PhD position in 3D analysis of tribological and thermal properties in textiles

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.

Empa’s

Laboratory of Biomimetic Membranes and Textiles

develops novel smart fibers, textiles and membranes for body monitoring, drug delivery and tissue engineering applications. Empa's

Centre for X-ray Analytics

develops X-ray analytical and imaging methods for understanding materials structure in material, life- and medical sciences. This is a joint PhD position.

Your tasks

Many skin injuries arise from non-adapted textiles and clothing. Frictional and heat/moisture accumulation problems favour the formation of injuries like blisters and pressure ulcers The PhD research will focus on characterizing and optimizing architectured fabrics and textiles using 3D micro tomography as a main tool to investigate tribological and thermal properties of different, architectured textiles (hydrophobic/hydrophilic) in different conditions (wet/moist). This will be complemented with tribological, thermal, optical (IR) and mechanical testing techniques. The research is performed in a holistic multidisciplinary approach in close collaboration with partners from UHA, France. The foreseen results of the project shall contribute to the development of optimized textiles used for medical and sports applications.

Your contribution: 

• Application and development of 3D X-ray microCT methods for studying wetting/evaporation in architectured textiles 
• Studying and understanding the interaction in transient state between tribological and thermal properties in textiles by in-situ 3D and 4D microCT 
• Design and execution of tribological, thermal, optical (IR) and mechanical tests on different types of textiles 
• Data management, data treatment 
• Reporting and publication

Your profile

If you are interested in making a major impact on functional clothing and textiles, are highly motivated and passionate about working in an interdisciplinary field, and fulfil the following criteria: 

• Completed Master`s degree in physics, chemical engineering, biomedical engineering or similar, 
• you have strong hands-on lab skills, 
• you have some experience with X-ray methods and imaging, 
• you have preferably some additional experience in any other analysis tools & methods mentioned above, 
• you are fluent in English (German is beneficial).

Our offer

We are a research institution with excellent infrastructure and broad interdisciplinary surrounding. Project duration is three years with the potential extension by one more year. The candidate will perform his/her research at Empa in Dübendorf and occasionally at Empa St.Gallen. Desired starting date is as soon as reasonably possible or upon mutual 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