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

Organisation/Company Empa Research Field Chemistry » Inorganic chemistry Chemistry » Other Engineering » Materials engineering Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Final date to receive applications 3 May 2026 - 21:59 (UTC) Country Switzerland Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

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 Laboratory for Building Energy Materials and Components develops advanced and/or low eco-impact, porous materials for insulation, sorption, and energy-related applications. Our research portfolio spans fundamental materials chemistry, process–structure–property relationships, and application-driven R&D, in close collaboration with academic and industrial partners.
To strengthen our team, we are seeking a highly motivated Ph.D. candidate with a strong background in organic and/or polymer chemistry and an interest in porous polymer materials. While the position is primarily intended for a Ph.D. student, outstanding postdoctoral applicants with an exceptional fit to the project scope may also be considered.
Research Focus
The project builds on Empa’s extensive experience in polyimide aerogels and related porous polymer systems, which have already demonstrated strong application potential. The central goal of this Ph.D. project is to move beyond established synthesis routes toward a deeper, chemistry-driven understanding of structure formation in porous polymers.
Key scientific objectives include:

• Elucidating how monomer structure, solvent choice, and oligomer formation govern polymerization pathways, phase behavior, and network evolution
• Understanding polymer–solvent interactions, aggregation mechanisms, and gelation kinetics in polyimide and related systems
• Designing and synthesizing new monomers, modified backbones, or grafted polymer architectures to deliberately tailor hierarchical pore structures
• Establishing clear structure–property relationships that link molecular design to macroscopic performance in porous polymer aerogels The project is fundamental in nature but is embedded in an industry-sponsored framework that provides clear relevance, resources, and pathways toward innovation.

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

Your role
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.
Your responsibilities will include:

• 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

Your profile

• 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…