PostDoc to work on Solvent-based Processing and Lamination of Sustainable Polymers for Inert Filter Composites

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.

In our research group, we transfer membrane and encapsulation strategies from academia to industry. Solution-based processes like electrospinning and microfluidic wet spinning produce membranes, fibers and particles for applications including tissue scaffolds, drug delivery and air filtration. Scalable post-processing technologies subsequently allow for the production of functional prototypes for industry partners.

This project is an Innosuisse collaboration with a Swiss polymer materials producer and combines electrospinning and crosslinking with scalable textile processing for sustainable filter composites.

Your tasks

• Organizing project meetings and reports according to internal and external (industry partner, funding agency) requirements
• Solution preparation with provided high-performance polymers in controlled scalable processes (no synthesis)
• Producing electrospun membranes as prospective filters on a needleless roll-to-roll pilot-scale
• Transferring (laminating, welding etc.) and structuring/post-processing these composites
• Establishing and implementing high-temperature and chemical fatigue testing
• Disseminating the results in form of patents or publications, as well as assist in the technology transfer

Your profile

We invite applications from candidates possessing:

• A PhD degree with substantial experience in Chemical Crosslinking/Engineering, Electrospinning, Materials/Polymer Science/Technology and/or Polymer Processing
• Proficiency (written and oral) in both English (CEFR C1) and German (at least basic level)
• Scientific curiosity, independence, capability of working in a multidisciplinary environment, out-of-the-box thinking, as well as an astute approach to unfamiliar (upscaling) technologies and general technical affinity
• A habit of safe and considerate working with potentially dangerous chemicals

Our offer

We offer a challenging application-oriented position in a driven interdisciplinary research environment with excellent opportunities to establish connections in the local industry. The work will be carried out at Empa St. Gallen under supervision by Dr. Gordon Herwig and Prof. René Rossi. The position is temporary for one year, with a prospective start date of 1st December 2025.

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.

Job details

Title: PostDoc to work on Solvent-based Processing and Lamination of Sustainable Polymers for Inert Filter Composites

Employer: Empa

Location: Lerchenfeldstrasse 5 St. Gallen, Switzerland

Published: 2025-08-29

Application deadline: Unspecified

Job type: Postdoc

Field: Materials Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Chemistry, Electrochemistry