1. PhD position in Electrochemical Energy Storage and Conversion

Deadline: Apply As Soon As Possible

Our group studies fundamental processes in solutions, materials, and at the electrode-electrolyte interfaces using a combination of various in-situ and ex-situ characterization techniques coupled with detailed electrochemical studies. We then apply this fundamental knowledge to the design of new battery materials, electrocatalysts, and electrolytes that can deliver improved performance (i.e., charging times, energy, capacity, cycling stability), cost, efficiency, and safety.

Job description

This full-time position offers students an excellent opportunity to delve into energy science and gain deep fundamental knowledge about electrochemical processes. You will join an inclusive, diverse, and supportive working environment that praises scientific curiosity and creativity. The tentative starting date is July 2022 or later. Applications are accepted until the position is filled.


Your profile

You should have a recent Master’s degree (or being close to its completion) in Chemistry, Material Science, or closely related disciplines from an internationally recognized university. We are looking for candidates who are highly motivated, creative, and excited to work in interdisciplinary teams. Although we welcome candidates with a diverse background, having prior experience in (1) catalysis and/or electrochemistry or (2) synchrotron techniques and/or other in-situ characterization techniques is a plus.

Documents Required

We look forward to receiving your application. Please submit the following application documents using only the ETH online portal in a single merged PDF document, titled with your last name and initials as well as the application date (for example, 20220601_SmithJT_application) in the following order:


  • Cover letter with the description of your research achievements and research interests
  • Detailed CV
  • Transcripts of all degrees (English)
  • Names and contact information of at least three references
  • Representative published research work (Papers, thesis if possible).
  • Further information about our group can be found at our website: www.echemes.ethz.ch.

Status : Rejected


2. PhD position in High-Performance Hydrogel Research

Deadline: Apply As Soon As Possible

We are looking for a talented, enthusiastic, and creative individual to fill a PhD position in the field of high-performance hydrogel materials. The position will be based in the Macromolecular Engineering Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering at ETH Zürich, Switzerland and provides great opportunities to work on cutting-edge hydrogel technologies as part of an interdisciplinary research team. The project is part of an Ambizione grant and is funded by the SNSF. The successful applicant will be working under the supervision of Dr. Stefan Mommer.

Project background

The molecular design of high-performance hydrogels with toughness and elasticity similar to rubber is an emerging area of research in the engineering of polymeric materials. To effectively dissipate energy throughout the network, slide-ring gels (SRG) have been designed using slidable crosslinks that can freely translocate along the polymer backbones. Compared to conventionally crosslinked networks, they exhibit unique mechanical properties, e.g., extensive stretchability, highly elastic response to deformation, improved stiffness and fracture toughness, among others. This project aims to investigate a new strategy to generate such slide ring gels using high-affinity host-guest inclusion complexation. The used host-guest system of choice exhibits strong binding interactions that will be used to advance current SRGs. With careful investigation and establishment of the proposed modular platform, a new generation of slide ring gels will be generated that will pave the way to high-performance materials with unique, promising physicochemical and mechanical properties.

Job description

Your main task will be the planning and execution of experimental lab work as well as the formal analysis and processing of data. Within the project this includes:

Organic synthesis of a variety of host-guest binding motifs with varying affinity constants as well as their spectroscopic characterisation.

Synthesis of polymers containing the host-guest binding motifs as well as supramolecular hydrogel materials using this modular synthetic strategy based on high-affinity host guest interactions.

Detailed study and mechanical characterization of the hydrogel materials to shed light on structure-property relationships between host-guest interactions and macroscopic mechanical properties.

Your profile

Required qualifications:

  • MSc (or equivalent) degree in Chemistry
  • Good synthetic skills / knowledge in spectroscopic characterizations (NMR, UV-Vis, IR)
  • Excellent communication, teamwork, and organizational skills

The following additional qualifications may be advantageous:

  • Experience in Polymer Chemistry and/or Hydrogels
  • Familiarity with supramolecular host-guest systems
  • Background in mechanical characterization of polymers/hydrogels

We offer

We offer a full-time position for the duration of your doctoral studies with the earliest starting being the 1st of October 2022. You will work in an interdisciplinary team of researchers with in-depth experience in organic, polymer and hydrogel synthesis. Further, you will collaborate with research and project partners. Throughout the project there will be mentoring opportunities, such as to include student projects and/or degree theses into your work. You will actively participate in group and institute duties and activities. As an integral part of your work, you will publish your results in peer-reviewed journals and present them at (inter)national conferences.


You will work within a vibrant, inter-institutional, highly collaborative research environment with ample opportunities for training, exchange of expertise and networking.

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Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich

We value diversity

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.

Documents Required

We are looking forward to receiving your online application with the following documents:

  • Curriculum vitae
  • Copies of BSc and MSc educational records
  • A short statement of research interest (max ½ page).
  • Names and contact details of two references

The selection committee will review all applications within 3-4 weeks after publication date. As soon as a decision has been made, we will inform you about the next steps in the selection procedure.

Please note that we will exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered. For further information (no applications) please contact Dr. Stefan Mommer (s.mommer@lic.leidenuniv.nl).

View And Apply

Status : Skipped