PhD student on bio-based materials for advanced wound healing

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 Empa Laboratory of Cellulose & Wood Materials invites applications for a PhD student position on bio-based materials for advanced wound healing. Together with our team of experienced scientists, postdocs and PhD students, you will develop materials that contribute to the development of the next generation of advanced hydrogels for wound care applications.

The goal of the PhD project is to investigate how natural polymers (e.g. polysaccharides and proteins) can be combined with active natural molecules in compartmentalized responsive hydrogels or sprayable emulsions. We envision that the generated knowledge will advance the field of bio-based and sustainable material technologies and contribute to new developments of biopolymer hydrogels for biomedical applications. 

• Study the joint assembly of biopolymer in compartmentalized or bulk hydrogels. 
• Characterize the resulting physical hydrogel properties as well as how these properties can be triggered with local wound relevant stimuli such as pH and temperature. 
• Investigate controlled release of active biomolecules from the hydrogel systems and the resulting antimicrobial and antioxidant functionality. 
• Publish in peer-reviewed high-impact factor journals and present at international conferences.

• MSc in Materials Science, Polymer Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related disciplines. 
• Demonstrated aptitude for scientific creativity and non-conventional thinking. 
• Fluent in written and oral English. 
• Self-motivated, critical-thinking, open-minded and communicative, with a strong interest to work in an international and interdisciplinary research environment.

We offer a fully funded PhD position at Empa, the Swiss research institute for materials science and technology to conduct cutting-edge research for the benefits of industry and the wellbeing of society. The work will be carried out at Empa Dübendorf and the PhD student will be affiliated at ETH Zürich. The position is available immediately or upon 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.

PatriciaNitzsche, Stv. Leiterin Human Resources / Dep. Head Human Resources