Ph.D. Student on Skin Phantoms Designs and Fabrication in Dübendorf

The Ph.D work will be realized between two research groups (Empa in St. Gallen and ZHAW in Winterthur).

Project Background: Despite the forthcoming arrival of entirely cell-based skin models, the development of the artificial skin phantoms is highly relevant for product development. There is a need for reproducible and stable artificial skin models mimicking different properties of the human skin, especially as animal testing is not allowed anymore for certain applications. So, the design and development of artificial skin models simulating various properties of the human skin, as for example, the mechanical, thermal, sweating and tactile properties of the human skin have been developed in our respective labs. The artificial skin models are generally constituted by a multi-layered combination of materials mimicking the real human skin and its different layers (stratum corneum, epidermis, dermis and hypodermis). The materials used to simulate the physical properties of the real human skin are various, often silicon-based materials such as polydimethylsiloxane or gelatinous materials. They are selected in function of the properties to simulate.

Project description:In this project, we will focus on the design and fabrication of an artificial skin model, a skin model mimicking the thermal and optical properties of the human skin.This model will be based on a multilayered / multimaterials model divided into two layers mimicking the epidermis and dermis. A secondary objective will be to use this model to investigate the behavior of photothermal particles by means of inclusions implementation. Selected photothermal particles (PTP) will be introduced into the human skin by inclusion technology. The introduction of PTP under the shape of liquid droplets will simulate their accumulation into the hair bulbs. A local change in temperature will be triggered and simulate the possibility to destroy the hair bulbs by local heating.Such skin models can be envisaged for testing and validating an innovative permanent hair removal technology.

Candidate profile: The candidate should have a strong background in Materials Science or Chemistry. We are looking for a highly motivated person capable of working in a multidisciplinary environment, driven by scientific curiosity, and open to learning new topics. The Ph.D. candidate needs to be proficient in spoken and written English and have a Master's degree (Basic knowledge of German is a plus.). S/he will participate in writing scientific publications and presenting data at national and international scientific conferences. Previous experience in one or more of the following topics is required: solid liquid composites, nanocomposites, polymer and biopolymer physics and chemistry.

The work will be carried out between Empa St. Gallen and ZHAW Winterthur under the supervision of Dr. Fabrizio Spano and Prof. Mathias Bonmarin (ZHAW), and Prof. René Rossi (Empa). The candidate will be hired 50% at Empa and 50% at ZHAW, and enrolled as a PhD at ETH Zürich within the Department of Health Sciences and Technology D-HEST (Prof. René Rossi). Frequent travels between the 2 sites (Winterthur and St. Gallen) are foreseen.

For further information about the position please contact Fabrizio Spano ,  Mathias Bonmarin , René Rossi  and visit our respective websites ,  and

We look forward to receiving your online application including a letter of motivation, CV, diplomas with transcripts, a letter of motivation and contact details/addresses of two referees. Please upload the requested documents through our webpage. Applications via email will not be considered.

Empa, Esther Zürcher, Human Resources, Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, 9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland.