The Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences (www.chab.ethz.ch) at ETH Zurich and the PSI Center for Neutron and Muon Sciences (CNM, www.psi.ch/en/cnm) at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), Villigen (www.psi.ch) invite applications for a joint professorship in Solid-State Materials.

The new professor will lead, in a joint appointment with ETH Zurich, the Laboratory for Multiscale materials eXperiments (LMX) in CNM, and will thus benefit from the access to PSI’s unique large-scale experimental facilities and analytical infrastructure infrastructure (Swiss spallation neutron source SINQ, Swiss muon source SµS, Swiss light source SLS, and the Swiss free electron laser SwissFEL). An excellent international record of research accomplishments in the following areas is anticipated (non-exhaustive list): materials discovery, advanced structural characterization, electronic materials, and quantum materials, 2D-materials and their applications in electronic and optoelectronics.

Professor of Solid-State Materials

The research programme at the interface of inorganic chemistry, condensed matter physics, and materials science may include design, synthesis, characterization and applications of solid-state inorganic materials. High-quality, single-crystalline materials may be produced using a wide range of synthetic approaches, including solid-state, flux, chemical vapor deposition, and thin-film growth methods. The materials scope could cover high-quality single-crystalline materials from bulk crystals to thin films and heterostructures to 2D materials, to drive the discovery of novel materials offering transformative potential for devices in quantum technologies, neuromorphic computing, energy harvesting, and optoelectronics. Avenues for characterization methods may include X-ray, scattering, total- and diffuse scattering methods, advanced solid-state NMR, and electronic and spin spectroscopy using neutron and muon spin rotation techniques. Highly welcome are research programs that foster synergies with the Paul Scherrer Institute's facilities (SINQ, SµS, SLS, SwissFEL) and the European Spallation Source in Sweden.

Strong and proven leadership skills, demonstrated by a track record for leading a large group or unit, are essential. The future professor is expected to develop a strong international world-class research programme in solid-state materials, while offering support and mentorship to several existing research groups within the organizational unit (LMX). In particular, LMX is responsible for the operation and exploitation of the novel material synthesis facilities to be installed in state-of-the-art Quantum Materials and Materials Discovery Center (QMMC).

The successful candidate should hold a Ph.D. or similar degree in chemistry, material sciences, physics or in a related field. Strong motivation and clear commitment to student education is a prerequisite as the future professor will be involved in teaching at the undergraduate (German or English) and graduate (in English) levels. 

ETH Zurich is an equal opportunity and family-friendly employer, values diversity, and is responsive to the needs of dual-career couples.

Please apply online Applications should include a covering letter; a curriculum vitae; a list of publications; three statements on a) research, b) teaching, c) leadership; descriptions of the three most important achievements*; and a certificate of the highest degree. Please note that the covering letter should be formally addressed to the President of ETH Zurich, Prof. Dr. Joël Mesot. The closing date for applications is 30 September 2026. 

Further information about D-CHAB can be found on our website. Questions regarding the position should be primarily directed to faculty-recruiting@sl.ethz.ch (no applications). 
Please note that applications should be submitted through our online application tool (Faculty Recruiting - Apply).