EMPA

For this research project, we are looking for a highly motivated PostDoc with a strong background in ceramic processing and characterization of porous and dense materials for energy related applications. Your Tasks: Explore and develop doped ceramic materials for energy related applicationsDevelop tape casting and/or other ceramic processing methods for LiNiMnO materialsInvestigation of grain orientation effects during processingKnowledge in debinding and sinter kinetics of ceramic materials is beneficial

to develop and validate new material compositions for oxide-based single crystals meeting the high-est standards. Using different dopants and dopant compositions, powder processing, crystal growth and characterization thereof will be performed with the aim to deliver novel outstanding crystal products to our industrial partner and enable innovation and value creation for their customers. An in-depth knowledge of solid state physics (color centers and single-crystal growth) is necessary. Hands-on experience in powder processing, sintering and optical floating zone furnace processing is an advantage.

to develop and validate new furnace setups and processing parameters to meet the highest standards. Using an FEM approach, process modeling and optimization thereof will be performed with the aim of understanding and delivering an outstanding industrial tool to our industrial partner, enabling solutions to recurrent issues and strengthening its competitive position on the market. An in-depth knowledge of FEM, thermo-mechanics and crystallography is necessary.

This interdisciplinary project will be embedded within the newly formed group “Hierarchical Systems” in the Center for X-ray Analytics at Empa. The research group focus on the development of advanced X-ray imaging and scattering techniques and their application towards materials with hierarchical structures in soft-matter and biomedical applications. The infrastructure available including different lab-sources for SAXS, XRD as well as 3D imaging will be used in collaborative research projects. Relevant sample systems include for example nanoparticle solutions for medical applications, biological tissues or cellulose composites. The postdoctoral position includes independent research tasks and can also involve co-supervision of graduate or master students. Initiation of own research projects is highly encouraged. Your Tasks Apply and develop X-ray scattering methodology on selected soft matter systemsLeverage the synergies of the interdisciplinary project at the interface of X-ray research, polymer chemistry and biology being in constant exchange with our collaboration partnersPublish results in high impact journal and present your work at international conferencesContribute in writing research proposals as PI/CoPI

Ihre AufgabenIn dieser Rolle übernehmen Sie einerseits die fachliche, organisatorische und personelle Leitung der Personaladministration (ohne Lohn und Sozialversicherungen). Dabei bearbeiten Sie für einen Teilbereich selbständig sämtliche personal-administrativen Aufgaben im Zusammenhang mit der Anstellung (ohne Rekrutierung, inkl. Einholen von Arbeitsbewilligungen), Betreuung bis hin zum Austritt von Mitarbeitenden, Praktikanten, Diplomanden und akademischen Gästen.Das Lifecycle-Management der ICT Tools der Abteilung Human Resources bildet den anderen wichtigen Teil der Aufgabe. Sie sind zuständig für Evaluation, Customizing, Maintenance und Support neuer und bestehender HR-Applikationen (ohne SAP) und Prozesse (Bewerbermanagement, E-Dossier, Zeugnistool, Onboarding, Zeitwirtschaft, E-Workflow, ESS, MSS, Dokumentenmanagement etc.). Sie fungieren als Schnittstelle zwischen den HR Kolleginnen und Kollegen, der Empa- ICT und den externen Service Provider.

The research project focuses on the development of catalysts and electrodes for electrochemical CO2 reduction. Your task is to tailor catalyst activity and selectivity by tuning microstructural and chemical features and understand their influence on local reagent/product concentration benefitting from the extensive materials characterization capabilities available at Empa. Our labs are fully equipped for catalyst synthesis, processing, and characterization. State-of-the-art facilities include synthesis labs with fume hoods, gloveboxes, various synthesis reactors and furnaces, sputtering and evaporation facilities, X-ray diffractometers, Raman and FTIR spectrometers, surface area and particle size analyzer, electrochemical characterization including impedance spectroscopy and rotating disc capabilities, mass spectrometers, gas chromatographers, thermogravimetric analyzer, various electrolysis setups etc. Access to advanced electron microscopy, X-ray, and NMR facilities is also available.

The research project focuses on developing electrolytes for high-voltage lithium-ion batteries within an internal project. Your tasks include electrolyte formulation, characterization, and assessment in lithium-ion batteries with a special focus on solid electrolyte interphase formation on anode and cathode. Our labs are fully equipped for battery fabrication and testing. State-of-the-art facilities include synthesis labs with fume hoods, gloveboxes, various synthesis reactors and furnaces, sputtering, evaporation, and atomic layer deposition facilities, X-ray diffractometers, Raman and FTIR spectrometers, electrochemical characterization including impedance spectroscopy, mass spectrometers, gas chromatographers, thermogravimetric analyzer, various equipment for the characterization of electrolytes, etc. Access to advanced electron microscopy and X-ray facilities is also available.

Understanding and quantifying anthropogenic emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) and their exchange with the biosphere is of great interest in the context of international climate treaties such as the Paris Agreement. Switzerland is one of only three countries worldwide that includes estimates of GHG emissions derived "top-down" from atmospheric measurements in its National Inventory Report complementing the officially reported numbers derived "bottom-up" from statistical data and emission factors. The quality of the top-down estimates critically depends on the atmospheric transport model that is needed to connect atmospheric observations with upstream sources. In a Swiss nationally funded project and in collaboration with the Goethe University of Frankfurt (GUF) and MeteoSwiss, Empa will further advance its modelling system taking advantage of the next-generation numerical weather prediction model ICON developed jointly by the German weather service and the Max Planck Institute for Meteorology in Hamburg.Your tasks Contribute to the development of a new version of the Lagrangian atmospheric dispersion model FLEXPART coupled to ICON.Improve the representation of turbulent mixing in FLEXPART and enhance the consistency with turbulence as represented in ICON (in collaboration with GUF).Participate in an international model intercomparison exercise organized under the Integrated Global Greenhouse Gas Information Sytem (IG3IS) of the World Meteorological Organization.Participate in project meetings, manage Empa's tasks and deliverables in the project.

Amine-functional silica aerogels are promising CO2 capture materials, yet implementing effective adsorption/desorption cycles requires a deeper understanding of the processes involved as well as more reliable numerical tools to describe and design adsorption materials. The postdoctoral researcher will develop reliable conceptual and numerical multiscale models (from atomistic to macroscopic scale) of sorption-relevant processes in functionalized nano- and micro-porous materials. These models will support the rational design of functionalized aerogel devices for CO2-capture applications. The main challenge of the project is to understand the role played by the functionalization and the microstructure on sorption and gas diffusion. To describe the hierarchy of structural and physicochemical scales that characterize the porous material and model the kinetics of CO2 adsorption and desorption, a multiscale approach will be employed.

In the lab for Magnetic and Functional Thin Films, we operate various home-built scanning force microscopes for magnetic but also atomic-resolution imaging. For the latter, two home-built UHV low temperature scanning force microscopes with interferometric deflection detection are available (beyond several instruments designed for performing high-resolution MFM). Using metal coated cantilevers with an optimized stiffness-to-resonance frequency ratio, sensitivities or measurement bandwidths far beyond those obtained with conventional force microscopes can be obtained. Moreover, cantilever sensors allow the simultaneous measurement of vertical and lateral forces in addition to the tunnel current. For a currently running project on Stochastic Atomic and Molecular Fluctuators and Resonators (with two Ph.D. students) and future plans to develop advanced methods for mapping magnetic structures at the atomic scale we offer a position for an experienced postdoctoral scientist.

The European Commission is planning to launch a series of new CO2 imaging satellites (CO2M) dedicated to the global quantification of anthropogenic CO2 emissions of countries, cities and industries in support of the Paris Climate Agreement. The EU project CoCO2, which brings together a high-level consortium of 25 European partner organizations under the lead of ECMWF, will develop a prototype monitoring and verification system in support of CO2M based on a suite of atmospheric transport models and emission quantification methods. As a key partner of CoCO2 contributing to the development of high-resolution model solutions, we are looking for a highly motivated postdoc experienced in atmospheric transport modelling. Your tasksDetermine the potential of CO2M to quantify CO2 emissions from power plants, cities and countries building on methods and modelling tools developed by our group in previous EU and ESA funded projects.Setup and conduct high-resolution simulations for large point sources and for the whole of Germany.Apply and develop methods for emission estimation using mass balance and inverse modelling approaches.Participate in regular project meetings, manage Empa's tasks and deliverables in the CoCO2 project.

for a project on Next Generation NanotherapeuticsIn an interdisciplinary collaboration with the Nanoparticle Systems Engineering Lab at ETH Zurich, the Laboratory for Particles-Biology Interactions and the Empa Laboratory for Magnetic and Functional Thin Films, we seek to create tomorrow's therapies and decisively contribute to precision medicine by harnessing nanotechnology. We work in close collaboration with clinical partners to bring conceptionally novel solutions to clinical application.In this highly interdisciplinary and translational project we fabricate magnetic nanoparticles from magnetic thin film multilayer system yielding nanoparticles with magnetic properties superior to existing biomedically used nanoparticles. We will then investigate the prospective biomedical applications of these magnetic thin film nanoparticles in collaboration with biologists and clinical partners.

als technisch/wissenschaftliche/r Mitarbeiter/inIhre Aufgaben:Auslegung und Realisierung von Versuchsanlagen zur Produktion von synthetischen Flugtreibstoffen in Zusammenarbeit.Planung, Durchführung und Auswertung experimenteller Untersuchungen zu Teilprozessen in Zusammenarbeit mit Forschungs- und Industriepartnern.Entwicklung eines Simulationsmodells zur Untersuchung des Einflusses der wichtigsten Prozessparameter und des Up-scalings.Detaillierte energetische Untersuchung und Optimierung einzelner Verfahrensschritte und des Gesamt­systems.Verfassen von Publikationen und Präsentation der Ergebnisse in Tagungen und Konferenzen.Betreuung von Studierenden und Praktikanten/innen.

The Laboratory for Advanced Analytical Technology at Empa and Institute for Chemical is looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate to work in the field of physical chemistry.The underlying idea of the project is that magnetic properties are related to the chemical state of functional materials such as catalysts, and thus magnetic and magneto-optical probes may be used as probes for operando studies of photochemical processes. The PhD student will further develop and operate a magneto-optical setup and investigate changes induced by light and adjacent chemical processes in photo-catalytic reactions. The project is embedded in the LightChEC project at the University Zürich, and thus the focus lies process relevant to solar water splitting. The student will be a member of the Hydrogen Spectroscopy group at Empa and enrolled in the CMSZH (Graduate School of Chemical and Molecular Sciences of the UZH). He/she has to fulfil some teaching duties as defined by UZH, Department of Chemistry.

This PhD project involves the development of a high-precision, mid-IR laser spectrometer for the detection of specific trace-compounds in human breath. The primary scientific aim is the selective and sensitive detection of gaseous organic molecules that are relevant in medical applications. This work is part of the “Zürich Exhalomics” flagship project, and the successful candidate will be enrolled at ETH Zurich, co-supervised by Prof. Dr. R. Zenobi. The PhD student will thus benefit from a broad expertise in trace gas detection, and breath research. Job description, responsibilities and tasksDevelopment and application of quantum cascade laser spectroscopy for the detection of trace gases in human breathMethod validation and intercomparison with state-of-the-art mass spectrometry and gas chromatographyCollaboration with the Children's Hospital Zurich during a clinical studyData analysis, interpretation, and presentation at international conferences

The project is in collaboration with EPFL, Böhler Edelstahl, and re-fer. In our Structural Engineering Research Laboratory and the Laboratory for Advanced Materials Processing, new materials and systems for civil infrastructure use are developed (e.g. iron-based shape memory alloys (Fe-SMAs)). Empa is a pioneer and a worldwide-recognized institute for research on Fe-SMA reinforcement. More than 40 scientists have worked at Empa in this field over the last 20 years. As a result, more than 100 papers have been published and highly cited by society. So far, 60 real applications have been realized by the start-up company re-fer AG. Project description and tasks In this Ph.D. project, basic studies will be performed to understand the fundamental mechanisms of low-temperature creep (i.e., the time-dependent plastic elongation) and stress relaxation of Fe-SMA products. Afterward, the relaxation of SMA reinforcements with high recovery stress (Ultra-high SMAs) will be investigated. The mechanical behavior will be correlated with the materials' microstructures. Based on a deep understanding of SMA reinforcements' creep and relaxation behavior and material modeling and simulation, the development of optimal heat treatments and/or alloy composition will be the final goal of this Ph.D. project.The prospective student will be enrolled at the doctoral school of EPF Lausanne. EPFL is one of the world’s most dynamic and reputed institutes of science and technology. It offers a combination of excellence, inspiring education, and outstanding facilities for research.

Sie sind zuständig für:die selbständige Betreuung der Luftqualitäts-Messungen an Messstationen des NABELden Betrieb von Messgeräten und die Qualitätssicherung der Messdatendie Entwicklung von neuen Messmethodendie Analyse von Luftproben im Labordie technische Weiterentwicklung des MessnetzesAutomatisierung, Programmierung und Datenauswertung

We are looking for highly motivated candidates with a strong theoretical background in Solid State Physics or Physical Chemistry to take up a challenging PhD position in the area of low-dimensional magnetic carbon-based nanomaterials. In this PhD project, ab initio simulation techniques based on density functional theory and quantum chemistry methods as well as methods based on model Hamiltonians will be employed to predict the electronic and magnetic properties of nanographenes and nanographene-based spin chains and lattices produced in our laboratory, and to rationalize the results of scanning probe experiments related to them. The successful candidate will be integrated in the PhD program of the University of Zurich and will work within the binational project Understanding electronic and magnetic properties of carbon based nanomaterials which builds on a close collaboration with our theory partners at the University of Regensburg.

The PhD student is funded as part of the ERC Consolidator H2020 program. He/she will contribute to the project “Synthesis of polymers with increased dielectric permittivity”. Your tasks:to conduct the synthesis and characterization of new polar polymersto process the polar polymers in thin films and to optimize their properties to conduct mechanical, dielectric and electromechanical tests of the developed materialsto test the developed materials in different applications

Die Abteilung Informatik unterstützt die Forschungs- und Supportabteilungen an allen drei Standorten der Empa (Dübendorf, St. Gallen und Thun) mit professionellen und zeitgemässen Informatik-Dienstleistungen. Dabei orientiert sie sich an den Bedürfnissen der internen Kunden und setzt ihre Mittel effizient und nachhaltig ein.Ihre AufgabeSicherstellen des Betriebs der Server Services: Client- und Server-Management Suite und DruckerservicesBetrieb und Unterhalt von DSM OSD (OS-Deployment), Aufbereiten von BS und Treiber für die automatisierte BS VerteilungBetrieb und Unterhalt von DSM NetInstall (Softwareshop)Entwickelung und Umsetzung der verschiedenen Richtlinien für die Client-SecurityEmpfang, Kontrolle und Inventarisierung der durch die Informatik verwalteten SoftwareVerwaltung der Softwarelizenzen, Betrieb und Unterhalt des Empa LizenzserversPlanung und Koordination von Change-, Problem- und ReleasemanagementAutomatisierung von Prozessen mittels geeigneter Tools (Scripting, Power Shell, Policies, Programmierung)Mitarbeit in verschiedenen IT ProjektenProfessionelle Beratung und Unterstützung der internen Kunden

Your tasks You will work on applied research projects in collaboration with industrial partners as well as research projects related to intelligent textiles. These incorporate the design of textile-based sensors and the development of innovative wearable solutions for continuous monitoring of vital parameters. Textile sensing elements can be based on polymer optical fibers or electrical conductive fibers. You will be part of an interdisciplinary team of engineers and scientists working with you on these challenging topics. Besides experimental work, your task will be to lead the projects, coordinate the work between different work packages and to develop innovative solutions based on your textile engineering expertise.

For an internally funded project, we are looking for a highly motivated PostDoc with a strong background in cold sintering of ceramic, ferroelectrics and piezoelectrics for acoustic applications. The project focus is on the development of sintering strategies of ferroelectric materials at low temperature to be able to process and subsequent investigation novel acoustic structures. Your TasksExplore and develop cold sintering methods for ferroelectric materialsImplementation of metamaterial arrays for acoustic application, as a demonstratorInvestigation of the acoustic performance of the metamaterial array

The Laboratory for Thin Films and Photovoltaics is internationally known for innovative research in the fields of thin film photovoltaics, thin-film batteries and printed electronics. Specifically, thin-film solid-state batteries are developed for powering wireless sensors and smart cards, and at the same time, the thin-film geometry offers a flexible platform for discovering materials and interfacial phenomena that can be transferred to bulk batteries https://www.empa.ch/web/s207/thin-film-batteries. The solid-state electrolyte (SSE) is often considered as the key component enabling the Generation 4 Li-ion batteries that rely on high-voltage cathodes and metallic lithium anode. The optimum solid electrolyte composition has not yet been found, and several material families, e.g. oxides, sulfides and halides, are being actively investigated. Following the thin-film approach, we aim to develop an efficient SSE that can be realized by physical vapour deposition (PVD). This should allow depositing dense, sub-micron uniform SSE layers serving as effective ionic conductor and electronic insulator, which should enable all-solid-state batteries with Lithium metal anode.

The research project focuses on the development of protected lithium metal anodes for all-solid-state batteries. Your task is to investigate and mitigate dendrite formation using protective coatings to improve cycle life and safety of all-solid-state batteries with lithium metal anodes. You will be embedded in the collaborative research framework of a European Horizon 2020 project. This will enable you to interact with leading European academic and industrial partners including a large cell maker. Within this project, the ability to publish is not restricted. Generation of intellectual property in the form of patents is encouraged.

Die Abteilung Informatik unterstützt die Forschungs- und Supportabteilungen an allen drei Standorten der Empa (Dübendorf, St. Gallen und Thun) mit professionellen und zeitgemässen Informatik-Dienstleistungen. Dabei orientiert sie sich an den Bedürfnissen der internen Kunden und setzt ihre Mittel effizient und nachhaltig ein.Ihre AufgabeRequirement-Engineering, Entwicklung, Testing und Integration von UnternehmensanwendungenSicherstellung der Qualität im gesamten Life Cycle der ApplikationSupport der UnternehmensanwendungenKonzeption und Umsetzung von Web-FrontendsVerantwortung für das Testing und Überführung von Unternehmensanwendungen in den operativen BetriebMitwirkung bei Aufnahme der Anforderung insbesondere der Akzeptanzkriterien und der TestplanungErstellen von Betriebs- und Systemdokumentationen

Project description and tasksYou will be expected to develop a novel research direction in collaboration and consultation with your supervisors for the following project: The electric energy demand of buildings is increasing due to the electrification of the transportation and heating systems which will lead to increasing numbers of electric vehicles (EVs) and heat pumps. While this puts an additional strain on the power grid, EVs and heat pumps are flexible loads that can be leveraged to keep the balance between generation and load. At the same time the deployment of smart meters and building automation systems (BAS) as well as an increasing share of renewable energy sources such as rooftop or façade PV progresses.In this project we intend to derive formulations that take into account the causality of available flexible producers and consumers as well as include the fact that such availability will always be subject to quite a lot of uncertainty. Hence, this project aims at supporting the vision of providing a probabilistic representation of available flexibility at the building level over a given time horizon, which is incrementally updated every time step as new data realizes. Available data of BAS shall be leveraged and it shall be investigated how to optimally provide the flexibility if re-quested, i.e. closing the loop from identification of available flexibility to actually providing it. The project is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation and is part of the NCCR Automation, which means a close interaction with 16 control groups and 42 PhDs and postdocs across Switzerland on this project.

in einem faszinierenden Forschungsumfeld an.Als Fachmann/-frau Betriebsunterhalt übernimmst du Reinigungs-, Wartungs- und Kontrollarbeiten und bist zuständig für den baulichen Unterhalt sowie Reparaturen. Während deiner Ausbildung lernst du die Grünpflege und die Abfallbewirtschaftung kennen. Arbeitssicherheit und Betriebsorganisation sind ebenfalls wichtige Themen, mit denen du dich befassen wirst. Deine Ausbildung findet abwechselnd an der Gewerblichen Berufsschule in Wetzikon und im Betrieb statt. Ausserdem besuchst du einige überbetriebliche Kurse in Effretikon.

Die Abteilung Informatik unterstützt die Forschungs- und Supportabteilungen an allen drei Standorten der Empa (Dübendorf, St. Gallen und Thun) mit professionellen und zeitgemässen Informatik-Dienstleistungen. Dabei orientiert sie sich an den Bedürfnissen der internen Kunden und setzt ihre Mittel effizient und nachhaltig ein. Ihre AufgabeMitverantwortung für den Betrieb der Netzwerk ServicesMitverantwortung bei der Weiterentwicklung, Optimierung und Standardisierung der bestehenden Infrastruktur und der ServicesBetrieb, Optimierung und konzeptionelle Weiterentwicklung der Datennetze (LAN, WAN, WLAN) und Sicherheitseinrichtungen (Firewalls, VPN, E-Mail Security Gateway, Identity Management)Aktive Förderung der konstruktiven Zusammenarbeit mit unseren internen KundenMitarbeit in Projekten für neue Services im eigenen Bereich und bei grösseren ICT-Vorhaben