Research Assistant to support thin-film deposition, pulsed-laser annealing, and characterization - DTU Energy

If you are building your career in experimental materials science and want a role where your work directly shapes next-generation microelectronics, this position is for you. As a research assistant in our ferroelectric thin-film program, you will gain hands-on experience with advanced deposition, laser processing, and nanoscale characterization while contributing to groundbreaking Fe-FET technologies developed by DTU Energy.

Responsibilities and qualifications
Your overall focus will be to support the development of ferroelectric HfO₂–ZrO₂ thin films and prototype Fe-FET devices through advanced deposition, pulsed-laser annealing, and electrical characterization. You will work closely with experienced researchers at DTU Energy, contributing directly to the optimization of thin-film processing workflows, setup operation, data acquisition, and analysis. The role is hands-on and experimental, ideal for someone who wants to develop strong laboratory skills in next-generation oxide electronics.

Your primary tasks will be to:

• Operate and maintain the pulsed-laser annealing (PLA) setup
• Run PLA experiments, optimize parameters, and manage software interfaces
• Support thin-film deposition, sample preparation, and device assembly
• Perform electrical measurements (impedance, I–V, cyclic voltammetry)
• Conduct ferroelectric characterization (PFM, switching tests, loops)
• Analyse and document experimental data
• Collaborate with researchers, ensure safe lab operation and contribute to continuous improvement

Qualifications (need-to-have):

• Background in materials science, mechanical engineering, or related fields
• Hands-on experience with laboratory instrumentation
• Familiarity with electrical characterization (impedance, I–V, CV)
• Ability to work with experimental software interfaces
• Strong documentation, data handling, and troubleshooting skills
• Ability to work independently and in a collaborative research environment

As a formal qualification, you must have a master’s degree in engineering or equivalent.

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility. 

Salary and terms of employment 
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. 

The period of employment is 9 months. The position is a full-time position.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here.

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Vincenzo Esposito, vies@dtu.dk 

You can read more about DTU Energy at https://www.energy.dtu.dk/ 

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark.

Application procedure 
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than 9 February 2026 (23:59 Danish time). 

Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply now", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• Application (cover letter)
• CV
• Academic Diplomas (MSc)

Applications received after the deadline will not be considered.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, disability, race, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply. As DTU works with research in critical technology, which is subject to special rules for security and export control, open-source background checks may be conducted on qualified candidates for the position.

The Department of Energy Conversion and Storage (DTU Energy) focuses on research and development of functional materials, components, and systems for sustainable energy technologies. The technologies include fuel cells, electrolysis, power-to-x, batteries, and carbon capture. The research is based on strong competences on electrochemistry, atomic scale and multi-physics modelling, autonomous materials discovery, materials processing, and structural analyses. We also focus on educating engineering students at all levels, ranging from BSc, MSc, PhD to lifelong learning students. We have about 300 dedicated employees. Read more about us at www.energy.dtu.dk.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear mission to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That mission lives on today. DTU has 13,500 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.