Are you holding Master’s degree and looking for fully funded PhD positions? Empa, Switzerland invites online application for multiple funded PhD Programs / fully funded PhD positions in various research areas.
Candidates interested in fully funded PhD positions can check the details and may apply as soon as possible. Interested and eligible applicants may submit their online application for PhD programs via the University’s Online Application Portal.
1. Fully Funded PhD Position in Bioengineering
Summary of PhD Program:
The project aims to develop novel surgical patches for “Swiss-Cheese” VSD (Ventricular Septal Defect) closure. Two PhD students will closely collaborate to work on Polymeric Biomaterial and Bioengineering (this position) aspects of such patches, respectively.
Your tasks
- Establish ex vivo VSD models for patch physical and biological testings
- Biological evaluation of patch materials based on in vitro cell experiments
- Investigate the impact of patch materials on septal tissue regeneration through the ex vivo VSD model
- Disseminating the research through scientific publications, conference posters and presentations, as well as other avenues for the general public
- Communicate with clinical experts.
Application Deadline: Open until filled
2. Fully Funded PhD Position in Polymeric Biomaterials
Summary of PhD Program:
The project aims to develop novel surgical patches for “Swiss-Cheese” VSD (Ventricular Septal Defect) closure. Two PhD students will closely collaborate to work on Polymeric Biomaterial (this position) and Bioengineering aspects of such patches, respectively.
Your tasks
- Polymer synthesis, functionalization and characterization
- Development of polymer patches with various techniques, such as polymer molding, fiber spinning, and 3D printing, etc.
- Investigation of patch structure-mechanic relationship
- Disseminating the research through scientific publications, conference posters and presentations, as well as other avenues for the general public
- Communicate with clinical experts
Application Deadline: Open until filled
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3. Fully Funded PhD Position in Digital human avatar
Summary of PhD Program:
The aim of this proposed PhD project is to build an advanced thermal model of the occupant by combining the best available individual models (human thermoregulation, clothing and thermal sensation models) and enhancing them with new features not available so far. The further advancement of this model combination includes features that account for body posture, exposure to solar radiation and dressing trends over seasons of the year. The occupant thermal model will be validated based on manikin and human data. Finally, a demonstration of the model’s capabilities in practical scenarios will be done.
Application Deadline: Open until filled
4. Fully Funded PhD Position in Surface Oxide Reactivity of Metallic Biomaterials
Summary of PhD Program:
The “Laboratory for Joining Technologies and Corrosion” is dedicated to investigating solid-liquid interface phenomena. A key research focus is to study the durability and medical function of metals used as medical implant materials. Their performance critically depends on the (electro)chemical reactivity and passivation ability (oxide formation) of the metal surface in the complex physiological environment. Local structural or chemical fluctuations of these nanometer thin surface oxides (i.e. oxide heterogeneities) can fundamentally modify the interaction with biological molecules, and might give raise to biocorrosion or implant instability.
Within this 4-year project funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF), we will investigate the role of oxide heterogeneity in biomaterial surface reactivity, aiming at elucidating the mutual interplay of these oxides with biological matter. This multidisciplinary project combines state-of-the-art thin-film oxide synthesis and characterization with innovative analytical methodology based on electrochemistry and high-resolution microscopy/spectroscopy of the solid-(bio)liquid interface.
Application Deadline: Open until filled
5. Fully Funded PhD Position in next level OLEDs
Summary of PhD Program:
Organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) that emit in the visible are a proven technology. In contrast, OLEDs that emit in the near-infrared (NIR) range have remained a fundamental scientific challenge. The reason for this is that the photoluminescence quantum yield of organic dyes decreases exponentially as the emission shifts to longer wavelengths – the so-called energy gap law. In this project, we aim to circumvent the emission limitations of NIR dyes by employing a fine-tuned plasmonic enhancement strategy. The project takes place in a highly interdisciplinary environment and involves partner laboratories dedicated to chemical synthesis and theoretical calculations. The potential impact of high-performing NIR-OLEDs is huge, with untapped next generation applications in through-space optical communications, machine vision or medical imaging.
Application Deadline: Open until filled
6. Fully Funded PhD Position in deformation twinning mechanism in hcp alloys (a)
Summary of PhD Program:
The development of light, strong, ductile and therefore easily formable hexagonal closed pack (hcp) alloys is one of the keys to reduce energy consumption and CO2 emission in aeronautic and transportation industries. Currently, their use as structural material is limited because of their lack of easy slip systems and a plasticity largely adapted by deformation twinning, associated with high residual stresses. The research project aim at investigating the nucleation and propagation mechanisms of deformation twinning in hcp alloys and the role of solute atoms in these processes. This will be done through the development of novel in situ testing experiments (high strain rate, cryo- to high temperatures) combined with advanced characterization techniques for strains, stresses and dislocation analyses at the nanoscale. This includes the development of in situ high-resolution transmission kikuchi diffraction technique (HR-TKD) in SEM, as well as the precession electron diffraction (PED) techniques in TEM.
Application Deadline: Open until filled
7. Fully Funded PhD Position in Biomimetic Metamaterials
Summary of PhD Program:
In this project, you will investigate the fascinating multiscale structure-property relationships of the musk ox skull that yield extraordinary shock absorption performance under repeated high energy impacts. Based on the lessons learned, you will design, synthesize, and characterize artificial metamaterials with outstanding energy absorption capabilities. Throughout the project, you will utilize different state of the art experimental and modelling approaches such as high resolution CT imaging, mechanical simulations of impacts at several length scales, analytical and numerical modeling of artificial lattice structures, 3D printing of microscale metamaterials using two photon lithography, as well as dynamic micromechanical testing. You will be enrolled in the Mechanical Engineering doctoral program at ETH Zurich under the co-supervision of Prof. Dennis Kochmann. Your research will contribute to the understanding of elastic wave propagation in and dynamic failure of bone structures and opens up possibilities for designing resilient metamaterials for applications such as protective components in, e.g., sports, space and aviation, or MEMS sectors.
Application Deadline: Open until filled
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8. Fully Funded PhD Position in Stochastic Modeling of Rarefied Gas Flows
Summary of PhD Program:
The Laboratory of Multiscale Studies in Building Physics focuses on developing methodologies and technologies that support energy transition and a sustainable society by improving the performance of porous media and building materials, increasing the use of renewable energy sources, and ameliorating the quality of the built environment both for human comfort and public health. The laboratory has excellent experimental infrastructures (including cutting-edge experimental fluid dynamics facilities, environmental chambers, and various equipment to investigate processes in porous materials) and an extensive experience in investigating coupled multiphysics phenomena and complex multiscale processes, as well as in developing and using cutting-edge scientific computing techniques (including HPC, machine learning, multiscale algorithms).
Application Deadline: Open until filled
9. Fully Funded PhD Position in Carbon-based Quantum Materials and Devices
Summary of PhD Program:
Transport at Nanoscale Interfaces Laboratory – This PhD project will focus on developing strategies to contact graphene nanoribbons in different device architectures. A key goal will be to demonstrate the persistence of topological quantum phases and spin-polarized edges in GNRs integrated into devices. The PhD candidate will focus on device fabrication and perform electric and thermoelectric measurements to investigate device properties. Nanofabrication will be performed in the Binnig and Rohrer Nanotechnology Center.
Application Deadline: Open until filled
10. Fully Funded PhD Position in spinal degeneration
Summary of PhD Program:
As a PhD candidate, you will play a key role in gaining new insights into the degenerative processes of the spine, as well as investigating the role of spinal ligaments in the etiology and progression of spinal stenosis. A critical aspect of this project is the use of advanced X-ray analysis tools, including micro and nano X-ray tomography, as well as the application of image processing and analysis techniques and the correlation of 3D histomorphological findings with biomechanical behavior.
Application Deadline: Open until filled
11. Fully Funded PhD Position in Carbon-based Quantum Materials and Devices
Summary of PhD Program:
This position will focus on the on-surface synthesis and characterization of graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) featuring exotic properties such as topological quantum states and spin-polarized edges. By means of scanning probe microscopy and spectroscopy techniques, the successful candidate will characterize GNRs’ electronic and magnetic properties. Special emphasis will be given to understanding device integration requirements, specifically aspects like GNR length, reactivity, and substrate interaction.
Application Deadline: Open until filled
12. Fully Funded PhD Position in circular urban resource mapping
Summary of PhD Program:
You will work on developing a computational design method for direct feedback on both embodied and operational impacts of design-decisions concerning the reuse of building materials. Combining tools from computer science and environmental architecture, you will look at optimization methods for finding the perfect fit for waste materials in an urban context, in order to lower waste generation, greenhouse gas emissions, and resource depletion. To do so, you will need to collaborate closely with industry in order to assess the condition of existing building materials using digital, non-destructive assessment tools. You will publish in scientific journals and conferences and present at public events for the general public.
Application Deadline: Open until filled
13. Fully Funded PhD Position in Responsive Materials for Detecting and Treating Bacterial Infections
Summary of PhD Program:
In this project, we will continue the research described above. We will design novel nanomaterials to achieve fluorescent-based indirect approaches to detect bacteria and to achieve stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems. For this purpose, we will mainly exploit the advantage offered by silica nanoparticles, such as biocompatibility, easy functionalization, and versatile formulation that allow obtaining nanoparticles that can respond to different stimuli (e.g. enzymes, temperature, pH, light). The detection and stimuli-responsive release will be evaluated by enzymatic and kinetic analytical experiments mimicking physiological conditions.
