The University of Basel invites applications for a two-year postdoctoral research position fully funded in thin film coatings and surface analysis, with applications to optical diagnostic components for future nuclear fusion reactors such as ITER. The postdoctoral researcher will develop, characterise, and optimise thin film coatings for first mirrors used in nuclear fusion diagnostics. These critical components suffer from material deposition and degradation under reactor conditions. The project combines experimental work on thin film deposition techniques with advanced surface characterisation (e.g., XPS, SEM, AFM) and plasma interaction studies.

• We have an open position for a PhD thesis in the group. The student will work in the field of Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy (KPFM) and surface characterization. Performing high resolution KPFM measurements for surface characterization of quantum nanostructures. The focus of this position will be on the analysis of single atom doping at the nanoscale and the optimization of feedback processes to enable precise doping for quantum applications. You will have the opportunity to use advanced atomic force and tunneling microscopy in N2 atmosphere and ultra-high vacuum and to perform surface characterization of semiconductors, single molecules and molecular layers.
• We have an open position for a PhD thesis in the group. The student will work in the field of Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy (KPFM) and surface characterization. Performing high resolution KPFM measurements for surface characterization of quantum nanostructures. The focus of this position will be on the analysis of single atom doping at the nanoscale and the optimization of feedback processes to enable precise doping for quantum applications. You will have the opportunity to use advanced atomic force and tunneling microscopy in N2 atmosphere and ultra-high vacuum and to perform surface characterization of semiconductors, single molecules and molecular layers.

We have an open position for a PhD thesis in our group. The student will work in the field of experimental plasma cleaning for optical diagnostic systems in future nuclear fusion facilities such as ITER. The first mirrors will be crucial in numerous ITER optical diagnostic systems. The deposition of material eroded from the tokamak wall can severely degrade the reflectivity of the first mirrors. Plasma cleaning using radio-frequency capacitively coupled plasmas is currently considered the most promising in-situ cleaning technique. However, this technique has not been validated with magnetised plasmas, which is crucial in fusion tokamaks.
This 4-year PhD aims to study how factors like electrode impedance, magnetic field effects, electrode erosion, and surface characteristics impact plasma cleaning processes. The project will involve operating plasma devices, using and developing plasma diagnostic techniques (e.g., Langmuir probes, Retarding Field Analysers), and analysing surface properties post-cleaning.

• We have two open position for atomic force microscopy master projects in our group. The student will have to work on: "Molecular adsorption on 2D MoS2 islands gown on Au(111) surface" and on "Electrospray deposition of graphene like and graphene like precursors molecules"

• We have an open position for a master project in our group. The student will have to work on: "Experimental study on the isotopic exchange reactions between hydrogen isotopes and ammonia in the presence of metal surfaces"

• We have an open position for a master within NCCR spin project.