PhD position in the development of life-like materials that learn, remember, and forget for use in soft robotics — Empa
- Location
- St. Gallen
- Contract
- Full-time
- Posted
- 52 days ago
Full description
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.
PhD position in the development of life-like materials that learn, remember, and forget for use in soft robotics
In our research group, we design mechanically robust, multi-responsive polyurethane elastomer with backbone-integrated molecular switches. Our aim is to move beyond conventional stimuli-responsive materials, which merely switch between predetermined states, toward life-like materials that genuinely learn: Forming memories, consolidating them over time, selectively forgetting, and adapting their behavior through experience, all while retaining commercial-grade mechanical properties. In this PhD project, you will synthesize and characterize semi-crystalline polyurethane elastomers containing backbone-integrated photo-, halo-, and thermochromic molecular switches, and investigate how their interactions can be engineered to produce quantifiable memory and learning behaviors.
Your tasks
- Synthesize libraries of single-, dual-, and triple-switch polyurethanes (Stenhouse salt, DASA, and Spiropyran) via copolymerization and post-polymerization functionalization, and validate backbone integration by NMR, GPC, DSC, DMA, tensile testing, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and pump probe characterization.
- Design and characterize synergistic switching cascades (collaborative, competitive, and interdependent pathways) using time-resolved and spatially resolved spectroscopy, patterned illumination, and pH/thermal stimuli.
- Develop and validate logic maps for memory formation, consolidation, and selective forgetting, and translate these into training-recall-forgetting cycles on physical polymer films and bilayer actuators.
- Contribute to integrating learning materials into soft robotic bilayer actuators and, together with the wider team, demonstrate behavioral adaptation in autonomous soft robots.
- Collaborate with international partners
Your profile
The candidate should have a strong background in Organic Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related field. We are looking for a highly motivated, curious person who enjoys working at the interface of synthetic chemistry, materials science, and soft robotics, who is comfortable in a multidisciplinary, collaborative environment. The PhD candidate needs to be highly proficient in spoken and written English and hold a Master's degree. S/he will participate in writing scientific publications and presenting data at national and international scientific conferences. Previous experience in one or more of the following areas is required:
- Polymer/polyurethane synthesis and characterization
- Molecular switches (e.g., photochromic, halochromic, or thermochromic systems)
- Standard analytical methods (NMR, UV-Vis, FTIR, and related techniques)
- Thermomechanical characterization of polymers (DSC, DMA, tensile testing) Experience with soft actuators or soft robotic systems is a plus but not required.
Our offer
This project is part of an SNSF Ambizione grant led by Dr. Livius F. Muff, hosted in the group of Dr. Luciano Boesel at Empa. The work will primarily be carried out at Empa St.Gallen under the direct supervision of Dr. Livius F. Muff. The PhD student will be affiliated at ETH Zürich (Prof. René Rossi, D-HEST).
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.
Questions about this listing
What salary does Empa offer for this role?
The original listing does not state a salary. Our estimate for this role and sector in St. Gallen is CHF 57'500 - 87'000 gross per year — an estimate, not a figure communicated by Empa. The calculator on this site converts a gross salary into your actual net take-home once cross-border tax and social contributions are applied.
Is this a full-time role, and what type of contract does Empa offer?
This listing is a full-time position. The contract type shown here comes directly from the employer's original posting; always confirm exact hours, notice period and probation length with Empa during the application process, since these details can vary by role even within the same contract category.
Do I need a cross-border work permit for a role in St. Gallen?
EU/EFTA residents living in the border zone of the country adjoining Canton St. Gallen can apply for a G permit; the Swiss employer files it with that canton's migration office after the contract is signed. Border-zone rules and processing times vary by neighbouring country and canton, so confirm the specifics with St. Gallen's cantonal migration office or with HR during the application.
How do I apply for this position at Empa?
Use the "Apply now" button on this page — it links directly to Empa's original listing at apply.refline.ch, so your application goes straight to the employer's own applicant-tracking system. Frontaliere Ticino does not collect or forward applications itself.
