Postdoctoral Researcher in Direct Ink Writing of Thermo-Electric Materials / Postdoctoral Researcheress in Direct Ink Writing of Thermo-Electric Materials

Postdoc in Direct Ink Writing of Thermo-Electric Materials

100%, Zurich, fixed-term

The Advanced Manufacturing Lab (am|z) at the Department of Mechanical & Process Engineering (D-MAVT) at ETH Zurich focuses on developing innovative manufacturing methods and systems aimed at overcoming the limitations of contemporary materials processing technologies. We are on the lookout for a highly motivated Postdoc to advance methods for direct ink writing of thermo-electric materials onto non-planar metallic substrates.

Project Background

This position is part of the recently awarded Meta.Morphos project, funded by the ESA ESDI Phi-Lab Switzerland. The project's overarching goal is to design and produce thermally actuated structures and mechanisms that incorporate thermo-electric materials, which are particularly valuable for space applications under stringent weight, volumetric, power, and resource constraints.

The project consortium brings together multiple laboratories at ETH Zurich alongside research partners at Inspire AG and various industrialization collaborators. The main emphasis of this role will be on developing materials and methods for the direct deposition and fabrication of thermo-electric devices onto non-planar metallic substrates. Concurrently, the team will explore techniques for designing and manufacturing structures with predictable material properties. Ultimately, these two technologies will be integrated to create cohesive devices. Our industrial partners will supply application-specific use cases, environmental testing expertise, facilities, and validation.

Job Description

• Characterization of powdered materials for ink formulation
• DIW process development for ceramic and thermo-electric materials, including parameter optimization and resolution evaluation
• Setup, programming, and operation of DIW equipment
• Determination of optimal debinding and sintering steps
• Characterization of sintered materials: density, microstructure, defects, shrinkage, potential distortions, and preliminary thermoelectrical properties
• Conducting validation studies under simulated environmental conditions
• Assisting with the industrial transfer of developed technologies
• Publishing research findings in leading international journals and presenting at conferences
• Active involvement in teaching and lab duties outside of the project (~15-20% of working time)

Profile

• PhD in Material Science and Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or Chemistry
• Knowledge and experience in direct ink writing technology, thermoelectric and ceramic materials, powder technologies, and material characterization, supported by a relevant scientific publication record
• Strong communication, organizational, and analytical skills
• Proficiency in written and spoken English; knowledge of German is a plus

Workplace

Founded in 2020 and led by Prof. Bambach, the Advanced Manufacturing Lab (am|z) currently comprises about 50 staff members engaged in research activities related to additive and hybrid manufacturing processes, as well as advanced process control. We provide a dynamic, interdisciplinary, and international working environment that fosters collaboration. ETH Zurich also supports postdoctoral researchers in exploring avenues for career development, whether in academia or industry.

We Value Diversity and Sustainability

ETH Zurich is committed to fostering an inclusive culture that promotes equality of opportunity and values diversity. We nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all staff and students are respected. Learn more about our Equal Opportunities and Diversity initiatives on our website. Sustainability is also a core value for us as we work towards a climate-neutral future.

Curious? So Are We.

We invite you to apply online using the form below. Please include the following documents:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Publications list, highlighting the top three most relevant publications for this position
• Reference letters and/or contact details for three academic and/or professional references (You will be notified before they are contacted)

For further information about the Advanced Manufacturing Lab, please visit our website. Inquiries about the position can be directed to Dr. Léa Deillon at ldeillon@ethz.ch (no applications).

Note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

About ETH Zurich

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specializing in science and technology. We are renowned for our exceptional education, innovative fundamental research, and seamless transfer of new knowledge into society. Our university is home to over 30,000 individuals from more than 120 countries, fostering independent thinking and an inspiring environment that encourages excellence. Positioned in the heart of Europe while forging connections worldwide, we collaborate to tackle contemporary global challenges.