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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,
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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."
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good work environment and international collaboration." Subas Scheibler, Particles-Biology Interactions

PostDoc to work on Chemical Modification of Polymers and Electrospinning for Inert Filter Composites

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.In our research group, we strive to transfer membrane and encapsulation strategies from
academia to industry. Solution-based processes like electrospinning, spraying and microfluidic wet spinning are used to
obtain membranes, fibers and particles for applications including tissue scaffolds, drug delivery, textile
functionalization and air filtration. Scalable post-processing technologies subsequently allow for the production of
functional prototypes to ensure a swift and successful implementation by industry. This project is an Innosuisse
collaboration with a Swiss textile industry partner and combines scalable chemical modification with electrospinning
for inert filter composites, which need to be tailored to and characterized under extreme application conditions.

Your tasks

The PostDoc will take the lead in:

- Organizing project meetings and reports according to internal and external (industry partner, funding agency)
requirements
- Chemically modifying commercial high-performance polymers in controlled scalable processes
- Producing electrospun membranes as prospective filters on a needleless roll-to-roll pilot-scale
- Transferring (laminating, welding etc.) and structuring/post-processing these composites
- Establishing and implementing high-temperature and chemical fatigue testing
- Disseminating the results in form of patents or publications, as well as assist in the technology transfer

Your profile

We invite applications from candidates possessing:

- A PhD degree with substantial experience in Chemical Functionalisation/Engineering, Electrospinning,
Materials/Polymer Science/Technology and/or Polymer Processing
- Proficiency (written and oral) in both English (CEFR C1) and German (at least basic level)
- Scientific curiosity, independence, capability of working in a multidisciplinary environment, out-of-the-box
thinking as well as an astute approach to unfamiliar (upscaling) technologies and general technical affinity
- A habit of safe and considerate working with dangerous chemicals and setups

Our offer

We offer a challenging application-oriented position in a driven interdisciplinary research environment with excellent
opportunities to establish connections in the local industry. The work will be carried out at Empa St. Gallen under
supervision by Dr. Gordon Herwig and Prof. Dr. René Rossi. The position is temporary for two years, with a prospective
start date in February 2025.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.SarahStüdli, Bereichspersonalleiterin / HR Partner

Questions?

Dr.GordonHerwig
Technical Specialist
Biomimetic Membranes and Textiles

Your future place of work

Empa
Lerchenfeldstrasse 5
9014St. Gallen

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