Your tasks

• Scientific research to improve the scalability of production of bio-based, high-performance thermal superinsulation materials based on cellulose, Earth's most abundant polymer.
• Planning, execution and interpretation of scientific research on biopolymer aerogels.
• Basic research on the sol-gel chemistry of cellulose nanofibrils and structure formation in cellulose gels.
• Apply those results to synthesize high-performance cellulose aerogels.
• Improve the scalability of the cellulose aerogel production process.
• Present your results at international conferences and in scientific publications.
• Supervision of intern students and semester projects that support your research project.

Your profile

• Completed Master's degree in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Hands-on experience in wet chemistry and/or materials synthesis and characterization.
• Sol-gel or aerogel experience is a benefit, but not required.
• Curiosity in the natural and man-made world around you.
• Fluent in English.

Our offer

The opportunity to do research within a team of experts in their fields, and with state-of-the-art facilities, with ample opportunities to take responsibility and to help shape your research project. We offer a supportive working environment and a safe-to-fail research culture, in a diverse and international research team. This is a fully funded position within a Swiss National Science Foundation project with a foreseen duration of 4 years, with the attractive working conditions of the ETH Domain.

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.