Plasma discharges in gases create extremely challenging environments for surfaces. Protective coatings are often required to maintain the integrity of plasma-facing materials. However, plasma-induced etching of material and the diffusion of small elements such as hydrogen present challenges even for optimized materials and their coatings. In this project, you will perform in situ studies of the evolution of the surface and interface chemistry of materials exposed to radicals, ions, and full plasma. You will operate ultra-high vacuum tools for the preparation of surfaces and thin films, vacuum-based transfer to plasma exposure setups, and surface-sensitive in situ spectroscopy.
You have a PhD in Physics, Physical Chemistry, or a related field and experience in surface science and/or plasma-surface interactions.
You are motivated, independent, and have good project management skills.
Good verbal and written communication skills (in English) are required. Experience with ultra-high vacuum, photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning probe microscopy, and thin-film growth are considered an advantage for the project.