PhD Position - Polymer Mechanochemistry

Adolphe Merkle Institute; Schweiz; On-site; CHF 48,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

The Adolphe Merkle Institute's Polymer Chemistry and Materials Group invites applications for a PhD Position in Polymer Mechanochemistry. The project focuses on designing supramolecular mechanophores and studying their mechanoresponsive behavior in polymers.

Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in Chemistry, Polymer, or Materials Science and be motivated to pursue interdisciplinary research in an international team. English proficiency and strong synthesis skills are required.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Chemistry, Polymer, or Materials Science required.
• Experience in organic and polymer synthesis preferred.
• Excellent communication skills and English proficiency.

Skills

Organic synthesis

Polymer synthesis

Teamwork

Communication skills

English proficiency

Education

Master's degree in Chemistry, Polymer, or Materials Science

Job description

Organisation/Company Adolphe Merkle Institute Department Polymer Chemistry and Materials Research Field Chemistry Other Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 31 Oct 2026 - 12:00 (Europe/Zurich) Country Switzerland Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 42 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The Adolphe Merkle Institute's Polymer Chemistry and Materials Group (Prof. Christoph Weder, University of Fribourg, Switzerland) invites applications for a PhD Position in the domain of Polymer Mechanochemistry.

The project focuses on the design and synthesis of supramolecular mechanophores, the investigation of their mechanoresponsive behavior in polymeric materials, and their application in biological environments for force mapping.

AMI offers attractive employment conditions, a highly collaborative research environment, and outstanding infrastructure in a state-of-the-art research facility. The institute is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect, and provides equal opportunities for all its members. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates.

The PhD student recruited for this project will join a dynamic, interdisciplinary team working on complementary aspects of the research. Collaboration will be central to the project's success, and students will benefit from shared expertise, joint problem-solving, and regular team meetings to ensure strong integration.

Applicants should hold a Master's degree in Chemistry, Polymer, or Materials Science, and be motivated to pursue interdisciplinary research in an international team environment. Experience in organic and polymer synthesis, the ability to advance a complex project independently and as part of a team, good communication skills, and proficiency in English are required.

Requirements

Research Field Chemistry Other Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

Languages ENGLISH Level Good

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg Country Switzerland City Fribourg Postal Code 1700 Street Chemin des Verdiers 4 Geofield