Materials science and technology are our passion. With our cutting-edge research, Empa's around 1,100 employees make essential contributions to the well-being of society for a future worth living. Empa is a research institution of the ETH Domain.

The Empa Laboratory of Cellulose & Wood Materials invites applications for a PhD student position on advanced assembly of bio-intelligent materials. Together with our team of experienced scientists, postdocs and PhD students, you will develop materials that contribute to the development of the next generation of bio-based hybrid materials.
The goal of the PhD project is to investigate how biopolymers and biocolloids can be tuned into stimuli-responsive reactive and non-reactive inks for advanced assembly (3D printing) of bio-composites. We envision that the generated knowledge will advance the field of sustainable material technologies and contribute to new developments within advanced manufacturing, biopolymers, surface and interface science and biomedical applications.

PhD student on advanced assembly of bio-intelligent materials

Your tasks

• Study the stability, morphological, colloidal and self-assembly properties of selected biopolymers at interfaces and in bulk. 
• Characterize triggered assembly and crosslinking of biopolymers using state-of-the art techniques. 
• Assemble bio-based materials using advanced 3D printing (binder jetting and two-photon polymerization) and characterize the resulting material properties. 
• Publish in peer-reviewed high-impact factor journals and present at international conferences.

Your profile

• MSc in Materials Science, Polymer Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related disciplines. 
• Demonstrated aptitude for scientific creativity and non-conventional thinking. 
• Fluent in written and oral English. 
• Self-motivated, critical-thinking, open-minded and communicative, with a strong interest to work in an international and interdisciplinary research environment.

Our offer
We offer a fully funded PhD position at Empa, the Swiss research institute for materials science and technology to conduct cutting-edge research for the benefits of industry and the wellbeing of society. The work will be carried out at Empa Dübendorf and the PhD student will be affiliated at ETH Zürich. The position is available immediately or upon agreement.

We live a culture of inclusion and respect. We welcome all people who are interested in innovative, sustainable and meaningful activities - that's what counts.

We look forward to receiving your complete online application including a letter of motivation, CV, certificates, diplomas and contact details of two reference persons. Please submit these exclusively via our job portal. Applications by e-mail and by post will not be considered.