PhD position in 3D analysis of tribological and thermal properties in textiles
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.
Empa's Laboratory of Biomimetic Membranes and Textiles develops novel smart fibers, textiles and membranes for body monitoring, drug delivery and tissue engineering applications. Empa's Centre for X-ray Analytics develops X-ray analytical and imaging methods for understanding materials structure in material, life- and medical sciences. This is a joint PhD position.
Your tasks
Many skin injuries arise from non-adapted textiles and clothing. Frictional and heat/moisture accumulation problems favour the formation of injuries like blisters and pressure ulcers The PhD research will focus on characterizing and optimizing architectured fabrics and textiles using 3D micro tomography as a main tool to investigate tribological and thermal properties of different, architectured textiles (hydrophobic/hydrophilic) in different conditions (wet/moist). This will be complemented with tribological, thermal, optical (IR) and mechanical testing techniques. The research is performed in a holistic multidisciplinary approach in close collaboration with partners from UHA, France. The foreseen results of the project shall contribute to the development of optimized textiles used for medical and sports applications.
Your contribution:
* Application and development of 3D X-ray microCT methods for studying wetting/evaporation in architectured textiles
* Studying and understanding the interaction in transient state between tribological and thermal properties in textiles by in-situ 3D and 4D microCT
* Design and execution of tribological, thermal, optical (IR) and mechanical tests on different types of textiles
* Data management, data treatment
* Reporting and publication
Your profile
If you are interested in making a major impact on functional clothing and textiles, are highly motivated and passionate about working in an interdisciplinary field, and fulfil the following criteria:
* Completed Master`s degree in physics, chemical engineering, biomedical engineering or similar,
* you have strong hands-on lab skills,
* you have some experience with X-ray methods and imaging,
* you have preferably some additional experience in any other analysis tools & methods mentioned above,
* you are fluent in English (German is beneficial).
Our offer
We are a research institution with excellent infrastructure and broad interdisciplinary surrounding. Project duration is three years with the potential extension by one more year. The candidate will perform his/her research at Empa in Dübendorf and occasionally at Empa. Desired starting date is as soon as reasonably possible or upon mutual 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.
Patricia Nitzsche ,Stv. Leiterin Human Resources / Dep. Head Human Resources
Questions?
PD Dr Robert Zboray
Group leader X-ray Imaging
>
Your future place of work
Empa
Ueberlandstrasse 129
8600 Dübendorf
Empa as an employer
Innovative, sustainable, meaningful activities
Creating added value for society
International, multicultural working environment
Freedom to create and develop
Culture of inclusion and respect
Excellent balance between different areas of life
Multiple award-winning and certified employer
Benefits for rail, mobile, childcare, catering, etc
Good to know
Empa website
Working in Switzerland
Employment process
Conditions of employment
Apply now
jid4adc0f1a jit1042a jiy25a