Empa, Materials Science and Technology
St. Gallen
Yesterday
Postdoc position: Chemist for selective ion scavenging in batteries
- 04 March 2026
- 100%
- Permanent position
- St. Gallen
Job summary
Empa is a leading research institution focused on materials science. Join us to shape a sustainable future through innovative research.
Tasks
- Develop melt-spun liquid-core fibers for energy storage applications.
- Explore selective ion scavenging systems for lithium-ion batteries.
- Collaborate with chemists and supervise students in research projects.
Skills
- PhD in chemistry or related field; experience in battery materials preferred.
- Strong background in polymer science and ion interactions.
- Fluent in English; German language skills are a plus.
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About the job
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.
Postdoc position: Chemist for selective ion scavenging in batteries
Our Laboratory for Advanced Fibers in St. Gallen develops functional polymer fibers with applications in energy storage, health, and environmental technologies. We are pioneering a new class of melt-spun liquid-core fibers that selectively scavenge transition metal ions and other degradation products in lithium-ion batteries, mitigating cell damage and prolonging battery life.
Your tasks
- Develop melt-spun liquid/gel-core fibers with polyolefin sheaths and functionalized, hydrophobic cores
- Explore selective scavenger systems for transition metal (TM) ions and HF, including chelating ligands, reactive nanoparticles and additives
- Optimize melt-spinning, uniaxial stretching, and post-treatment steps to control sheath porosity and ion diffusion
- Acquisition of research grants and writing of scientific publications
- Supervision of students and interns
- Collaborate closely with chemists, materials scientists, and electrochemists.
Your profile
- PhD in chemistry (or a closely related field such as polymer science or materials science)
- Experience with polymer–ion interactions, chelation chemistry, or battery materials is an advantage
- You enjoy interdisciplinary teamwork and are motivated to publish high-impact results
- Fluency in English; German is an asset.
Our offer
We offer an international, highly stimulating research environment with excellent infrastructure for fiber processing, polymer analysis, and electrochemical testing. You will be working at Empa in St. Gallen. The starting date is as soon as possible or upon mutual agreement, and the employment contract is limited to two years.
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.
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.
