PhD Candidate in Supramolecular Polymeric Materials

The Macromolecular Engineering Laboratory at ETH Zrich is recruiting a Doctoral candidate for a project on the design of supramolecular polymeric materials. new position.A major focus in advanced materials design is to engineer responsive functionality into materials. Moldable hydrogels that can be deformed by external force or stimuli, e.g, shear thinning and self-healing, are a fascinating sub-class of responsive materials that are attractive as injectable biomaterials and in additive manufacturing. In this project, supramolecular chemistry and polymer self-assembly will be used to engineer new classes of moldable hydrogels. The work will focus on both the synthesis and characterization of these materials as well as physical and computational modeling of their structure and function. Selected materials will be explored as injectable drug delivery platforms. The project will employ a broad range of skills in chemical design and synthesis, materials assembly and characterization, modeling, as well as drug delivery. The project is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation and is part of an interactive team working within the lab on associated topics.

The successful candidate must have an excellent background, with MSc degree, in engineering sciences, materials science, chemistry, physics, or a related field. A working knowledge of organic synthesis, polymer chemistry, and soft matter physics is preferred. Moreover, the candidate must be able to fluently communicate in English (oral and written) and be willing to work in a highly interactive international team. Academic excellence, a professional work attitude, and a proactive and self-driven work ethic are expected. The position is fully funded for 4 years and it will be located in the Macromolecular Engineering Laboratory on the Zentrum campus of ETH Zrich.