Assistant Professor – Thin Film Materials & Surface Engineering

About the role

We are seeking an Assistant Professor to lead research and teaching in thin‑film materials and surface engineering. The successful candidate will join a vibrant academic team, driving innovative protective‑coating solutions for industrial applications.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct cutting‑edge research on thin‑film deposition using physical vapor deposition (magnetron sputtering) and chemical vapor deposition techniques.
• Develop thin‑film materials tailored for corrosion resistance, wear resistance and low‑friction applications.
• Apply low‑pressure plasma treatments (nitriding, carburising) to enhance hardness, wear resistance and fatigue life of metallic components.
• Perform advanced characterisation (structural, morphological, mechanical, chemical) using X‑ray photoelectron spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and mechanical testing.
• Collaborate with industry partners to translate laboratory results into scalable coating technologies.
• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in materials science, thin‑film deposition and surface engineering.
• Supervise master’s and PhD students, guiding experimental design and data analysis.
• Publish findings in high‑impact journals and present at international conferences.

Required profile

• PhD in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Physics or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated expertise in thin‑film deposition, surface modification and protective‑coating development.
• Strong publication record in relevant fields.
• Experience in teaching and supervising graduate students.

Required skills

• Physical vapor deposition (magnetron sputtering)
• Chemical vapor deposition
• Low‑pressure plasma nitriding and carburising
• X‑ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS)
• Atomic force microscopy (AFM)
• Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
• Raman spectroscopy
• Hardness, scratch, friction and roughness testing