Ph.D. Position in Organic Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, and/or Sol-Gel Chemistry & Materials Science 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
Ph.D. Position in Organic Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, and/or Sol–Gel Chemistry & Materials Science
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.The Laboratory for Building Energy Materials and Components develops advanced and/or low
eco-impact, porous materials for insulation, sorption, and energy-related applications. Our research portfolio spans
fundamental materials chemistry, process–structure–property relationships, and application-driven R&D, in close
collaboration with academic and industrial partners.
To strengthen our team, we are seeking a highly motivated Ph.D. candidate with a strong background in organic and/or
polymer chemistry and an interest in porous polymer materials. While the position is primarily intended for a Ph.D.
student, outstanding postdoctoral applicants with an exceptional fit to the project scope may also be considered.
Research Focus The project builds on Empa’s extensive experience in polyimide aerogels and related porous polymer
systems, which have already demonstrated strong application potential. The central goal of this Ph.D. project is to
move beyond established synthesis routes toward a deeper, chemistry-driven understanding of structure formation in
porous polymers.
Key scientific objectives include:
- Elucidating how monomer structure, solvent choice, and oligomer formation govern polymerization pathways, phase
behavior, and network evolution
- Understanding polymer–solvent interactions, aggregation mechanisms, and gelation kinetics in polyimide and related
systems
- Designing and synthesizing new monomers, modified backbones, or grafted polymer architectures to deliberately tailor
hierarchical pore structures
- Establishing clear structure–property relationships that link molecular design to macroscopic performance in porous
polymer aerogels The project is fundamental in nature but is embedded in an industry-sponsored framework that provides
clear relevance, resources, and pathways toward innovation.
Your role
Supported by your supervisors, you will take a leading role in shaping and executing the research project. You will be
encouraged to develop independent scientific ideas, propose new concepts, and test them experimentally.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Designing and executing synthesis strategies and systematic parameter studies
- Investigating polymerization mechanisms, solvent effects, and structure formation processes
- Applying and interpreting advanced materials characterization techniques
- Coordinating project activities and interacting with academic and industrial partners
- Supervising intern students or student researchers contributing to the project
- Hosting visiting researchers from partner organizations
- Compiling, analyzing, and critically interpreting experimental data
- Contributing to patent applications with support from the team
- Leading scientific publications and presenting results at international conferences
- Occasional travel to the industry partner in Asia for information exchange
- Conducting doctoral coursework at a Swiss university
- Successfully completing the Ph.D. mid-term evaluation and doctoral defense
Your profile
- A high level of scientific curiosity, independence, and motivation
- Master’s degree in organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, sol–gel chemistry, materials science, or a closely related
field. (Ph.D. degree with equivalent experience for postdoctoral applicants)
- Strong interest in polymer chemistry fundamentals and structure-controlled materials design
- Experience with organic synthesis and/or polymer–solvent interactions, gelation, or porous materials is a strong
advantage
- Familiarity with porous materials characterization techniques is beneficial, but not required, e.g. nitrogen
sorption (BET, BJH, NLDFT), SEM, TEM, TGA, FTIR, NMR, thermal conductivity measurements
- Basic knowledge of molecular simulation or modelling (e.g., molecular dynamics, coarse-grained modelling, or
structure–property simulations) is advantageous
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English
Our offer
We offer a stimulating, international, and collaborative research environment at a leading research institution with
state-of-the-art infrastructure. You will work at the interface of fundamental chemistry and materials engineering,
with substantial freedom to develop your own ideas.
Empa is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where different perspectives are valued. The
laboratory and supervisors provide a supportive and safe-to-fail work environment. As part of the ETH Domain, we offer
attractive employment conditions and excellent opportunities for professional and personal development.
Start date is May 2026 or upon agreement for a duration of 3 years. Exceptionally strong Postdoctoral candidates may
also be considered; 60–100%, 2 years.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.DavidHeusser, HR Partner
Questions?
Dr.ShanyuZhao
Group leader
Building Energy Materials and Components
+41 58 765 4244
https://www.empa.ch/web/s312
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
Ph.D. Position in Organic Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, and/or Sol–Gel Chemistry & Materials Science
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.The Laboratory for Building Energy Materials and Components develops advanced and/or low
eco-impact, porous materials for insulation, sorption, and energy-related applications. Our research portfolio spans
fundamental materials chemistry, process–structure–property relationships, and application-driven R&D, in close
collaboration with academic and industrial partners.
To strengthen our team, we are seeking a highly motivated Ph.D. candidate with a strong background in organic and/or
polymer chemistry and an interest in porous polymer materials. While the position is primarily intended for a Ph.D.
student, outstanding postdoctoral applicants with an exceptional fit to the project scope may also be considered.
Research Focus The project builds on Empa’s extensive experience in polyimide aerogels and related porous polymer
systems, which have already demonstrated strong application potential. The central goal of this Ph.D. project is to
move beyond established synthesis routes toward a deeper, chemistry-driven understanding of structure formation in
porous polymers.
Key scientific objectives include:
- Elucidating how monomer structure, solvent choice, and oligomer formation govern polymerization pathways, phase
behavior, and network evolution
- Understanding polymer–solvent interactions, aggregation mechanisms, and gelation kinetics in polyimide and related
systems
- Designing and synthesizing new monomers, modified backbones, or grafted polymer architectures to deliberately tailor
hierarchical pore structures
- Establishing clear structure–property relationships that link molecular design to macroscopic performance in porous
polymer aerogels The project is fundamental in nature but is embedded in an industry-sponsored framework that provides
clear relevance, resources, and pathways toward innovation.
Your role
Supported by your supervisors, you will take a leading role in shaping and executing the research project. You will be
encouraged to develop independent scientific ideas, propose new concepts, and test them experimentally.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Designing and executing synthesis strategies and systematic parameter studies
- Investigating polymerization mechanisms, solvent effects, and structure formation processes
- Applying and interpreting advanced materials characterization techniques
- Coordinating project activities and interacting with academic and industrial partners
- Supervising intern students or student researchers contributing to the project
- Hosting visiting researchers from partner organizations
- Compiling, analyzing, and critically interpreting experimental data
- Contributing to patent applications with support from the team
- Leading scientific publications and presenting results at international conferences
- Occasional travel to the industry partner in Asia for information exchange
- Conducting doctoral coursework at a Swiss university
- Successfully completing the Ph.D. mid-term evaluation and doctoral defense
Your profile
- A high level of scientific curiosity, independence, and motivation
- Master’s degree in organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, sol–gel chemistry, materials science, or a closely related
field. (Ph.D. degree with equivalent experience for postdoctoral applicants)
- Strong interest in polymer chemistry fundamentals and structure-controlled materials design
- Experience with organic synthesis and/or polymer–solvent interactions, gelation, or porous materials is a strong
advantage
- Familiarity with porous materials characterization techniques is beneficial, but not required, e.g. nitrogen
sorption (BET, BJH, NLDFT), SEM, TEM, TGA, FTIR, NMR, thermal conductivity measurements
- Basic knowledge of molecular simulation or modelling (e.g., molecular dynamics, coarse-grained modelling, or
structure–property simulations) is advantageous
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English
Our offer
We offer a stimulating, international, and collaborative research environment at a leading research institution with
state-of-the-art infrastructure. You will work at the interface of fundamental chemistry and materials engineering,
with substantial freedom to develop your own ideas.
Empa is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where different perspectives are valued. The
laboratory and supervisors provide a supportive and safe-to-fail work environment. As part of the ETH Domain, we offer
attractive employment conditions and excellent opportunities for professional and personal development.
Start date is May 2026 or upon agreement for a duration of 3 years. Exceptionally strong Postdoctoral candidates may
also be considered; 60–100%, 2 years.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.DavidHeusser, HR Partner
Questions?
Dr.ShanyuZhao
Group leader
Building Energy Materials and Components
+41 58 765 4244
https://www.empa.ch/web/s312
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