2 PhD Students (100%) in electrochemistry for sustainable materials technologies

The performance, durability and sustainability of engineering materials, as applied in e.g. medical technologies, microelectronics, energy harvesting and sensing devices, or large infrastructures, critically depend on the (electro)chemical reactivity and passivation (surficial oxide formation) of the metal or alloy surface in its service environment. 

With the support of the Metrohm Foundation, Empa has initiated a PhD program together with the ETH Zurich and EPFL (universities where the students will graduate). The Metrohm Foundation aims to support and promote scientific education in Switzerland, particularly in the fields of chemistry and electrochemistry. The general aim of the PhD program, coordinated by the laboratory of Joining Technologies and Corrosion at Empa, is to strengthen research in materials science related electrochemistry and allow a group of four PhD students to get educated and work closely together in various eminent fields of electrochemistry.

For two specific fields of this program, we are looking for highly motivated and enthusiastic

2 PhD Students (100%) in electrochemistry for sustainable materials technologies

to join our interdisciplinary team and program. Would you like to contribute to cutting-edge research and innovation and work on collaborative projects with academia and industrial partners? Are you interested to explore and push the limits of what is technical possible together with highly motivated senior and junior academics, technicians, doctoral and master students?

We offer positions in the following topical fields related to electrochemistry for sustainable materials technologies for: 

The candidate should have a Master’s degree in Inorganic or Physical Chemistry, in Electrochemistry or Materials Science. We expect a strong background in electrochemical and surface-analytical characterization, as well as proven experimental experience in analytical chemistry and electrochemical methods. Excellent communication skills, the ability to work in highly-interdisciplinary research teams, as well as excellent English skills (oral and written), are prerequisites. Knowledge of German and French would be an advantage. 

Please indicate your preferred topic including a statement of reason in the letter of motivation.

We offer a highly interdisciplinary and dynamic research environment with state-of-the-art laboratory equipment, an international network and contacts to academic and industrial partners. The positions (100%) are available from 1st November 2021 (or upon agreement) for 4 years. A candidacy exam has to be passed at EPFL or ETH Zurich no later than 1 year after the start of the contract.