PhD student position on sustainable electronic materials

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 Empa Laboratory of Cellulose & Wood Materials invites applications for a

PhD student position on sustainable electronic materials

Together with our team of experienced scientists, postdocs and PhD students, you will develop materials that contribute to the development of the next generation of environmentally responsible electronic materials. The goal of the PhD project is to investigate, at a fundamental level, how colloidal science concepts can be used together with electronics to trigger reversible biopolymer liquid crystal assembly for controlled optical and sensing functionalities. We envision that the generated knowledge will advance the field of sustainable electronics and contribute to new developments within soft robotics, wearable sensing and display/user interface applications.

Your responsibilities

• Study the stability, morphological and colloidal properties of selected biopolymers at interfaces and in bulk.
• Characterize triggered liquid crystal assembly of biopolymers using state-of-the art techniques.
• Investigate possibilities to integrate biopolymers and their liquid crystal assemblies in biodegradable optical and sensing devices.
• Publish in peer-reviewed high-impact factor journals and present at international conferences.

Your profile

• MSc in Materials science, Chemical engineering or related disciplines.
• Demonstrated aptitude for scientific creativity and non-conventional thinking.
• Fluent in written and oral English.
• Self-motivated, critical-thinking, open-minded and communicative, with a strong interest to work in an international and interdisciplinary research environment.

The position

We offer a fully funded PhD position at Empa, the Swiss research institute for materials science and technology to conduct cutting-edge research for the benefits of industry and the wellbeing of society. Empa supports equal opportunities such as the compatibility of work and other life areas and lives a culture of inclusion and respect. We are committed to increase the diversity of our team and encourage qualified people from all backgrounds and genders to apply for this position. Applications are open immediately and the starting date is May 2023 or upon mutual agreement.