The Thin Film Laboratory at the Institute of Solid State Physics, University of Latvia (LU CFI) invites two laboratory technicians/PhD students (with a view toward doctoral studies) to join the team to develop UV-sensitive functional materials and printed, flexible UV-dose sensors. The work is conducted within the "STACK-UP" project (Horizon Europe, HORIZON-CSA) for a fixed term from October 1, 2026 to December 31, 2029 (2 full-time positions). Since 2017, the laboratory has been developing thin film technologies — from magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS) to PLD, MOCVD, and ALD — and collaborates with the Baltic vacuum technology industry and European research partners. Current projects include the development of UV-C photodetectors (GoFarUV), which is directly related to this vacancy.
Position: Laboratory Technician/PhD Student — 2 positions
Start Date: October 1, 2026
Employment Type: Fixed-term contract until December 31, 2029, full-time
Salary: €1800 to €2000, depending on experience
Key Responsibilities:
Investigation of UV-sensitive materials and their mechanisms of action;
Development of printable formulations (functional inks);
Optimization of printing and post-processing parameters;
Study of correlations between material properties and UV-dose response;
Integration of UV-sensitive layers with electrochromic and energy storage/generation components;
Evaluation of device stability, flexibility, and environmental durability;
Participation in the implementation of the STACK-UP project's "material-device" approach (functional inks, printing, post-processing, multilayer integration, device validation).
Requirements:
Master's degree in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry, or related field;
Candidate is planning to begin or is already enrolled in doctoral studies;
Interest/experience in nanomaterials, thin films, or functional materials;
Proficient English language skills, both written and spoken;
We Offer:
The opportunity to work at the intersection of fundamental materials science and cutting-edge printed/wearable electronics technologies;
Access to modern material characterization and fabrication infrastructure;
International collaboration with European research partners (RISE, Sweden; KU Leuven, Belgium);
Application
Candidates should apply by November 30, 2026, sending a motivation letter (describing previous experience and motivation for applying) and a current CV with a list of publications to: [email protected] with the reference "PhD Student Position".