eth phd research plan

• Download vertical_align_bottom Fact Sheet Aptitude Colloquium  (PDF, 171 KB)
• Download vertical_align_bottom Notification form aptitude committee  (PDF, 122 KB)
• Download vertical_align_bottom Request for extension of the deadline  (PDF, 149 KB)
• Download vertical_align_bottom IAC Regulations  (PDF, 173 KB)
• Download vertical_align_bottom IAS Regulations  (PDF, 94 KB)
• Download vertical_align_bottom IBZ Regulations  (PDF, 191 KB)
• Download vertical_align_bottom ITES Regulations  (PDF, 166 KB)

Progress report

Doctoral students who have been definitively admitted write an annual progress report on the status and planned progress of their research project, as well as on any significant deviations from the research project described in the doctoral plan.

Annual status conversation

The first annual status conversation must take place no later than 12 months after passing the aptitude colloquium. The date of the most recent interview must be recorded by the doctoral student on myStudies.

The annual status conversation consists of two separate parts:

• Academic progress (basis: progress report)
• Assessment, career and personal development

The first part deals with the doctorate and the research work. The previously written progress report forms the basis for this conversation where all points recorded in the doctoral plan, the next steps and, if necessary, significant changes to the research project are discussed. It is recommended to involve the second advisor in the first part. Other persons may also participate. The second part is a development discussion that includes mutual feedback and the further development of competences. This part is conducted confidentially between the supervisor of the doctoral thesis and the doctoral candidate.

In any case both parts - the progress report and the result of the annual status converstaion - are sent to the second advisor for information.

Please note, it is the responsibility of the conversation participants to keep this document until the completion of the doctorate. The documents do not have to be submitted to the doctoral administration.

• chevron_right Template Progress Report
• chevron_right Template Annual status conversation

Doctoral students who were admitted definitively before 1 January 2022 will pursue regular doctoral studies according to the previous regulations . Doctoral students who were admitted provisionally – but not yet definitively – before 1 January 2022 can choose whether they will pursue regular doctoral studies according to the new regulations or according to the previous regulations.

Doctoral students are not only employees, but students as well. They have both the right and the duty to continue their education and attend courses in their research field, but also in related research areas and interdisciplinary areas.

At least 12 credit points are required for doctoral studies, of which at least one third has to be acquired outside the field of research. A credit point corresponds to a study performance of 25 to 30 working hours. Credit points are only awarded if your own performance can be demonstrated.

For ETH courses, the following regulations apply:

• Only credits visible on the transcript of records on myStudies are accepted
• The compliance with the performance assessment as per the course catalogue is mandatory

Courses which cannot be enrolled under myStudies will be confirmed on the form Download confirmation of course attendance for doctoral students (PDF, 25 KB) vertical_align_bottom .

The confirmation by the Doctoral Administration of D-USYS, should be obtained as soon as the 12 credits are acquired. The following documents are required:

• Transcript of records from myStudies, signed by the supervisor
• Download Confirmation of course attendance (PDF, 25 KB) vertical_align_bottom for credits outside of myStudies, signed by the supervisor
• Download Registration for doctoral examination (PDF, 886 KB) vertical_align_bottom

Please mark the credits which have been acquired outside of your research field.

Doctoral students who were admitted after 1 January 2022 will pursue regular doctoral studies according to the new regulations. Doctoral students who were admitted provisionally – but not yet definitively – before 1 January 2022 can choose whether they will pursue regular doctoral studies according to the new regulations or according to the previous regulations.

To obtain the minimum 12 ECTS credits required in regular doctoral studies, the doctoral student must either pass a performance assessment or demonstrate an active, verifiable contribution. One ECTS credit generally corresponds to a workload of 25–30 hours. Credits must be earned in each of the following three categories:

• Consolidation of knowledge in the research area of the doctoral thesis and the extension of knowledge beyond the original discipline, e.g., through attendance of courses designed especially for doctoral students, regular Master’s degree courses or courses from the third year of Bachelor’s degree studies.
• Acquisition of transferable skills, e.g., by attending soft-skills courses or participating in ETH Zurich bodies or committees. 
• Integration into the scientific community, e.g., by attending international conferences.

Doctoral students must acquire at least 1 ECTS credit by attending a course on the topic of ethics and good scientific practice. This academic achievement falls under category b (transferable skills) .

The following achievements/activities are excluded from counting towards the 12 ECTS credits for regular doctoral studies:

• Achievements before entering the doctorate;
• Achievements in the framework of multiple matriculations at another level of studies, except for credits earned in the context of teacher training / Teaching Certificate courses;
• Participation in seminars/courses of the individual professorship, such as group meetings, retreats etc.;
• Participation in teaching;
• Attendance of courses with no verification of personal performance.

As soon as you have earned the 12 credit points, you can request for completion of your doctoral studies in myStudies. Check your transcript of records and edit it if necessary using the "Assign category" function.

The composition of the entire examination committee must be submitted to the D-USYS Doctoral Administration no later than three months before the examination .

At least one co-examiner must come from outside ETH Zurich. Eligible are active professors from other universities or persons who are proven experts in the area of the doctoral thesis and are equivalent to professors in this. This does not include persons from universities of applied sciences or private industry with the corresponding expertise, they may, however, be appointed as further members of the examination committee (b inding for doctoral examinations conducted on or after 1 January 2024).

It is mandatory that an independent person is part of the examination committee (for example: not part of the same professorship, no cooperation in the context of the doctoral thesis). This can be the external co-examiner. In case of a dependency relationship between the supervisor and/or the doctoral student with the external co-examiner, another independent co-examiner is necessary .

The doctoral examination must be taken no later than 6 years after the temporary admission. Doctoral examinations are usually open to the public. If doctoral students wish to have a non-public examination, they must submit a request to the D-USYS Doctoral Administration. The examination includes a presentation (duration 20 minutes), followed by a defense, including questioning by the members of the examination committee. The doctoral examination lasts at least 1 hour and 20 minutes, Questions from the audience are allowed after the questioning by examiners is completed (questions from the audience do not count towards the minimum duration of the doctoral examination).

The doctoral student organises the date and room for the doctoral examination together with the supervisor and the co-examiners.

There are still three options on how to carry out doctoral exams:

• Doctoral exams can be held with the doctoral student, the members of the examination committee and the chair physically present.
• Doctoral exams can be held as hybrid with some of the participants present.
• Doctoral exams can be held entirely via Zoom.

The doctoral exam is chaired by a professors of D-USYS.

Available dates until 30 June 2024

Available dates from 01 July 2024

If one or more members of the Examination Committee are attending the Doctoral Examination via videoconference, we recommend that you book the room via the videoconference service .

As soon as the date is fixed, and/or, at the latest, 8 weeks before the doctoral examination, please send an e-mail to the Doctoral Administration of D-USYS.

• chevron_right Student portal: Doctoral thesis
• chevron_right Student portal: Doctoral examination

The examination copy of the doctoral thesis must be submitted in electronic form by the doctoral student to the examination committee and the D-USYS Doctoral Administration at least 20 working days before the examination.

The reports must be submitted in electronic form to the D-USYS Doctoral Administration at least 5 working days before the examination by the examination committee.  

Registration for the doctoral examination may only proceed with the consent of the doctoral thesis supervisor and in consultation with the co-examiners.

The doctoral examination is open to the public; it is announced on the department's website .

The following steps have to be taken before you receive your doctor’s title:

• Approval of the thesis by the Department Conference
• Submission of the deposit copies of the thesis maximum 3 months from the date of the Department Conference

The title «Doctor of Science ETH Zurich» may only be given if the copies and the electronic version have been handed over.

• chevron_right Student portal: "Final Steps"
• chevron_right Dates of the Department Conferences
• chevron_right Doctoral graduation dates
• Download vertical_align_bottom Form to submit the doctoral thesis deposit copies  (PDF, 886 KB)

If you wish to change the supervisor for your thesis project, you need the agreement of the new supervisor. Please submit the form Download Change of supervisor (PDF, 285 KB) vertical_align_bottom to the Doctoral Administration Office, signed by the new and if possible the former supervisor.

If it becomes apparent that you will not be able to finish your doctorate within the maximum period of 6 years, a well-founded Download request for extension of deadline for doctoral studies (PDF, 2.6 MB) vertical_align_bottom is to be handed in to the Doctoral Administration D-USYS.

If you withdraw from your doctorate prematurely, it is not enough simply not to enroll for any more semesters. Your withdrawal must be reported to the Doctoral Administration Office using the form Download Withdrawal declaration for doctoral students (PDF, 889 KB) vertical_align_bottom . It is only when you have submitted the form, together with your ETH card, that you will officially be dematriculated.

• chevron_right Ombudspersons and trusted intermediaries
• chevron_right AVETH counselling
• chevron_right AVETH Survival Guide
• chevron_right VMUSYS counselling
• chevron_right Respect campaign
• chevron_right Consulting, help and support
• chevron_right Services and Counselling
• chevron_right Employment
• chevron_right myPath

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Department of Earth Sciences

Participation in the Earth Science doctoral programme provides a stimulating introduction to independent research on a scientific frontier.

An ETH doctorate provides an excellent educational preparation for a career in academic or industry research. A doctoral degree generally takes three to four years with support through a research assistantship.

All degrees, but particularly the Master's and doctoral programmes allow people to study at other universities, either independently or through collaborations and joint programmes such as those at the University of Zurich or the IDEA League of RWTH Aachen and TU Delft. The Department of Earth Sciences also has extensive research and teaching connections with leading universities in North America and Asia, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Boston, the Tokyo Institute of Technology, and the National University of Singapore.

The formal prerequisite for initiating a doctorate is a Diploma, Master's or equivalent College degree, which includes an independent project equal to the Master's Thesis. To enter the doctorate the thematic basis of the Master is of secondary importance. Doctoral students in Earth Sciences are frequently, chemists, physicists or even mathematicians. The candidate's eligibility for one or more departmental research groups is the crucial factor, which determines admittance to the doctorate. In order to determine the eligibility of the candidate for the doctorate a qualifying examination may be required, depending on the professional qualifications of the candidate. Usually the doctoral students are hired as assistants, funded from research grants from government, industry or the ETH Zurich. Prospective doctoral students may participate in the writing of a research proposal during their Master's degree by collaboration with a potential doctorate advisor, thereby participating in the project definition. More frequently, however, project positions are advertised internationally and candidates selected from the international talent pool. All doctoral students contribute to teaching or to the administration of the departmental laboratory infrastructures.

Formal ordinances concerning the doctorate are given in the ETH rules of procedure and the D-ERDW regulations. Further information or documents on doctoral studies are given by the doctoral administration .

Frequently asked questions

The central Doctoral Administration has put together a list of the most frequently asked questions about the new ordinance on doctoral studies .

D-ERDW related information

Your question wasn't answered in the FAQs about the doctorate or in the new documents ? View the FAQ of the D-ERDW Doctoral Administration.

Open doctoral positions

At the department of earth sciences and associated organisations.

• Phone phone +41 44 632 86 44

ETH Zurich Dep. of Earth Sciences Sonneggstrasse 5 NO D 63 8092 Zurich

Appointment

Quick access.

• chevron_right Open positions on the ETH job portal
• chevron_right Registration and admission for an ETH doctorate
• chevron_right ETH Library
• chevron_right AVETH Survival Guide

All doctoral students are automatically members of the Mittelbau association of the Department of Earth Sciences (VAME) .

The Mittelbau meets regularly to discuss department related matters of interest.

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Department of Humanities, Social and Political Sciences

Regulations, templates and forms regarding doctorate, legal documents regarding the doctorate at eth.

• chevron_right Legal basis doctorate
• chevron_right Ordinance on Doctoral Studies
• chevron_right Rector's Implementation Provisions
• chevron_right Requirements at D-GESS

Forms around registration and progress report

• Download vertical_align_bottom Approval of research plan  (PDF, 85 KB)
• Download vertical_align_bottom Process approval research plan behavior section  (PDF, 127 KB)
• Download vertical_align_bottom Template title page research plan  (PDF, 51 KB)
• Download vertical_align_bottom extension deadline research plan  (PDF, 125 KB)
• chevron_right Appointment of the examination committee (German only)
• chevron_right Confirmation of course attendance
• chevron_right progress report
• chevron_right Authorship Declaration
• chevron_right List conflict of interest examination commission (German only)
• chevron_right Extension of Deadline doctorate
• chevron_right Registration for doctoral examination
• chevron_right Template title page doctoral thesis
• chevron_right room reservation
• chevron_right physical presence at examination (German only)
• chevron_right Form deposit copies
• chevron_right Further information on deposit copies
• chevron_right Change of supervisor
• chevron_right Withdrawal declaration

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Interdisciplinary PhD Program Systems Biology

Program structure.

The PhD program “Systems Biology” is a 3-4 year PhD program. It is part of the Life Science Zurich Graduate School and collaborates with the program “Biomedicine” in the teaching of graduate courses. Participating students can choose from a broad selection of research topics and participate in cutting edge research. Enrollment into the program is decided by an admission committee. To graduate from the Systems Biology program, students need to fulfill the following requirements:

• All requirements imposed by their host institution (ETH Zurich or University of Zurich) and home departments.
• Completion of the compulsory introduction course: “Systems Approaches in Biology” in the first year, in any case not later than 18 months after starting the thesis.
• At least 6 ECTS in total must be acquired from courses offered by the Systems Biology and/or Biomedicine programs.
• Deposition and defense of a PhD thesis describing the student’s original research work.

Students will receive a graduation certificate from the Systems Biology program.

The final doctoral degree is conferred by either ETH Zurich or the University of Zurich, depending on the academic affiliation of the host laboratory. In order to finish their doctoral studies, students must acquire 12 ECTS. This requirement complies with the regulations of ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich.

Students must fulfill all PhD requirements from their home institution (ETHZ or UZH) and department. These can be found on the corresponding websites:

Doctoral Studies at ETH Zurich

external page Doctoral Studies at University of Zurich call_made

Each student has to assemble a thesis committee consisting of at least three persons:

• The thesis supervisor
• A second member according to ETH Zurich or University of Zurich regulations (ideally, a member of the SysBio PhD program)
• A third member according to ETH Zurich or University of Zurich regulations (ideally, a member external to the student's host institution)

Further thesis committee requirements/details need to be in line with host institution departmental regulations.

The student selects the members of his/her thesis committee after consultation and in agreement with the PI.

One of the members – but not the student’s supervisor - will chair the thesis committee.

With regard to the thesis committee, the Systems Biology PhD program complies with the regulations of ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich.

After one year, at the latest, the student has to submit a research plan describing his/her proposed PhD work. The templates from any host institution department may be used. The research plan has to be uploaded into the external page DissGo call_made or external page MNF Student Admin call_made database.

The student is responsible for organizing the meetings. At least three members (including the thesis supervisor) have to be present. Committee members may participate via video conferencing. After the scientific part, you will have the chance to talk to your committee members without your PI (and also the PI without you) to discuss any non scientific aspects that you might consider important.

Committee meetings should be held after 9-12 months, after 2 years and if necessary after 3 years, depending on how advanced the student is with his/her work. Adjustments of timing are possible upon mutual agreement of PI and student. Prior to each meeting, please submit a short report (2-3 pages) about your progress to the committee. 

Further rules on the committee meetings and reports follow the regulations of the respective host institution/department.

After every meeting students need to upload the respective thesis committee meeting report forms into the external page DissGo call_made or external page MNF Student Admin call_made database.

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Department of Physics

Forms and documents.

• Regulations chevron_right
• Forms chevron_right
• Templates chevron_right

Regulations

• chevron_right ETH Zurich Ordinance on the Doctorate (01.01.2022)
• chevron_right Rector’s Implementation Provisions for the ETH Zurich Ordinance on the Doctorate (01.01.2022)
• Download vertical_align_bottom D-PHYS Detailbestimmungen zum Doktorat (German) (27.01.2022)  (PDF, 181 KB)
• Download vertical_align_bottom D-PHYS Detailed stipulations regarding the doctorate (English) (27.01.2022)  (PDF, 179 KB)
• Download vertical_align_bottom Presentation: Information Event D-PHYS New Doctoral Ordinance (17.01.2023)  (PDF, 1.2 MB)

Forms (ETH Zurich)

• Download vertical_align_bottom Registration Second advisor  (PDF, 154 KB)
• Download vertical_align_bottom Annual Status Conversation  (PDF, 463 KB)
• Download vertical_align_bottom Confirmation of course attendance for doctoral students  (PDF, 25 KB)
• Download vertical_align_bottom Request for Deadline Extension for Doctoral Studies  (PDF, 538 KB)
• Download vertical_align_bottom Registration for Doctoral Examination  (PDF, 199 KB)
• Download vertical_align_bottom Submitting the doctoral thesis deposit copies  (PDF, 853 KB)
• Download vertical_align_bottom Change of Supervisor  (PDF, 186 KB)
• Download vertical_align_bottom Request for Change of Department  (PDF, 516 KB)
• Download vertical_align_bottom Declatration of withdrawal for doctoral students  (PDF, 630 KB)
• Download vertical_align_bottom D-PHYS Recommended template: Doctoral Plan  (PDF, 415 KB)
• Download vertical_align_bottom D-PHYS Recommended template: Progress Report  (PDF, 131 KB)
• Download vertical_align_bottom ETH Zurich: Sample title page for PhD thesis  (PDF, 128 KB)

Navigation auf uzh.ch

Ph.D. Program Biomolecular Structure and Mechanism

Quicklinks und sprachwechsel, main navigation, research proposal guidelines.

BSM Program, Life Science Zurich Graduate School Research proposal guidelines The format of the research proposal for the BSM PhD Program generally follows the proposal format required by the Department of Biology, ETH Zurich. Research proposals in the BSM PhD program should meet certain criteria regarding form and content. Excluding title page they should have a maximum length of five pages (about 2000 words) and be built up as follows: Title page • working title of the proposed dissertation • name and contact information of the doctoral student • Institute, at which the dissertation should be carried out • names of the members of the doctoral thesis committee • proposed dates for the beginning and planned end of the dissertation Content (approx. 2000 words, max. 5 pages) •  Introduction  (suitable for ‘general biologists’) – approximately  2 pages • descriptions of the  Questions/Hypotheses/Goals  that the dissertation should address:  ½ page •  Experimental approach/strategy: ½ page •  Results obtained  in the period until submission of the proposal:  max. 2 pages • a schematic  Timeline  (schedule of what should be achieved when and by which means) • a list of relevant  References  (cited in the text) At the end of the proposal (outside the 5-page limit), please also outline briefly: • teaching responsibilities • courses taken or intended to be taken for credit

Navigation auf uzh.ch

Quicklinks und Sprachwechsel

Main navigation, procedures & important documents for phd program participation.

Please adhere to the PhD Program guidelines for  Plant Sciences OR Science and Policy (see box "Guidelines" at the bottom) . Each document contains a full explanation of procedures that participants have to adhere to in order to accomplish their PhD studies.

ETH students: Depending on the date of your enrollement at ETH, you must follow the corresponding guidelines.

Important Documents and Admission to a PSC PhD Program

The table below is a checklist of documents to be submitted for your PhD studies. Follow submission instructions on each document.

ETH students: Please refer to the column according to the date of your enrollement (before or later 1.1.2022).

Requirements for the Completion of the PhD Program Plant Sciences OR Science and Policy

All PhD students must follow the regulations of their home institution (university) as well as the complementary regulations of the PSC PhD Program in Plant Sciences OR Science and Policy (see corresponding guidelines).

Find out which courses you have to take on the  Curriculum  in Plant Sciences OR Science and Policy .

PSC PhD Program Certification

The PSC issues a certification stating that you successfully completed a structured PhD program in Plant Sciences OR Science and Policy (in accordance with the PSC guidelines). This document will be provided to you after you have received your Doctoral Degree Certificate from your home university.

In order to receive the PSC PhD Program certification, students are required to:

• Upload your course certificates of all completed courses (at least 12 ECTS) or participation documents to DissGo (pdfs, Milestone Curriculum)
• Send your PhD certificate to the PSC coordination office (pdf):

Issuing the certification generally takes 1 to 2 weeks.

Course Fees

Plant Sciences and Science and Policy courses are free of charge for PhD students enrolled in the PSC PhD Programs.

PhD students registered in a PhD Program have priority in in the respective courses offered by the PhD program. 

If places are available, PhD students of other programs of the Life Science Zurich Graduate School , are invited to join PSC courses for free.

External and non-member PhD participants are welcome, however, a course fee will be charged . Inquire about course fees prior to signing up by contacting the PSC coordinator .

Weiterführende Informationen

Contact psc phd program coordination.

[email protected]

Guidelines Plant Sciences

• Guidelines PS (for students enrolled 1.1.2022 or later) (PDF, 589 KB)
• Guidelines PS (for students enrolled before 1.1.2022) (PDF, 309 KB)

Guidelines Science & Policy

• Guidelines S&P (for students enrolled 1.1.2022 or later) (PDF, 488 KB)
• Guidelines S&P (for students enrolled before 2022) (PDF, 1 MB)

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Dept. of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering

Doctoral studies.

As a doctoral student of D-ITET, you must meet certain requirements in to be admitted to the doctoral examination. You will find the relevant rules on this website and on that of the ETH .

More information on the Doctoral Program:  the doctorate at ETH Zurich .

Doctoral Administration

• Phone phone +41 44 632 33 36
• contacts vCard Download

D-ITET ETZ H 87 Gloriastrasse 35 8092 Zürich Schweiz

Links & Downloads

• chevron_right Upcoming meetings of the doctoral committee
• Download vertical_align_bottom Annual Status Conversation for Doctoral Studies  (PDF, 463 KB)
• chevron_right Code of Conduct
• chevron_right Respect campaign
• chevron_right Academic Calendar ETH
• external page call_made Career Center
• chevron_right Course catalogue
• chevron_right Doctoral administration office
• chevron_right Doctoral studies at ETH
• chevron_right myStudies
• chevron_right Welcome Center

Legal basis

• chevron_right Legal collection
• chevron_right Directives collection
• chevron_right Ordinance on Doctoral Studies at ETH Zurich
• chevron_right Rector's Implementation Provisions
• Download vertical_align_bottom Detail Regulations for Doctoral Studies at D-​ITET (2021)  (PDF, 171 KB)

Planning your PhD research: A 3-year PhD timeline example

Planning out a PhD trajectory can be overwhelming. Example PhD timelines can make the task easier and inspire. The following PhD timeline example describes the process and milestones of completing a PhD within 3 years.

Elements to include in a 3-year PhD timeline

Every successful PhD project begins with a proper plan. Even if there is a high chance that not everything will work out as planned. Having a well-established timeline will keep your work on track.

What to include in a 3-year PhD timeline depends on the unique characteristics of a PhD project, specific university requirements, agreements with the supervisor/s and the PhD student’s career ambitions.

Furthermore, PhD students ideally engage in several different activities throughout a PhD trajectory, which link to their career objectives. Regardless of whether they want to pursue a career within or outside of academia. PhD students should create an all-round profile to increase their future chances in the labour market. Think, for example, of activities such as organising a seminar, engaging in public outreach or showcasing leadership in a small grant application.

The example scenario: Completing a PhD in 3 years

Many (starting) PhD students look for examples of how to plan a PhD in 3 years. Therefore, let’s look at an example scenario of a fictional PhD student. Let’s call her Maria.

Maria likes the idea of doing a postdoc after her graduation. However, she is aware that the academic job market is tough and therefore wants to keep her options open. She could, for instance, imagine to work for a community or non-profit organisation. Therefore, she wants to place emphasis on collaborating with a community organisation during her PhD.

Example: planning year 1 of a 3-year PhD

Example: planning year 2 of a 3-year phd, example: planning year 3 of a 3-year phd.

Time flies, and Maria finds herself in the last year of her PhD. There is still a lot of work to be done, but she sticks to the plan and does her best to complete her PhD.

Example of a 3 year PhD Gantt chart timeline

Final reflection.

In fact, in real life, many PhD students spend four years full-time to complete a PhD based on four papers, instead of three. Some extend their studies even longer.

Master Academia

Get new content delivered directly to your inbox, 10 amazing benefits of getting a phd later in life, how to prepare your viva opening speech, related articles, top 30 motivational quotes for graduate students, ten reasons to pursue an academic career, 10 reasons to do a master’s degree right after graduation, finish a phd (in time) by choosing the right project.

PhD position in Hybrid Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics with Ge semiconductor QDs and high impedance superconducting resonators

100%, zurich, fixed-term.

We are excited to announce a unique opportunity for a highly motivated PhD candidate to join our ongoing collaborative research effort in the field of experimental quantum information science, focusing on spin qubits and hybrid superconducting-semiconductor quantum devices. This position is offered in a shared initiative between the laboratories of Prof. Wallraff and Prof. Scarlino, respectively in ETH Zurich and EPFL. The research activity closely aligns with and is supported by the NCCR SPIN (a Swiss National Center of Competence in Research) in Switzerland, focusing on hole spin qubits.

This position is available immediately, with a flexible start date. We will start reviewing applications on June 15, 2024, and continue until the position is filled.

Project background

The successful candidate will join our experimental teams in advancing our capabilities in quantum information processing with quantum dots and hole spin qubits implemented in planar Germanium . Our project is a collaborative effort between the Quantum Device Lab at ETH Zurich and the Hybrid Quantum Circuit lab at EPFL. This collaboration is part of the NCCR SPIN , which aims to drive cutting-edge research in the field of quantum technology focusing on hole-spin qubits.

As the successful candidate, you will become an essential member of our experimental teams, contributing to the advancement of quantum information processing using hybrid superconducting-semiconductor quantum devices, particularly spin qubits in electrostatically defined quantum dots . Your research will have an emphasis on developing novel readout techniques for spin quantum dot-based qubits, hybrid QD-cavity systems , and flip-chip technology integration.

The project's primary focus is on exploring fast and high-fidelity readout techniques for quantum dot spin qubits, making use of their coupling to high-impedance resonators . Quantum dots and hole spin qubits in planar Germanium offer unique advantages for quantum information processing, including longer coherence times and all electrical-based manipulation. Our groups are also currently developing novel parametric amplifiers which will be an essential component to maximize the readout performance.

Our team has recently achieved significant advancements in coupling the charge and spin degrees of freedom defined in semiconducting quantum dots (QDs) with superconducting resonators and qubits. These developments have enhanced our capabilities of strongly coupling to and reading out spin qubits. Building on this progress, we now aim to leverage our quantum technology expertise and the optimization processes already established at the Quantum Device Lab for superconducting qubits to enhance the readout of spin qubits. To achieve this, we plan to utilize well-designed Purcell filters, strongly coupled readout resonators, and either Josephson-junction-based or kinetic-inductance-based parametric amplifiers. Our goal is to elevate the readout fidelity of spin qubits to above 99% while reducing the integration time to less than 100 ns.

The design, workflow, fabrication processes, and measurement techniques we employ are closely aligned with those used for traditional superconducting qubits. As part of this effort, we are collaborating extensively with the core teams within the NCCR SPIN to drive forward the development of spin qubit-based quantum technology.

Division and Department Information :

This collaborative research project is jointly conducted at ETH Zurich and EPFL, two world-renowned institutions in quantum research which provide a rich scientific environment and unparalleled resources in the field of quantum information science.

Job description

During this project, you will be at the forefront of experimental research, both independently and as a member of our research team. Your responsibilities may encompass:

• Conceptualizing and designing innovative quantum devices and systems
• Conducting advanced microwave measurements with a focus on quantum-limited noise performance
• Developing customized solutions for the control and readout of spin qubits
• Exploring scalability aspects of hybrid quantum systems
• Engaging in material studies and advancing nanofabrication processes to enhance qubit performance
• Fabricating superconducting and semiconducting devices, with the potential to collaborate with other teams within the research groups
• Becoming a member of our fabrication team to contribute to the development of flip-chip technology integration

Your research will benefit from the comprehensive infrastructure, expertise, and collaborative network available within our research groups and across the NCCR SPIN. Regular interactions with theory collaborators, both within Switzerland and internationally, will be integral to your research activities.

As a Ph.D. student, you will also play a role in providing informal supervision to graduate/master students.

We are seeking candidates who hold (or are nearing the completion) a master’s degree in physics, Engineering Physics, or Applied Physics. You should have a strong interest and expertise in at least two of the following areas: experimental quantum processors, quantum information science, quantum optics, superconducting devices, microwave engineering, nanofabrication, and flip-chip technology integration.

A future career in research and development or education, whether in academia or industry, should align with your career aspirations. You should possess a genuine curiosity for scientific exploration and a drive to create impact in quantum research. Proficiency in English, both in reading and writing scientific materials, is a prerequisite. Exceptional candidates with a demonstrated track record in any field of physics, engineering physics, or nanotechnology will be considered. Previous experience in nanofabrication, particularly of superconducting circuits or mesoscopic electronic devices, will be regarded as an asset. Familiarity with experimental condensed-matter physics, quantum optics, and quantum technology is appreciated.

Contract Terms:

This PhD position offers full-time temporary employment.

Joining our collaborative research project provides access to a stimulating and inspiring work environment at ETH Zurich and EPFL Switzerland.

We value diversity

Curious so are we..

We look forward to receiving your application and welcoming a talented PhD candidate to our collaborative research project as part of the NCCR SPIN.

To apply, please submit your application electronically, marked with Ref [INSERT REF NUMBER], in English.

Your application should include the following documents, each in PDF format:

• a detailed curriculum vitae
• a list of publications
• a statement of research interests, containing a short description of your background, motivation and skills
• pdf copies of theses and transcripts/certificates from undergraduate studies (both Bachelor and Master’s) as available
• names of three contacts for references  (Please arrange for one or more of the reference letters to be sent directly by email to [email protected])
• Contact information for two references whom we may contact.

Rolling application until position is filled.

For inquiries or additional information, please contact Prof. Pasquale Scarlino ([email protected]).

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