Empa

PhD student on enzymatic triggered biocomposite assembly

Dübendorf, Switzerland

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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.

The Empa Laboratory of Cellulose & Wood Materials invites applications for a PhD student position on enzymatic triggered biocomposite assembly. Together with our team of experienced scientists, postdocs and PhD students, you will develop materials that contribute to the development of the next generation of sustainable biocomposite materials. This project is part of a large international research center in collaboration with Denmark Technical University and University of Copenhagen and bridges our activities in the fields of nanocelluloses, proteins and chemical and physical surface functionalization.

The goal of the PhD project is to investigate how enzymes can be encapsulated in biocomposites to control both the assembly or crosslinking of biopolymers as well as the disassembly or reassembly of the materials into new composite structures. We envision that the generated knowledge will advance the field of bio-based and sustainable material technologies and contribute to new material processing and assembly strategies.

PhD student on enzymatic triggered biocomposite assembly

Your tasks

Study the triggered enzymatic crosslinking and disassembly of single biopolymer systems.
Characterize the evolution of the structure of the biopolymers following enzymatic action and investigate their possible integration in functional soft materials.
Develop strategies to encapsulate enzymes in biocomposites and methods to activate their functions in situ.
Publish in peer-reviewed high-impact factor journals and present at international conferences.

Your profile

MSc in Materials Science, Polymer Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related disciplines.
Demonstrated aptitude for scientific creativity and non-conventional thinking.
Fluent in written and oral English.
Self-motivated, critical-thinking, open-minded and communicative, with a strong interest to work in an international and interdisciplinary research environment.

Our offer
We offer a fully funded PhD position at Empa, the Swiss research institute for materials science and technology to conduct cutting-edge research for the benefits of industry and the wellbeing of society. The working place will be in Dübendorf ZH and the PhD candidate will be enrolled at DTU Denmark. The position is available immediately or upon agreement.

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.