Gawryluk, phone +41 56 310 41 81.

Please submit your application online by 4 March 2026 (including list of publications and addresses of referees) for the position as a Postdoctoral Fellow (Index-Nr. 3703-26145).

Paul Scherrer Institute, Human Resources Management, Serdal Varol, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland

www.psi.ch