PhD student on dynamic cellulose composite materials in Dübendorf

Together with our team of experienced scientists, postdocs and PhD students, you will contribute to the development of the next generation of sustainable biocomposite materials. This project is part of a large international research centre in collaboration with Denmark Technical University and University of Copenhagen and bridges our activities in the fields of nanocelluloses, proteins and chemical and physical surface functionalization. The goal of the PhD project is to investigate, at a fundamental level, how reversible interactions between nanocelluloses, proteins and polymer matrices can be tuned to trigger assembly, dis-assembly, and re-assembly of materials. We envision that the generated knowledge will advance the field of biocomposite materials and lead to the discovery of novel concepts that can aid material and component recycovery and improve materials robustness (e.g. recyclability, repair).

We offer a fully funded PhD position at Empa. The student will be enrolled at University of Copenhagen (UCPH) and affiliated to the group of Prof. Peter Ulvskov. The core of the PhD project will be conducted at Empa with shorter stays at UCPH. Empa supports equal opportunities such as the compatibility of work and other life areas and lives a culture of inclusion and respect. We are committed to increase the diversity of our team and encourage qualified people from all backgrounds and genders to apply for this position. Applications are open immediately and the starting date is January 2023 or upon mutual agreement.