PhD position: wet spinning of polymer optical fibers in Bern

In the last years we have focused on the development of polymer optical fibers (POFs) via melt-spinning. These fibers have been integrated into textiles to produce photonic textiles for biomedical applications. We have also recently patented a novel process to produce multimaterial polymer fibers via microfluidic wet spinning. In this 4-year project, financed by the Bridge Program and in collaboration with the University of Bern and NTB, we are going to design innovative POFs produced via microfluidics wet spinning. These POFs will be subsequently integrated onto textiles for the production of wearable sensors.

The candidate should have a MSc degree in Materials Science or Chemical Engineering, or related disciplines. We are looking for highly motivated persons capable of working in a multidisciplinary environment, driven by scientific curiosity, and open to learn new topics. The candidate needs to be proficient in spoken and written English and is expected to actively bring in his/her scientific expertise and competence and to have good communication skills. She/he will participate in writing scientific publications and presenting data at national and international scientific conferences. Previous experience with one or more of the following topics is required: polymer optical fibers, polymer processing, microfluidics, wet spinning. The candidate will perform his research at Empa in St. Gallen under the supervision of Dr. Luciano F. Boesel and will be affiliated with EPFL (Prof. Fabien Sorin).