Ph.D. Scholarship Opportunity: Join us in pioneering advancements in double network granular hydrogels for novel biomedical and soft robotics applications. This Ph.D. opportunity offers the chance to contribute to cutting-edge research focused on developing naturally sourced, recyclable, and biomaterial-mineralized granular hydrogels with adjustable mechanical properties.
Ph.D. Scholarship Opportunity: Innovations in Granular Hydrogels for Biomedical and Soft Robotics Applications
Designation: Ph.D. Research Scholar
Research Area: Granular hydrogels, soft robotics, biomedical applications, material science, and biomaterial mineralization.
Location: École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Switzerland
Eligibility/Qualification: Ideal candidates should hold a background in material science, chemistry, chemical engineering, physical chemistry, nanotechnology, or related subjects. A strong motivation to work in an interdisciplinary environment is essential.
Job Description:
- Formulate naturally sourced double network granular hydrogels with customizable mechanical properties
- Characterize the mechanical properties of these granular hydrogels based on their composition and microstructure
- Introduce responsiveness into these load-bearing hydrogels
- Devise efficient recycling strategies for load-bearing double network granular hydrogels and elastomers
- Establish protocols for disassembling these systems into microparticles for recycling
- Study the influence of composition and microstructure on the recyclability and mechanical properties of these granular systems
- Mineralize double network granular hydrogels to stiffen them for potential biomedical applications
- Fabricate biocompatible mineralized scaffolds and test their viability in vitro and in collaboration with other labs in vivo
How to Apply: If you’re a highly motivated candidate with the requisite background and keen interest in a challenging interdisciplinary project, please send your CV and a motivation letter to esther.amstad@epfl.ch.
Last Date for Apply: Until position filled
