Positions

The aim of the post-doc research is to improve the understanding of the magnetron sputtering deposition process and to develop new ionized sputtering processes. This goal will be achieved by measuring the concentrations of sputtered particles (atoms, ions) in the plasma and by measuring the fluxes of neutrals and ions to the substrate in DCMS and HiPIMS conditions. These results will be correlated with the properties of the deposited layers. Measurements will be carried out in laboratory and industrial conditions.

The post-doc research aims to pioneer thin film technologies for sustainable energy. The main focus will be high thin films stabilised by high entropy for use as next-gen Li-ion battery electrodes or thin-film catalysts for water electrolysers. The post-doc will be responsible for the deposition of these coatings by magnetron sputtering and their physical-chemical analyses. The research will start as basic research, and based on the knowledge gained, future research focusing on specific industrial applications can follow.

The research aims to develop, validate and apply computer simulation tools (models) for studying low-temperature plasma discharges used for materials processing or plasma chemistry (magnetron sputtering discharges, DC, RF or microwave discharges). The applicant is expected to use available simulation software as well as to develop in-house simulation codes. Requirements: Good background in low-temperature plasma physics, programming and data processing skills, experience with low-level programming languages (C++, Fortran) and Python.

The main aim of the candidate will be to complement and support the parallel experimental preparation of functional thin films, in most cases utilizing (often reactive) magnetron sputtering. There are numerous directions of future research (nanoparticles, thermochromic materials, novel catalytic materials, atom-by-atom growth of multielement materials, etc.). The applicant is expected to have an experience with atomic-scale simulations, in the first place ab-initio, but ideally also classical molecular dynamics and good knowledge of some of the corresponding software (Quantum Espresso, VASP, CPMD, etc.).

A postdoc position is open for research in the field of hard nanostructured coatings based on transition metal diborides (TMB2, where TM = Y, Ti, Zr, Nb, V, Ta, W, and Mo) prepared by PVD techniques. The main goal is to create a ceramic material system with improved fracture toughness and oxidation resistance, which will expand the application potential in temperature-demanding conditions. Research includes experimental preparation of coatings and their investigation using several analytical methods, e.g., scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), wave-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (WDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and nanoindentation.

A postdoc position is open for research in the field of advanced nanostructured and/or porous coatings for hydrogen economy prepared by PVD techniques. Depending on the candidate’s background and experience, the research topic can be focused on coatings for chemiresistive hydrogen gas sensors with the aim to improve the sensor’s sensitivity and response rate, or catalyst coatings for alkaline water electrolysis with the aim to improve the efficiency of the electrolysis. The research includes experimental preparation of the coatings, investigation of their properties e.g. by SEM, EDS, WDS, XPS, XRD, etc., and complex characterization of their gas sensing / electrolysis performance.