PhD in Materials Science and Engineering: An exciting opportunity for a motivated and passionate individual to pursue a fully funded PhD position in the field of materials science and engineering. The successful candidate will have the chance to work on innovative research projects related to naturally sourced double network granular hydrogels, recyclable double network granular polymers, and biomineralization of double network granular hydrogels.
PhD Scholarship Opportunity in Materials Science and Engineering
- 🌱 Naturally sourced double network granular hydrogels
- Direct ink writing (DIW) enables 3D printing with hydrogels and elastomers.
- Double network granular hydrogels can lift loads up to 250 times their weight.
- Goal: Develop naturally sourced granular hydrogels with tunable properties.
- Applications: Biomedical uses and soft robotics.
- ♻️ Recyclable double network granular polymers
- Granular hydrogels and elastomers can be recycled into microparticles.
- Challenge: Recycling load-bearing granular materials effectively.
- Approach: Introduce dynamic covalent bonds for efficient recycling.
- Focus: Tunable mechanical properties and additional functionalities.
- 🦠 Biomineralization of double network granular hydrogels
- Mimicking nature’s mineralization for stiffening hydrogels.
- Objective: Controlled mineralization of granular hydrogels.
- Study: Influence of composition, structure, and mineralization conditions.
- Applications: Biocompatibility testing for biomedical applications.
Designation: PhD Research Scholar
Research Areas:
- Formulation and Characterization of Naturally Sourced Double Network Granular Hydrogels
- Development of Recycling Strategy for Load-Bearing Double Network Granular Hydrogels and Elastomers
- Biomineralization of Double Network Granular Hydrogels
Location: EFPL, SWITZERLAND
Eligibility/Qualification:
- Background in material science, chemistry, chemical engineering, physical chemistry, nanotechnology, or related subjects
- Strong motivation and interest in interdisciplinary research
- Excellent academic track record
Job Description: The successful candidate will be responsible for formulating naturally sourced double network granular hydrogels and characterizing their mechanical properties. They will also work on introducing responsiveness into 3D printable, load-bearing hydrogels and develop an efficient recycling strategy for load-bearing double network granular hydrogels and elastomers. Furthermore, the candidate will be involved in the mineralization of double network granular hydrogels, studying the influence of scaffold composition, structure, and dimensions on their mechanical properties, and exploring their biocompatibility for potential biomedical applications.
How to Apply: Interested candidates are invited to send their CV and a motivation letter to esther.amstad@epfl.ch.
Last Date for Apply:Until position filled
| Research Area | Description |
|---|---|
| Formulation and Characterization of Naturally Sourced… | Formulate naturally sourced double network granular hydrogels and study their mechanical… |
| Development of Recycling Strategy for Load-Bearing… | Introduce dynamic covalent bonds into granular hydrogels and study their influence on… |
| Biomineralization of Double Network Granular Hydrogels | Establish formulations for controlled mineralization of granular hydrogels, study the influence… |
