Materials science and technology are our passion. With our cutting-edge research, Empa's around 1,100 employees make essential contributions to the well-being of society for a future worth living. Empa is a research institution of the ETH Domain.

The Project

The research project aim at investigating the effect of solute atoms in the deformation twinning mechanisms of hcp alloys through the development of novel in situ testing experiments combined with advanced characterization techniques for strains, stresses and dislocation analyses at the nanoscale. This includes the development of high resolution electron backscatter diffraction (HR-EBSD + 3D HR-EBSD), high resolution transmission kikuchi diffraction (HR-TKD), as well as the precession electron diffraction (PED) in the transmission electron microscope (TEM) during nano-mechanical testing. In parallel to single and polycrystalline materials investigations, synthesis of hcp alloys will be done by advanced combinatorial physical vapor deposition (PVD) techniques.

Your profile

You must hold a Master’s or an equivalent Degree in Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering or similar. A high motivation to work at the leading edge of measurement science and to work in an international, multidisciplinary research team is essential. Knowledge of English (oral and written) is important and knowledge of German or French would be an advantage. Experience in nanomechanical testing techniques (nanoindentation, micropillar compression), electron microscopy based techniques (SEM, FIB and TEM), physical vapor deposition, as well as programming (e.g. Matlab, Python or C++) is desirable.

Our offer

Empa in Thun, near Bern, offers an ideal working environment with excellent infrastructure for personal and professional development and is situated in a beautiful area in the German-speaking part of Switzerland. You will be enrolled in the "Materials Science" doctoral program at EPFL in Lausanne. The starting date is as soon as possible or upon mutual agreement and the PhD project is planned for 4 years.

«a» stands for «all» in our job advertisements. We live a culture of inclusion and respect. We welcome all people who are interested in innovative, sustainable and meaningful activities. That's what counts - not age, gender, origin, religion, sexual orientation, etc....

We look forward to receiving your complete online application including a letter of motivation, CV, certificates, diplomas and contact details of two reference persons. Please submit these exclusively via our job portal. Applications by e-mail and by post will not be considered.