We are looking for a motivated and skilled post-doctoral researchers to carry out advanced, thin film physics research on piezoelectric thin films to be used as actuators. Our aim is to develop understanding in depositing high performance piezoelectric films using pulsed laser deposition and magnetron sputtering methods.

The XUV Optics Group at Twente has started a new multidisciplinary research program on these topics. We develop forefront fundamental research, relevant to high tech applications. The research will take place in a state-of-the-art thin film laboratory within the MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology at the University of Twente, in collaboration with various academic and industrial partners.

Challenge

Your goal is to develop the key material science required for mastering new piezoelectric thin films. This includes:

• Exploiting new deposition schemes of piezoelectric thin films, including pulsed laser deposition and/or magnetron sputtering, aiming for optimal thin film materials performance.
• Developing the understanding of the piezoelectric film structures and their functional properties using characterization techniques such as AFM, XRD, SEM and DBLI and detailed analysis.
• Exploring alternative functional materials and methods suitable for new film stack geometries.

• You have a PhD degree in materials science, physical chemistry or engineering, solid state or surface physics or a related field.
• You have affinity with the realization of physical vapor deposition of piezoelectric thin films preferably PZT/PMN-PT/AlN and their optical, structural, and chemical analysis.
• You are an excellent team player in an enthusiastic group of scientists and engineers working on a common theme.
• You are creative, like to push boundaries, and are highly motivated to address a major science challenge in thin film physics.
• You are fluent in English and able to collaborate intensively with industrial and academic parties in regular meetings and work visits.

You will be appointed on a fulltime position for 1.5 years with possible extension. The university offers a dynamic ecosystem with enthusiastic colleagues in a stimulating scientific environment. The post-doc salary is between € 3.353 and € 4.402 gross per month depending on experience and qualifications. The offer further involves: a holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.3%, a solid pension scheme, a minimum of 29-day holidays, and numerous professional and personal development programs.

The University of Twente stands for life sciences and technology. High tech and human touch. Education and research that matter. New technology which leads change, innovation and progress in society. The University of Twente is the only campus university in the Netherlands. We have a strong focus on personal development and give scope for carrying out pioneering research. The Faculty of Science & Technology works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Research, which enjoys a high profile internationally, has been accommodated in the multidisciplinary research institutes MESA+ and MIRA.

TheXUV Optics groupis embedded in theMESA+ Institute, which is one of the largest nanotechnology research institutes in the world, delivering competitive and successful high-quality research. The institute employs 500 people of which 275 are PhDs or PostDocs. With its unique NanoLab facilities the institute holds 1250 m2 of cleanroom space and state-of-the-art research equipment.

The University of Twente is an equal opportunity employer which values diversity. We do not discriminate on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability status. Because of our diversity values we do particularly support women to apply.