Summary
Empa (Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology), an institution of the ETH Domain, is seeking an outstanding and highly motivated early career researcher to establish an innovative research agenda and lead an internationally recognized research group in Metal Additive Manufacturing. The position is based at Empa’s Thun site within the newly established Laboratory for Advanced Metallurgy and Manufacturing of Metals (AM3). It offers an initial 3-year tenure-track appointment with the opportunity to transition into a permanent Group Leader role upon successful evaluation.
Overview Table
| Parameter | Details |
| Designation | Tenure Track Group Leader |
| Institution | Empa – Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (ETH Domain) |
| Laboratory | Laboratory for Advanced Metallurgy and Manufacturing of Metals (AM3) |
| Research Area | Metal Additive Manufacturing, Advanced Metallurgy, Materials Science |
| Location | Empa, Feuerwerkerstrasse 39, 3602 Thun, Switzerland |
| Contract Type | Tenure-Track (Initial 3-year appointment with path to permanent Group Leader) |
| Application Deadline | September 30, 2026 |
Research Area
- Field: Advanced Metallurgy, Materials Processing, and Metal Additive Manufacturing.
- Scope: Entire process chain—from alloy design and powder development to manufacturing processes (e.g., LPBF, DED, BJ), in-situ process monitoring, process modelling/simulation, microstructure engineering, and material characterization.
Eligibility & Qualifications
- Education: PhD in Materials Science, Metallurgy, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a closely related discipline.
- Technical Expertise: Demonstrated scientific and technological expertise in metals and metal additive manufacturing (such as Laser Powder Bed Fusion [LPBF], Directed Energy Deposition [DED], Binder Jetting [BJ], etc.).
- Scientific Record: Excellent track record of high-impact publications and conference presentations relative to career stage.
- Funding & Leadership: Strong potential to secure competitive national/international research funding and independently manage projects; demonstrated ability to mentor and supervise junior researchers (PhD, MSc, Postdocs).
- Skills: Interdisciplinary mindset bridging fundamental science and industrial application; strong leadership, communication, and networking skills.
- Languages: Excellent command of English; proficiency in German and/or French is an advantage.
Job Description & Responsibilities
- Research Leadership: Establish and lead a strong, independent research profile and group in metal additive manufacturing within the AM3 laboratory.
- Funding Acquisition: Proactively attract and manage competitive research grants from national/international agencies and industrial partners.
- Collaborations & Transfer: Build and sustain collaborations with academic and industry partners in Switzerland and abroad; promote technology transfer.
- Mentorship & Dissemination: Supervise PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and MSc students; publish in high-impact international journals and speak at key conferences.
- Strategic Growth: Contribute actively to the strategic goals, operations, and long-term expansion of the AM3 laboratory.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted exclusively online via the Empa Job Portal. E-mail or postal applications are not accepted.
Required Application Documents:
- Motivation Letter (1 page) including a brief outline of planned research activities.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV) with complete lists of publications and conference presentations.
- Diplomas and Academic Certificates.
- Contact Details for at least two academic or industrial references.
- Contact for Inquiries: Dr. Christian Leinenbach, Head of Laboratory for Advanced Metallurgy and Manufacturing of Metals.
Last Date for Apply
- September 30, 2026
