PhD Position in the field of cold sintering of ferroelectric ceramic materials 100%
Empa, Materials Science and Technology
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"As Switzerland's incubator for innovation, Empa's research provides answers to the most pressing challenges facing
industry." Prof. Dr. Katharina Maniura, Biointerfaces "Empa's research on the highest international level plays a
leading role in the advancement of technology." Prof. Dr. Ayodhya Nath Tiwari, Thin Films and Photovoltaics "Empa's
materials science and technology research is of great benefit to society in the fields of energy, mobility,
environment, construction and health." Prof. Dr. Bernd Nowack, Technology and Society "For my research projects I use
first-class equipment. This is extremely important in dynamic 3D radiography." Dr. Ameet Aiyangar, Mechanical Systems
Engineering "Empa offers good employment conditions and supports equal opportunities. I consider this very important."
Irene Ferretto, Advanced Materials Processing "Empa has sites in three attractive regions in Switzerland. This also
ensures a good quality of life." Dr. Shanyu Zhao, Building Energy Materials and Components "We enjoy working in a team.
For us it is important that Empa pursues topics like sustainability and innovation." Michael Levy and Nikola Tatalovic,
Finances/Controlling "My work is exciting and highly diverse - and I am right there when research projects are being
implemented in NEST, Empa's research and innovation building." Yannic Trüb, Real Estate Management "At Empa I value the
good work environment and international collaboration." Subas Scheibler, Particles-Biology Interactions
PhD Position in the field of cold sintering of ferroelectric ceramic materials
Share Apply now 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.For a fundamental project, funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), we are
looking for a highly motivated student with a strong background in cold sintering of ferroelectric ceramic materials.
This project focuses on the synthesis of ceramic powder and the densification using the cold sintering processing
method. The focus of the project is the development ferroelectric lead free ceramics sintered below 500°C and the
analysis of their mechanical and electromechanical properties of elastomers with piezoelectric properties using 3D
printing methods. The project is in collaboration with the University Bern.
Your tasks
- Explore commercial and synthesis piezoelectric ceramic powde
- Explore sintering additives for the cold sintering process of ceramic disks
- Piezoelectric characterization of cold-sintered ceramic disk
- Explore the mechanical properties of cold-sintered ceramic disks using biaxial test methods
- Explore microstructural properties of the cold-sintered ceramic disks
- Explore the chemical composition of the cold-sintered ceramic disks
Your profile
You have a master in chemistry, materials science, mechanical engineering or a similar field. Previous experience with
one or more of the following topics is required: Synthesis of ceramic powder, basics in ceramic sintering processes,
cold sintering process or piezoelectric characterization. The experimental nature of the work requires a very high
level of experimental skills, an analytical mindset for interpreting results, and the ability to design innovative
experiments. You are a team player and your strengths include taking personal responsibility, excellence and
flexibility to work and deliver results. The candidate should have excellent written and oral communication skills in
English. Knowledge of German is beneficial, but not mandatory.
Our offer
We offer a PhD position at the research institution with excellent infrastructure and plenty of possibilities for
personal and professional development. The position is for 4 years, starting January 2026 or upon mutual agreement.We
live a culture of inclusion and respect. We welcome all people who are interested in innovative, sustainable and
meaningful activities - that's what counts. 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.CristinaMarinoni,
Bereichspersonalleiterin / HR Partner
Questions?
Dr.FrankClemens
Group Leader Smart ceramic processing
Laboratory for High Performance Ceramics
https://www.empa.ch/web/s201
Your future place of work
Empa
Ueberlandstrasse 129
8600Dübendorf
Empa as an employer
Innovative, sustainable, meaningful activities Creating added value for society International, multicultural working
environment Freedom to create and develop Culture of inclusion and respect Excellent balance between different areas of
life Multiple award-winning and certified employer Benefits for rail, mobile, childcare, catering, etc.
Good to know
Empa website
Working in Switzerland
Employment process
Conditions of employment
Apply now
industry." Prof. Dr. Katharina Maniura, Biointerfaces "Empa's research on the highest international level plays a
leading role in the advancement of technology." Prof. Dr. Ayodhya Nath Tiwari, Thin Films and Photovoltaics "Empa's
materials science and technology research is of great benefit to society in the fields of energy, mobility,
environment, construction and health." Prof. Dr. Bernd Nowack, Technology and Society "For my research projects I use
first-class equipment. This is extremely important in dynamic 3D radiography." Dr. Ameet Aiyangar, Mechanical Systems
Engineering "Empa offers good employment conditions and supports equal opportunities. I consider this very important."
Irene Ferretto, Advanced Materials Processing "Empa has sites in three attractive regions in Switzerland. This also
ensures a good quality of life." Dr. Shanyu Zhao, Building Energy Materials and Components "We enjoy working in a team.
For us it is important that Empa pursues topics like sustainability and innovation." Michael Levy and Nikola Tatalovic,
Finances/Controlling "My work is exciting and highly diverse - and I am right there when research projects are being
implemented in NEST, Empa's research and innovation building." Yannic Trüb, Real Estate Management "At Empa I value the
good work environment and international collaboration." Subas Scheibler, Particles-Biology Interactions
PhD Position in the field of cold sintering of ferroelectric ceramic materials
Share Apply now 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.For a fundamental project, funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), we are
looking for a highly motivated student with a strong background in cold sintering of ferroelectric ceramic materials.
This project focuses on the synthesis of ceramic powder and the densification using the cold sintering processing
method. The focus of the project is the development ferroelectric lead free ceramics sintered below 500°C and the
analysis of their mechanical and electromechanical properties of elastomers with piezoelectric properties using 3D
printing methods. The project is in collaboration with the University Bern.
Your tasks
- Explore commercial and synthesis piezoelectric ceramic powde
- Explore sintering additives for the cold sintering process of ceramic disks
- Piezoelectric characterization of cold-sintered ceramic disk
- Explore the mechanical properties of cold-sintered ceramic disks using biaxial test methods
- Explore microstructural properties of the cold-sintered ceramic disks
- Explore the chemical composition of the cold-sintered ceramic disks
Your profile
You have a master in chemistry, materials science, mechanical engineering or a similar field. Previous experience with
one or more of the following topics is required: Synthesis of ceramic powder, basics in ceramic sintering processes,
cold sintering process or piezoelectric characterization. The experimental nature of the work requires a very high
level of experimental skills, an analytical mindset for interpreting results, and the ability to design innovative
experiments. You are a team player and your strengths include taking personal responsibility, excellence and
flexibility to work and deliver results. The candidate should have excellent written and oral communication skills in
English. Knowledge of German is beneficial, but not mandatory.
Our offer
We offer a PhD position at the research institution with excellent infrastructure and plenty of possibilities for
personal and professional development. The position is for 4 years, starting January 2026 or upon mutual agreement.We
live a culture of inclusion and respect. We welcome all people who are interested in innovative, sustainable and
meaningful activities - that's what counts. 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.CristinaMarinoni,
Bereichspersonalleiterin / HR Partner
Questions?
Dr.FrankClemens
Group Leader Smart ceramic processing
Laboratory for High Performance Ceramics
https://www.empa.ch/web/s201
Your future place of work
Empa
Ueberlandstrasse 129
8600Dübendorf
Empa as an employer
Innovative, sustainable, meaningful activities Creating added value for society International, multicultural working
environment Freedom to create and develop Culture of inclusion and respect Excellent balance between different areas of
life Multiple award-winning and certified employer Benefits for rail, mobile, childcare, catering, etc.
Good to know
Empa website
Working in Switzerland
Employment process
Conditions of employment
Apply now