Postdoctoral researcher on Microstructure and Electrochemical Reactivity of Laser Structured Ti-alloy Surfaces for Medical Applications in Dübendorf

Project goal: Investigate the oxidation and oxygen dissolution induced by laser-structuring of Ti and Ti-alloy (e.g. Zr, Al, V alloying element) surfaces for medical applications. Assessment of the electrochemical reactivity and corrosion mechanism of the laser-structured and pristine alloy surfaces, as well as of model oxide layers grown by anodizing. The experimental findings will be correlated with the biological response in collaboration with other partners from academia and industry.

Your tasks:

• Characterize the microstructure and electrochemical reactivity of laser-induced Ti and Ti-alloy surfaces by a broad combination of surface analytical techniques and electrochemical techniques
• Perform "electro"chemical surface oxidation of the Ti-alloy surfaces
• Optimize an "electrochemical" dynamic-crevice setup for assessing the corrosion-fatigue behaviour of surface treated Ti –alloys to arrive at the formulation of the corrosion initiation mechanism(s)
• Collaborate within a larger industrial consortium (Innosuisse) with the aim to correlate own results on the microstructural changes and electrochemical reactivity of the laser-structured Ti-alloy surfaces with the respective residual stresses and the bio-response.

Your profile: You own a PhD degree in inorganic, physical chemistry or materials science with proven hands-on skills in the microstructural characterization by e.g. metallography, SEM and XRD. You have well-developed experimental skills in analytical chemistry and advanced electrochemical characterizations in the field of corrosion. You have deep scientific knowledge on biocorrosion and/or biological interactions with inorganic materials. Excellent knowledge of English (oral and written) is mandatory. German is an advantage. The ability to collaborate in a multidisciplinary research environment is essential. Personal initiative, ability to work systematically, reliability, responsibility, teamwork and communication skills are a must.

We offer:The position is available from 1st October 2020 (or later upon agreement). The 1-year position, with the possibility of extension, is supported by the Swiss commission for Technological Innovation (Innosuisse). The candidate will be stationed in Dübendorf but will collaborate (and have to travel to) with other Empa laboratories located in Thun and St. Gallen.