PhD: Life-Learning Polymers for Soft Robotics

EMPA - Eidgenössische Materialprüfungs- und Forschungsanstalt; Dübendorf; Vor Ort; CHF 48.000 - 56.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

EMPA is a leading Swiss research institution known for multidisciplinary materials science. This PhD project focuses on life-like materials with memory and learning capabilities integrated into soft robotic systems.

You will synthesize advanced polyurethane elastomers and explore backbone-integrated switches to achieve programmable behavior and robust mechanical performance. The successful candidate will work at the interface of synthetic chemistry, materials science, and soft robotics,

Qualifikationen

• Master's degree in a relevant field; strong background in Organic/Polymer Chemistry
• Excellent English oral and written communication
• Experience in polymer synthesis and characterization
• Experience with NMR, UV-Vis, FTIR is preferred
• Experience in thermomechanical characterization (DSC, DMA)

Aufgaben

• Synthesize libraries of single-, dual-, and triple-switch polyurethanes via copolymerization.
• Design and characterize switching cascades using spectroscopy and stimuli.
• Develop and validate memory formation and forgetting logic maps.
• Translate learning materials into training-recall-forgetting cycles on polymer films and actuators.
• Collaborate with international partners in soft robotics research

Kenntnisse

Polymer synthesis

Molecular switches

Analytical methods

Thermomechanical testing

Soft robotics

English proficiency

Ausbildung

Master's degree

Tools

NMR

UV-Vis

FTIR

Jobbeschreibung

EMPA is a leading Swiss research institution known for multidisciplinary materials science. This PhD project focuses on life-like materials with memory and learning capabilities integrated into soft robotic systems.

You will synthesize advanced polyurethane elastomers and explore backbone-integrated switches to achieve programmable behavior and robust mechanical performance. The successful candidate will work at the interface of synthetic chemistry, materials science, and soft robotics,