Post-Doc in ceramic composites for laser joining (a)

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 main objective of this Swiss funded multi-partner and interdisciplinary research project is to develop new alumina based ceramic composite materials for laser joining to metals and conductive ceramics in the field of batteries and energy storage devices.

Your responsibilities will involve developing new alumina based insulators which are compatible with laser joining. Developing of active interlayer wetting materials, e.g. glass and metal based for laser joining of ceramics to metals. You will also have hands on experience to characterize the properties of the ceramic materials and joins for both the microstructure and mechanical properties.

We are seeking a highly motivated and dedicated candidate, recently graduated with a Ph.D. in materials science or ceramics science. Candidates should have a profound interdisciplinary knowledge in ceramics processing, joining of metals to ceramics and energy storage. Candidates should have excellent written and spoken language skills in English (and knowledge of German is a plus).

• PhD degree in Materials Science or Ceramics Science. 
• Hands on knowledge of processing of alumina and oxide ceramics is mandatory. 
• Design of ceramic microstructure for joining. 
• Practical experience in characterizing the properties of ceramic materials and joins for both the microstructure and mechanical properties. 
• Experience of ceramic to ceramic and ceramic to metal joining would be very beneficial. 
• Excellent communication and organizational skills, to effectively manage a multi-team research project.
•  Strong writing skills to publish peer reviewed articles.

• We are offering the possibility to working in a modern research laboratory in an interdisciplinary materials science environment. 
• The candidate will be working closely with industrial and academic partners. 
• You will be connected to different labs at Empa and in Switzerland. 
• You will make a substantial impact for future environmentally friendly energy storage devices. 

This position will be available from August 1st, 2023 with a planned duration of 2 years.

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.