2 PhD Students (100%) in electrochemistry for sustainable materials technologies (# of pos: 2)

Empa - the place where innovation starts

Empa is the research institute for materials science and technology of the ETH Domain and conducts cutting-edge research for the benefit of industry and the well-being of society.

The performance, durability and sustainability of engineering materials, as applied in e.g. medical technologies, microelectronics, energy harvesting and sensing devices, and 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, the Empa has initiated a PhD Program together with the ETHZ and EPFL (schools 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, is to strengthen research in materials science related electrochemistry and allow a group of four PhD students to get educated and work closely together on eminent various fields of Electrochemistry. 

For this program, we are looking for highly motivated and enthusiastic

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 work within highly motivated and driven teams of 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 degree in Inorganic, Physical Chemistry, Electro-chemistry 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 knowledge of English (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 the 1st of November 2021 (or upon agreement) for 4 years. A candidacy exam has to be passed at EPFL or ETHZ no later than 1 year after the start of the contract.

For further information about the position please contact Dr. Patrik Schmutz  [email protected] and visit our websites www.empa.ch/web/s202 and Empa-Video

to receiving your online application including a letter of motivation, CV, diplomas with transcripts and contact details of two referees. Please upload the requested documents through our webpage. Applications via email will not be considered.

Empa, Cristina Marinoni, Human Resources, Ueberlandstrasse 129, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland.