Head of Laboratory for Advanced Materials Processing
Empa, Materials Science and Technology
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Head of Laboratory for Advanced Materials Processing
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 Advanced Materials Processing aims to be an international leader in developing and optimizing
innovative 2D and 3D manufacturing processes for high-performance materials. Its mission is the understanding of the
correlation between processing technologies (e.g. additive manufacturing, laser welding, laser surface treatment),
resulting material microstructures, and the functional properties of the processed materials and devices. The
laboratory follows an interdisciplinary approach by combining experiments with process modeling and physics-based
simulation. Additionally, novel in situ, real-time monitoring and sensing technologies are developed and subsequently
integrated with AI for data analysis. Experiments are conducted in-house and externally, either in large-scale
infrastructure facilities such as synchrotrons or in cooperation with industrial partners. The laboratory advances
basic research by understanding the underlying physical process fundamentals and is, at the same time, committed to
fostering technology transfer to industry and society.Your tasksAs an inspirational research leader you will manage a
highly interdisciplinary laboratory and you will set the strategy to successfully apply for fundamental research driven
by SNF or EU as well as applied research driven by Innosuisse projects or projects with the Federal Offices, private
companies and foundations. You will broaden your national and international network in Advanced Materials Processing
and organize local and international scientific events. Teaching at University level is highly encouraged. With your
inspiring personality you will be able to lead a team of 25-30 coworkers involving master students, PhD students,
Postdocs, scientists, group leaders and a technical staff team. The position is opened due to the retirement of the
current laboratory head (Prof. Dr. Patrik Hoffmann). The successful candidate is expected to build up an own research
group, located at Empa Thun, near Bern, and oversee the whole laboratory (totally 3 groups) from a strategic and
organizational standpoint.Your profileYou have a doctoral degree in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry,
Mechanical/Computational/Electrical Engineering or similar with an outstanding research track record and strong
expertise in at least one of the core competences of the laboratory. Expertise in acquisition of externally funded
research projects, leading research teams and the ability to maintain longterm collaboration with scientific and
industrial partners is required. Excellent publishing and communication skills are essential together with an already
existing broad professional network. You are a team player and your strengths include taking personal responsibilities,
high motivation for excellence and the ability to inspire your co-workers. Willingness to learn German is a strong
plus.Our offerWe offer a highly interdisciplinary research environment and flexible working conditions to perform
high-level research in support of industry and policy making.
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, diplomas,
publications, your research Interests and vision, and contact details of two reference persons by 15 November 2025 at
the latest. Please submit these exclusively via our job portal. Applications by e-mail and by post will not be
considered.AndréSchmid,
Head Human ResourcesQuestions?
Dr.LorenzHerrmannlorenz.herrmann@empa.ch
Department Head
Advanced Materials and Surfaces
https://www.empa.ch/web/s200
Your future place of workEmpa
Feuerwerkerstrasse 39
3602Thun
Empa as an employer Innovative, sustainable, meaningful activities
Creating added value fo j4id9868122x j4it1146x j4iy25x
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 Advanced Materials Processing aims to be an international leader in developing and optimizing
innovative 2D and 3D manufacturing processes for high-performance materials. Its mission is the understanding of the
correlation between processing technologies (e.g. additive manufacturing, laser welding, laser surface treatment),
resulting material microstructures, and the functional properties of the processed materials and devices. The
laboratory follows an interdisciplinary approach by combining experiments with process modeling and physics-based
simulation. Additionally, novel in situ, real-time monitoring and sensing technologies are developed and subsequently
integrated with AI for data analysis. Experiments are conducted in-house and externally, either in large-scale
infrastructure facilities such as synchrotrons or in cooperation with industrial partners. The laboratory advances
basic research by understanding the underlying physical process fundamentals and is, at the same time, committed to
fostering technology transfer to industry and society.Your tasksAs an inspirational research leader you will manage a
highly interdisciplinary laboratory and you will set the strategy to successfully apply for fundamental research driven
by SNF or EU as well as applied research driven by Innosuisse projects or projects with the Federal Offices, private
companies and foundations. You will broaden your national and international network in Advanced Materials Processing
and organize local and international scientific events. Teaching at University level is highly encouraged. With your
inspiring personality you will be able to lead a team of 25-30 coworkers involving master students, PhD students,
Postdocs, scientists, group leaders and a technical staff team. The position is opened due to the retirement of the
current laboratory head (Prof. Dr. Patrik Hoffmann). The successful candidate is expected to build up an own research
group, located at Empa Thun, near Bern, and oversee the whole laboratory (totally 3 groups) from a strategic and
organizational standpoint.Your profileYou have a doctoral degree in Materials Science, Physics, Chemistry,
Mechanical/Computational/Electrical Engineering or similar with an outstanding research track record and strong
expertise in at least one of the core competences of the laboratory. Expertise in acquisition of externally funded
research projects, leading research teams and the ability to maintain longterm collaboration with scientific and
industrial partners is required. Excellent publishing and communication skills are essential together with an already
existing broad professional network. You are a team player and your strengths include taking personal responsibilities,
high motivation for excellence and the ability to inspire your co-workers. Willingness to learn German is a strong
plus.Our offerWe offer a highly interdisciplinary research environment and flexible working conditions to perform
high-level research in support of industry and policy making.
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, diplomas,
publications, your research Interests and vision, and contact details of two reference persons by 15 November 2025 at
the latest. Please submit these exclusively via our job portal. Applications by e-mail and by post will not be
considered.AndréSchmid,
Head Human ResourcesQuestions?
Dr.LorenzHerrmannlorenz.herrmann@empa.ch
Department Head
Advanced Materials and Surfaces
https://www.empa.ch/web/s200
Your future place of workEmpa
Feuerwerkerstrasse 39
3602Thun
Empa as an employer Innovative, sustainable, meaningful activities
Creating added value fo j4id9868122x j4it1146x j4iy25x