PhD position – Electrochemistry for Environmental Applications

Dübendorf, Switzerland

Materials science and technology are our passion. With our cutting-edge research, Empa's around 1,100 employees make essential contributions to the well-being of society for a future worth living. Empa is a research institution of the ETH Domain.

Applications are invited for a PhD position in the Air Quality and Particle Technology group (Prof. Dr. J. Wang). The successful candidate will work in the Laboratory of Building Energy Materials and Components at Empa and also matriculate in ETH Zürich.

The research focuses on electrochemistry for environmental applications. Electrochemistry plays a crucial role in addressing environmental challenges, with intriguing applications in environmental monitoring, energy generation, waste treatment, and pollution mitigation. Our group has been engaged in development of electrochemical sensors detecting environmental pollutants, providing real-time information for effective management. Past and current work includes electrochemical sensors for airborne virus, antibiotic resistance genes, VOCs and PFAs. Investigations on electrode materials, manufacturing processes, signal amplification and modulation are underway. We strive to strengthen environmental applications of electrochemistry.

Your tasks

The student will be involved in tasks such as

• Designing innovative electrode materials with precisely engineered nanostructures;
• Fabricating the electrode materials using micro-nanofabrication technologies;
• Investigating the electrochemical mechanisms for sensing and catalytic applications;
• Developing applications in pollution mitigation and resource recovery.

Additionally, our group performs research on nanomaterial engineering, micro-optics and microfluidics, which provides a wide range of opportunities for the PhD candidate.

Your profile

We are looking for suitable candidates with a master level degree in chemical engineering, material science, environmental engineering or related fields with excellent grades. Good experimental capability is of high value. Good command of English is required.

Our offer

We offer this postdoc position at a research institution with excellent infrastructure and broad interdisciplinary surrounding. Position starting from June 2026 or upon agreement.

We live a culture of inclusion and respect. We welcome all people who are interested in innovative, sustainable and meaningful activities - that's what counts.

We look forward to receiving your complete online application including a letter of motivation, CV, certificates, diplomas, short description of research interests, complete academic transcripts and contact details of 2-3 potential references. Please submit these exclusively via our job portal. Applications by e-mail and by post will not be considered.

Job details

Title PhD position – Electrochemistry for Environmental Applications

Employer Empa

Location Ueberlandstrasse 129 Dübendorf, Switzerland

Published 2026-01-13

Application deadline Unspecified

Job type PhD

Field Electrochemistry, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering