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.
Empa’s Laboratory Materials for Energy Conversion focuses on materials and device innovation for sustainable energy technologies.
Your tasks
This PhD project aims to develop hydroborate-based all-solid-state batteries. A central objective is to achieve a deep, mechanistic understanding of the processes that govern electrochemical performance and cycling stability. Your research will focus on elucidating and engineering interfaces between electrolyte and cathode materials. Tasks include electrolyte synthesis, detailed (electro-)chemical characterization, and advanced bulk and interfacial characterization – including muon-based techniques – to identify reaction pathways and degradation mechanisms. You will also contribute to cathode formulation and processing with an emphasis on interfacial stability and transport to enable high energy and power density.
Your profile
You hold a Master’s degree in chemistry, materials science, or a related field, experience in electrochemistry or batteries is an advantage. Excellent English skills are required.
Our offer
You will conduct your work in state-of-the-art battery laboratories in Empa’s new laboratory building in Dübendorf and will be enrolled in the electrical engineering doctoral program at ETH Zurich. The project is embedded in the National Competence Center for Research Muoniverse and funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation.
Muoniverse connects over 30 research teams and provides comprehensive training, exchange opportunities, and career development through its Research School. As positions serve as bridges between groups, we seek candidates who enjoy interdisciplinary collaboration and value openness and shared progress. Muoniverse is committed to equal opportunities, diversity, and an inclusive research culture. You will independently carry out experiments, including muon-beamline studies, collaborate with Muoniverse partners, and disseminate your results through publications and presentations. Our laboratories offer a full suite of advanced battery materials synthesis and characterization infrastructure, including multiple gloveboxes, controlled-atmosphere furnaces, high-energy ball mills, DSC-TG-MS, Raman, FT-IR, XPS, XRD, SEM and more than 1200 battery cycling channels.
Start date is July 1st, 2026 or upon agreement.
Empa is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We strongly encourage applications from female researchers and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. We believe diversity drives innovation and scientific excellence. Join us in contributing to groundbreaking research in sustainable energy technologies!
David
Heusser,
HR Partner