Ph.D. Position in Organic Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry​/Sol–Gel Chemistry & Materials Science

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. Supported by your supervisors, you will take a leading role in shaping and executing the research project. You will be encouraged to develop independent scientific ideas, propose new concepts, and test them experimentally.

• Designing and executing synthesis strategies and systematic parameter studies
• Investigating polymerization mechanisms, solvent effects, and structure formation processes
• Applying and interpreting advanced materials characterization techniques
• Coordinating project activities and interacting with academic and industrial partners
• Supervising intern students or student researchers contributing to the project
• Hosting visiting researchers from partner organizations
• Compiling, analyzing, and critically interpreting experimental data
• Contributing to patent applications with support from the team
• Leading scientific publications and presenting results at international conferences
• Occasional travel to the industry partner in Asia for information exchange
• Conducting doctoral coursework at a Swiss university
• Successfully completing the Ph.D. mid-term evaluation and doctoral defense

• A high level of scientific curiosity, independence, and motivation
• Master’s degree in organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, sol–gel chemistry, materials science, or a closely related field. (Ph.D. degree with equivalent experience for postdoctoral applicants)
• Strong interest in polymer chemistry fundamentals and structure-controlled materials design
• Experience with organic synthesis and/or polymer–solvent interactions, gelation, or porous materials is a strong advantage
• Familiarity with porous materials characterization techniques is beneficial, but not required, e.g. nitrogen sorption (BET, BJH, NLDFT), SEM, TEM, TGA, FTIR, NMR, thermal conductivity measurements
• Basic knowledge of molecular simulation or modelling (e.g., molecular dynamics, coarse-grained modelling, or structure–property simulations) is advantageous
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English