Doctoral position on molecular engineering of dynamic covalent hydrogels

ETH Zürich; Zürich; Vor Ort; CHF 60.000 - 72.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

ETH Zurich invites applications for a doctoral project focused on dynamic covalent hydrogels (DCHs). The research combines synthesis, characterization, and theory to connect molecular binding with macroscopic mechanics in novel network architectures.

The PhD candidate will work in an interdisciplinary team, using ITC, NMR (including 2D EXSY), UV-Vis, rheometry and nano-indentation to quantify properties and refine rubber elasticity models for dynamic networks.

Qualifikationen

• MSc in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, chemistry, materials science, physics, polymer science or related fields.
• Fluent written and spoken English; ability to work in an international team.
• Experience with rheological characterization or spectroscopic analysis is advantageous.

Aufgaben

• Synthesize and characterize a library of model dynamic covalent hydrogels (DCHs) with boronate esters, hydrazones, imines and disulfides.
• Quantify binding thermodynamics, kinetics, and equilibrium constants using ITC, NMR, UV-Vis/fluorescence.
• Relate molecular behavior to macroscale rheological properties (G0, tR) and develop theory/computational models.
• Collaborate with Prof. Mavrantzas and contribute to teaching and supervision.

Kenntnisse

curious

motivated

self-driven

macromolecular chemistry

soft matter physics

physical chemistry

English fluency

Ausbildung

MSc degree in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, chemistry, materials science, physics, polymer science

Tools

NMR spectroscopy

ITC

UV-Vis spectroscopy

Jobbeschreibung

Project background

Dynamic covalent hydrogels (DCHs)—polymer networks cross-linked by reversible covalent bonds, such as boronate esters, hydrazones, imines, or disulfides—represent a compelling class of viscoelastic soft materials. Their tailorable mechanical properties, stimulus-responsiveness, and processability (injectable, printable) make them highly attractive for biomedical and industrial uses. However, the rational engineering of DCHs remains constrained by an incomplete understanding of how molecular-level features—bond thermodynamics, kinetics, network architecture—translate into macroscopic material properties such as the plateau modulus (G0) and the relaxation time (tR). Building a rigorous, quantitative framework linking molecular behavior to macroscale properties is the central aim of this project.

Job description

This doctoral project has two main, interrelated thrusts. In the first, the student will synthesize and characterize a broad library of model DCHs spanning a range of dynamic covalent chemistries (boronate ester, hydrazone, imine, and disulfide bonds) and network architectures (ideal, real, and interpenetrating networks). The student will quantify the equilibrium binding constants, binding thermodynamics, and reaction kinetics of the reversible cross-links using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), NMR spectroscopy (including 2D EXSY), and UV-vis/fluorescence techniques, and relate these to the macroscale rheological properties measured by shear rheometry and nano-indentation. A key and largely unexplored question is how the macromolecular nature of the binding partners — as opposed to small-molecule analogues — influences binding behavior and network mechanics, which the student will investigate systematically. In the second thrust, the student will develop theoretical and computational frameworks, in close collaboration with Prof. Vlasios Mavrantzas (a collaborator in the lab), to capture entropy-driven network-scale effects and refine rubber elasticity models for dynamic networks. Complementary studies of non-linear flow behavior using shear rheometry and microfluidic flow cells will provide insight into DCH processability for injectable biomaterial design.

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.

Profile

We are seeking a curious, motivated, and self-driven individual, who is comfortable working on interdisciplinary projects spanning macromolecular chemistry, soft matter physics, and physical chemistry. Academic excellence, a professional work attitude, and a proactive and self-driven work ethic are expected. 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 MSc degree in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, chemistry, materials science, physics, polymer science, or related fields. A working knowledge of organic synthesis and polymer chemistry is required. Practical experience in one or more of the following would be advantageous: rheological characterization of soft materials, calorimetric or spectroscopic analysis of molecular binding (ITC, NMR, UV-vis), design of polymer networks, or computational modeling of polymeric systems. The doctoral position is intended for 4 years, at 100% employment, and will be supervised by Prof. Dr. Mark Tibbitt. The position is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation and is conditional upon admission to the Doctoral Program at ETH Zurich.

We offer

The position is hosted in the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering (D-MAVT) of the ETH Zurich, in the Zentrum Campus in Zurich, 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 Zurich (https://ethz.ch/en/) is a global leader in science and engineering and consistently ranks among the top universities in the world. Zurich 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.

Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich

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About ETH Zürich

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