Postdoc position: Chemist for selective ion scavenging in batteries

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.

Our Laboratory for Advanced Fibers in St. Gallen develops functional polymer fibers with applications in energy storage, health, and environmental technologies. We are pioneering a new class of melt-spun liquid-core fibers that selectively scavenge transition metal ions and other degradation products in lithium-ion batteries, mitigating cell damage and prolonging battery life.

Your tasks

• Develop melt-spun liquid/gel-core fibers with polyolefin sheaths and functionalized, hydrophobic cores
• Explore selective scavenger systems for transition metal (TM) ions and HF, including chelating ligands, reactive nanoparticles and additives
• Optimize melt-spinning, uniaxial stretching, and post-treatment steps to control sheath porosity and ion diffusion
• Acquisition of research grants and writing of scientific publications
• Supervision of students and interns
• Collaborate closely with chemists, materials scientists, and electrochemists.

Your profile

• PhD in chemistry (or a closely related field such as polymer science or materials science)
• Experience with polymer–ion interactions, chelation chemistry, or battery materials is an advantage
• You enjoy interdisciplinary teamwork and are motivated to publish high-impact results
• Fluency in English; German is an asset.

Our offer

We offer an international, highly stimulating research environment with excellent infrastructure for fiber processing, polymer analysis, and electrochemical testing. You will be working at Empa in St. Gallen. The starting date is as soon as possible or upon mutual agreement, and the employment contract is limited to two years.

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 and contact details of two reference persons. Please submit these exclusively via our job portal. Applications by e-mail and by post will not be considered.