EMPA

Project goal: Investigate the strain-enhanced ion-conductivity in elastically and plastically deformed single and polycrystalline oxide membranes and thin films. This work opens new avenues for the design of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) in miniaturized systems for energy storage in mobile applications. Furthermore, an increased ionic conductivity in plastically deformed oxide thin films can also pave the way to optimized functional properties of other thin oxide film technologies, such as ferroelectricity, band gap tuning, resistive memory switching, and catalysis. Your tasks: We are looking for a highly motivated enthusiastic candidate to perform systematic experimental investigations to derive the ionic conductivity in Y-doped ZrO2 (YSZ) and SrZrO3 thin films as function of the applied mechanical bending strain. The candidate will:fabricate epitaxial and polycrystalline thin films by PLD and magnetron sputtering, respectivelytransfer epitaxial films on thin membranes by etching a sacrificial interlayer in water.implement a 3-point bending setup for applying controlled mechanical strain levels on single-crystalline and polycrystalline oxide membranes from the elastic up to the plastic regime.characterize the effect of strain on the ionic conductivity in oxide membranes also in relation with e.g. the grain-size, texture and defect structure by using a combined analytical approach using Impedance and Raman spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), In-situ soft and hard X-ray Photoemission Spectroscopy (XPS/HAXPES) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).

Ihre Aufgaben: Revisions- und Servicearbeiten sowie beheben von anfallenden StörungenMontage, Demontage und Ergänzungen von AnlageteilenNachführen der Dokumentationen im Zusammenhang mit Änderungen und ErgänzungenÜberwachung der Montagen von Neuanlagen bis hin zur BetriebsbereitschaftPikettdienst

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 im-prove 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.

Research AreaThis new position is embedded in the interdisciplinary research project RESTORE on the restorative potential of urban green spaces in noise-polluted environments and is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation. In this position, you will develop virtual reality components to bring urban sceneries into our acoustic laboratory facility to conduct psychophysical experiments on noise, stress and restoration. The diversified work comprises lab and field work and includesAcquisition and implementation of multichannel audio and video recording systemsApplied research on audio signal processing, involving algorithm design, implementation, and experimental validation (higher-order Ambisonics)Performing measurements and recordings in different outdoor locationsIntegration in Empa's existing laboratory facility AuraLab with a 3D loudspeaker setup and head-mounted displaySoftware development for synchronized playback of audio and video channels, and user interaction in the laboratory (programming of game engine)Active participation in project, group and lab meetings, knowledge transfer, presentations and scientific publications

Our Lab investigates fundamental and applied problems bridging between chemical innovation and industrial solutions. The core focus is the development and deployment of spectroscopy methods of enabling character for materials science.A very promising process to reduce greenhouse gas concentration in the atmosphere by direct air capture (DAC) relies on CO2 sorbents, such as amine-functionalized polymers, which are able to bind CO₂ from air, reversibly forming carbamates. The reversible uptake capacity and kinetics depends on the number of active sites in the material and the accessibility of them. Unfortunately, many concurrent, not fully understood, micro-chemical processes cause the amine/carbamate system to degrade, with as high as 40% loss of DAC efficiency.To investigate the amine degradation you will set up a unique soft X-ray laser coupled to gas chromatography mass spectrometry and microanalyze the chemical pathways of degradation. Laser desoption ionization coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry offers the possibility to analyze pristine and "spent" sorbent materials in situ, with a spatial resolution of approx. 1 micron. Lateral and depth-resolved mappings of the organic compounds at given time-interval will permit to track the dynamics of the oxidative process. Your tasksOperate and validate a setup for soft X-ray laser delivery to a GC-Mass Spectrometer. Utilize complementary methods for the validations, such as Raman, GC-MS, HAXPES, synchrotron spectroscopy.Carry out spatially resolved micro-analysis on materials for the sorption of CO2.Coordinate and participate in industrial projects, Write peer-reviewed publications and promote the results at international conferences

This PhD project involves the development of high-precision, mid-IR laser spectroscopy 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 Zürich Exhalomics and University Medicine Zurich (UMZ), and the successful candidate will be enrolled at ETHZ, co-supervised by Prof. R. Zenobi. The PhD student will thus benefit from a broad expertise in trace gas detection, and breath research.Job description, responsibilities and tasksDevelopment of a quantum cascade laser spectrometer for the detection of trace-gases in human breathOptimization of optics, electronics and mechanics for best performanceDesign of laboratory experiments including various analytical instruments and peripherialsMethod validation and intercomparison with mass spectrometry and gas chromatographyData analysis and interpretation

Empa’s Center for X-ray Analytics develops X-ray methodologies for understanding materials structure in life- and material sciences. The Center is offering a PhD position in the development of X-ray analytical tools by combining 3D X-ray imaging methods with X-ray diffraction and scattering. Methodology development is foreseen in the field of micro/nano-CT, phase contrast imaging together with XRD. Your tasks will involve lab-based instrumentation advancements for soft, biomedical samples, devising and performing X-ray analytical experiments and developing corresponding software for data analysis. 3D real and reciprocal space methods will be linked in order to obtain high resolution and contrast together with crystallographic information. Detailed understanding will be fostered for biological systems.This interdisciplinary PhD project combines physics, material science, engineering and crystallography and will be carried out in collaboration withdifferent laboratories of Empa's Department 'Materials meet Life' and Swiss University hospitals.Synergies between the institutions will be beneficial for the project.

This position is embedded in national and European projects, including close collaboration with an industry partner. You will take responsibility for the design and development of next-generation pilot battery cells with molten sodium anodes. Your tasks include the evaluation, acquisition, integration, and assembly of components into operational battery cells as well as their electrochemical characterization. For developing reliable solutions for novel cells, you adopt commercially available materials and concepts where appropriate, or apply latest research findings to improve state-of-the-art components.Our laboratory is fully equipped with facilities for state-of-the-art materials synthesis and processing, structural, thermal, electrical, electrochemical materials characterization, and cell cyling in inert atmosphere and at high temperatures.

an.Die Empa ist eine Forschungsinstitution im ETH-Bereich mit internationaler Anerkennung. Du bewegst dich in einem wissenschaftlichen Umfeld mit Mitarbeitenden aus vielen verschiedenen Nationen und mit Kontakten in die ganze Welt. Kaufleute widmen sich anspruchsvollen administrativen Arbeiten und verfügen über eine breite Palette von Fähigkeiten und Fachkenntnissen. Am Puls der Forschung unterstützt du Wissenschaft und Technik. Du hast bei uns die Möglichkeit, die Lehre zwischen Profil «E» oder «M» zu absolvieren.Die kaufmännische Lehre an der Empa ist vielseitig und abwechslungsreich. Du bekommst Einblick in praktisch alle Bereiche der Kaufleute. Gemäss einem Plan wirst du in verschiedenen Abteilungen rotierend eingesetzt. Überall unterstützen dich motivierte und fachlich qualifizierte Ausbildungspersonen. So verfügst du am Ende der Lehrzeit über ein breites Grundwissen, auf dem sich in beliebiger Fachrichtung aufbauen lässt.

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

Project description and tasks: The employed postdoc will work on two connected research projects. 1) Development of an eco-friendly ultra-high performance concrete volumetrically prestressed with SMA fibers (Eco-UHPC-VP),2) Prestressed shape memory alloy (SMA) reinforcement for 3D Concrete Printing (PSMA-3D). Concrete technology research will be carried out by one of our current postdocs, who is already involved in both projects. The structural research including Finite Element (FE) modeling, design of experiments, conducting structural experiments, writing publications- and possible supervision of junior researchers- will be the main tasks of the new postdoc. Within the Eco-UHPC-VP project, the goal is to study the volumetric prestressing of concrete by means of iron-based SMA (Fe-SMA) fibers uniformly distributed through the concrete volume. FE simulations will be used to model and better understand 1) the local prestress around a single fiber, 2) the crack initiation and propagation, and 3) the overall mechanical behavior of the developed Eco-UHPC-VP. FE models will be adapted and verified with the experimental results obtained within the project and will then be used for further parametric studies limiting the total costs of the experiments. Within the PSMA-3D project in a joint research study between Empa and ETH, we intend to investigate the feasibility of prestressed SMA reinforcement for 3D printed concrete elements. We plan to design and develop structurally optimized 3D printed concrete elements and their integrated reinforcement layout as well as strategies for its prestressing, analysis and optimization of the elements together with 1:1 prototyping and testing. In order to apply concrete extrusion at building scale, above mentioned reinforcement strategies are investigated. Empa is an interdisciplinary research institution for materials science and technology in the ETH domain. At Empa structural engineering research laboratory new materials and systems are developed (e.g. Fe-SMAs) for use in civil infrastructure. Empa is 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 the society. So far 60 real application have been realized by re-fer AG. ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in science and technology. The research-group Digital Building Technologies lead by Prof.Dr. Benjamin Dillenburger at Department of Architecture at ETH Zurich investigates large-scale additive manufacturing for construction and related computational design strategies. An interdisciplinary research team embedded in the National Competence Centre of Research in Digital Fabrication (NCCR DFAB) is developing a concrete extrusion process used in this research project.

Your tasksYou lead a research team in the field of nanomaterials spectroscopy.You establish an original and creative research portfolio, striving for excellence, develop novel experimental methods and develop your team according to the research portfolio.You actively collaborate with other Empa units, with national and international research teams and with industrial partners.You communicate your results in peer-reviewed scientific journals and at international conferences.You secure external funding and support the laboratory mission.

We primarily welcome applicants with past postdoctoral experience to be hired at scientist level; however, younger applicants with an interesting profile may also be considered for hiring at post-doctoral level. We are seeking a curious, creative, critical individual committed to scientific excellence and high ethical standard. The candidate has a background in physics, mechanical or civil engineering, or related fields, and blends theoretical knowledge, programming skills and physical intuition. The ideal candidate has worked in fields such as porous media science, fluid and continuum mechanics (including interfacial processes), thermodynamics, scientific computing, building physics, energy storage and conversion, physics and chemistry of membranes. She/he has acquired experience in dealing with complex physicochemical processes and in modeling phenomena over multiple scales (e.g. molecular scales, pore scale, continuum scale, building and regional scales). Experience in developing, acquiring and managing research projects is also desirable for candidates to be hired at scientist level. Possible research areas of interest include (but are not limited to): multiscale and multiphysics modeling of complex processes (including coupled heat and mass transfer, reactive transport, ad-/desorption); supermaterials (materials with enhanced physicochemical properties, including nano-porous materials and nanostructures); active building envelopes with tunable properties; energy production, conversion and storage; novel computational models for building physics; membrane and bioreactors; computational fluid dynamics.

mit einem Pensum von 60 – 80%.Ihre AufgabenStrategische Planung und Umsetzung des Fundraising für Privatpersonen und UnternehmenAufbau von Beziehungen zu Privatpersonen und Unternehmen mit dem Ziel einer längerfristigen, monetären PartnerschaftEvaluation aller Fundraisingmassnahmen im Bereich Major Donor Fundraising mit regelmässiger Berichterstattung an Bereichs- und Geschäftsleitung

We primarily welcome applicants with past postdoctoral experience to be hired at scientist level; however, younger applicants with an interesting profile may also be considered for hiring at post-doctoral level. We are seeking a curious, creative, critical individual committed to scientific excellence and high ethical standard. The candidate has a background in physics, applied mathematics, mechanical/civil engineering, computer science, or related fields, and blends theoretical knowledge, programming skills and physical intuition. The ideal candidate has worked in data science, machine learning and statistical learning, mastering the concepts behind the methods as well as the details of modern programming tools. She/he has acquired experience in analyzing, describing and interpreting experimental data. Previous knowledge of building, energy, or environmental related problems is an asset. Experience in developing, acquiring and managing research projects is also desirable for candidates to be hired at scientist level. Possible research areas of interest include (but are not limited to): developing ad-hoc solutions for construction, renovation and energy networks; devising diagnostic and managing tools to optimize building and network performance; developing next-generation simulation tools that integrate mechanistic and datadriven models; digitalization, smart monitoring and optimization of the information extracted from experimental data.

Dein ProfilDein Sekundarabschluss ist in greifbarer Nähe und du hast gute Leistungen (Sek A) bis sehr gute Leistungen (Sek B) in den Fächern Arithmetik/Algebra sowie Geometrie, Physik und Deutsch. Dein sehr gutes räumliches Vorstellungsvermögen ist gepaart mit Lern- und Leistungsbereitschaft und natürlich hast du Freude am Umgang mit Metallen und Kunststoffen. Grosses Interesse an modernen, komplexen Maschinen sowie die Begabung für exaktes und speditives Arbeiten setzen wir voraus. Hohes Verantwortungsgefühl und Teamfähigkeit sind weitere wichtige Komponenten.Deine Aufgaben- Du fertigst Werkstücke an und stellst Werkzeuge für die Forschungs- und Prüfanlagen her- Drehen, Bohren, Schweissen und Fräsen von Metallen und Kunststoffen mit konventionellen CNC-Maschinen- Montieren von Baugruppen- Entwickeln kleiner Konstruktionslösungen und Erstellen von technischen Zeichnungen

An einem ETH-Forschungsinstitut tätig zu sein, bringt viel Abwechslung in den Berufsalltag. Die vielseitigen und spannenden Aufgaben in einem internationalen Umfeld garantieren Jugendlichen mit Interesse an Physik, Werkstoffen, Chemie, Technik und Elektronik eine spannende und vielseitige Lehre.Zu deinen Kernaufgaben gehörenUntersuchung der physikalischen und chemischen Integrität von metallischen Werkstoffen und ihren Bauteilen, wie sie z.B. in Gebäuden, Brücken, Tunnels, Produktionsanlagen, im Maschinenbau sowie der Energie-, Bahn- und Medizinaltechnik angewendet werdenErmittlung von Werkstoffkennwerten mittels modernster analytischer Methoden und Durchführung von physikalischen Messungen und Versuchsreihen mit Werkstoffen und SystemenTüfteln an Versuchsanlagen, Versuche vorbereiten, durchführen und dokumentierenBesuch der Technischen Berufsschule Zürich

An einem ETH-Forschungsinstitut tätig zu sein, bringt viel Abwechslung in den Berufsalltag. Die vielseitigen und spannenden Aufgaben in einem internationalen Umfeld garantieren Jugendlichen mit Interesse an Physik, Werkstoffen, Chemie, Technik und Elektronik eine spannende und vielseitige Lehre.Zu deinen Kernaufgaben gehörenDu untersuchst die physikalische und chemische Beschaffenheit von Werkstoffen, wie sie z.B. in Beschichtungen, Mikroelektronik, im Maschinenbau, sowie der Energie-, Bahn- und Medizinaltechnik angewandt werden.Du ermittelst Werkstoffkennwerte mittels moderner analytischer Methoden und führst physikalische Messungen und Versuchsreihen durch.Du entwickelst und unterhältst Versuchsanlagen, bereitest Versuche vor, führst sie durch und dokumentierst sie.Du arbeitest mit modernen Reinraum- und Beschichtungstechniken zur Erstellung von Mikrokomponenten und dünnen Schichten.Du besuchst die Technische Berufsschule Zürich. Der Besuch der BMS wird unterstützt.

Du hast Freude am Computer, Spass an exaktem Arbeiten und verfügst zudem über ein sehr gutes analytisches Denkvermögen? Informatiker mit Schwerpunkt Systemtechnik planen, installieren, betreiben und warten Informatiksysteme und deren Applikationen. Die Empa Dübendorf betreibt eine komplette Informatik-Infrastruktur für mehrere hundert Benutzer. Während deiner Ausbildung lernst du wie man in komplexen Computersystemen arbeitet, diese erweitert oder durch neue ersetzt.

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.

The research project focuses on modification of surfaces with organic molecules and metal atoms for syntheses of two-dimensional metalorganic frameworks serving as model catalysts for activation of carbon dioxide and water. Our lab is fully equipped with state-of-the-art investigation techniques, such as scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and other surface spectroscopies.

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

This position is part of a broader project including Prof. Ilaria Zardo, Univ. of Basel and Prof. Nicola Marzari at EPFL.We are looking for a highly motivated PhD student with a master degree in condensed matter physics, materials science, nanoscience or a related discipline and a strong interest for 2D materials, nano-fabrication and interdisciplinary research. Excellent communication skills and fluency in English (both written and oral) are expected.

The project requires the development of novel opto-acoustic sensors for additive manufacturing process. The development of interests include: Performance enhancement of the opto-acoustic detection setupExisting optical fiber based acoustic emission detection setup, in particular Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBG)Conduct novel opto-acoustic sensor design development The research is multidisciplinary and requires close collaboration with experimentalists. We offer a world-class mentorship, an excellent infrastructure and broad interdisciplinary surroundings with plenty of possibilities for personal and professional development. Due to a high world interest in online and real-time monitoring of additive manufacturing process, a research experience acquired in this program will guarantee exciting future opportunities both in academia and industry, nationally and internationally. The work place will be at Empa in Thun, next to Bern, Switzerland.

Project goal: Investigate the oxidation and oxygen dissolution induced by laser-structuring of Ti and Ti-alloy (e.g. Zr, Al, V alloying element) surfaces for medical applications. Assessment of the electrochemical reactivity and corrosion mechanism of the laser-structured and pristine alloy surfaces, as well as of model oxide layers grown by anodizing. The experimental findings will be correlated with the biological response in collaboration with other partners from academia and industry. Your tasks:Characterize the microstructure and electrochemical reactivity of laser-induced Ti and Ti-alloy surfaces by a broad combination of surface analytical techniques and electrochemical techniquesPerform "electro"chemical surface oxidation of the Ti-alloy surfaces Optimize an "electrochemical" dynamic-crevice setup for assessing the corrosion-fatigue behaviour of surface treated Ti –alloys to arrive at the formulation of the corrosion initiation mechanism(s)Collaborate within a larger industrial consortium (Innosuisse) with the aim to correlate own results on the microstructural changes and electrochemical reactivity of the laser-structured Ti-alloy surfaces with the respective residual stresses and the bio-response.

The Laboratory for Thin Films and Photovoltaics is internationally known for innovative research in the field of thin-film photovoltaics and battery technologies. The Laboratory holds the world record for energy conversion efficiency of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) solar cells on flexible substrates, semitransparent perovskite and tandem solar cells. One developing research topic is thin-film solid-state batteries, a promising approach for safer batteries with high energy densities https://www.empa.ch/web/s207/thin-film-batteries We are looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate, who is willing to pursue exploratory research on solid-state batteries with a particular focus on the thin-film architecture. This includes exploration of new cathode, anode, contact and electrolyte materials, in-depth characterization of bulk and interfaces, as well as fabrication, characterization and modeling of novel battery device architectures.

to develop lead free glasses and glass-ceramic composite materials and the associated processing to manufacture high quality sealing material resistant to harsh environments. This should then be applied to joining of alumina ceramic and metal components for use in high performance sensors. An in depth knowledge of glass processing, glass melting, glass chemistry and production is necessary. Practical experience of joining, testing of joints via mechanical and microstructural characterization techniques is an advantage.

Zu Ihren Aufgaben gehören: Koordination wissenschaftlicher Studien im ganzen Projektverbund, Unterstützung aller Projektpartner in der strategischen Führung von «Zurich Exhalomics», beim Einwerben von Drittmitteln, beim Reporting sowie bei der Öffentlichkeitsarbeit. Eine starke wissenschaftliche Einbindung in Projekte von «Zürich Exhalomics» ist explizit erwünscht.