Doctoral position on Macromolecular engineering of covalent adaptable networks

The Macromolecular Engineering Laboratory (Prof. Mark W. Tibbitt) within the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering (D-MAVT) at ETHZ in Zurich, Switzerland, designs, engineers, and applies advanced polymeric materials for a range of biomedical and industrial uses. The recent focus of the group (www.macro.ethz.ch/) includes the development of: (i) rational design of dynamic polymer networks; (ii) (bio)material processing; (iii) organ perfusion and regeneration; (iv) tools to study mechanobiology and cell-matrix interactions; and (v) engineered drug delivery systems. The lab is composed of a highly interdisciplinary and international team of motivated researchers. To expand on our interest in the macromolecular engineering and fundamental understanding of dynamic polymer networks, we are recruiting a full-time (100%) doctoral candidate. The candidate will focus on the synthesis, understanding, and application of covalent adaptable networks with an intended starting date on or after 01. October 2024.

This PhD project builds upon efforts in our lab to understand how the molecular nature of dynamic polymer networks influences their mechanical properties [Webber and Tibbitt Nat. Mater. Rev. 2022, 7, 541–556]. This will include the chemical design of new dynamic polymer networks; using rheology to link molecular behavior to macroscopic behavior [Marco-Dufort et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2020, 142, 15371–15385]; and physical modeling to develop structure–function relations. The goal is to provide fundamental insights on how to  better engineer dynamic polymer materials for a range of applications, including as viscoelastic biomaterials, recyclable materials, or printable bioinks for engineered living materials. The doctoral student will work in close collaboration with and be supported by an interdisciplinary team of doctoral students and postdocs working on related topics. In addition to research, the PhD candidate is expected to contribute to lab duties and will have the opportunity to contribute to teaching within the group, including student supervision, lecture support, and practical courses in the lab.

We are seeking a curious, motivated, and self-driven individual, who is comfortable working on interdisciplinary projects with aspects of macromolecular chemistry, soft matter physics, and mechanical engineering. We expect the candidate to exhibit academic excellence, a professional work attitude, and the ability to conduct independent research. Moreover, the candidate must be able to fluently communicate in English (oral and written) and be willing to work in a highly interactive, international team. Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in engineering sciences, mechanical engineering, chemical/process engineering, materials science, polymer engineering, physics, chemistry, or a related field. A working knowledge of organic synthesis, polymer chemistry, rheology, and soft matter physics is preferred. Practical experience in the design of polymer networks, polymer functionalization reactions, mechanical characterization of soft materials, and basic chemistry would be a plus. The doctoral position is intended for 4 years, at 100% employment, and will be supervised by Prof. Dr. Mark W. Tibbitt. The position is conditional upon admission to the Doctoral program at ETHZ.

• MSc degree in engineering sciences, mechanical engineering, chemical/process engineering, materials science, polymer engineering, physics, chemistry, or a related field
• eager to pursue research independently within a highly collaborative environment
• working knowledge of soft matter physics and/or chemistry
• passionate about both fundamental understanding and applications
• capable of communicating in written and oral form in English
• open and supportive personality

The position is hosted in the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering (D-MAVT) of the ETH Zürich, in the Zentrum Campus in Zürich, Switzerland. D-MAVT (https://mavt.ethz.ch/) is an interdisciplinary department with focus areas in process/chemical, mechanical, and biomedical engineering as well as robotics and controls. ETH Zürich (https://ethz.ch/en/) is a global leader in science and engineering and consistently ranks among the top universities in the world. Zürich is an international city with broad access to outdoor activities, arts and culture, other European cities, as well as a rich and excellent scientific community.