Empa, Materials Science and Technology
Dübendorf
11 hours ago
Materials Engineer or Postdoctoral Researcher on Aerogels and Aerogel Composites (80 - 100%)
- 11 February 2026
- 80 – 100%
- Permanent position
- Dübendorf
Job summary
Join Empa, a leading research institution in materials science. Work on innovative aerogel technology in a supportive environment.
Tasks
- Develop high-performance aerogels and composites with industry partners.
- Optimize synthesis processes and scale production for real-world applications.
- Lead research and contribute to scientific publications and patents.
Skills
- Master's or doctoral degree in materials engineering or related fields.
- Hands-on experience with silica aerogels and composites is essential.
- Strong communication skills in English are required.
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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.
Materials Engineer or Postdoctoral Researcher on Aerogels and Aerogel Composites (80 - 100%)
The Laboratory for Building Energy Materials and Components develops advanced and/or low eco-impact, porous materials for insulation, sorption, and energy-related applications. Our research portfolio spans fundamental materials chemistry, process–structure–property relationships, and application-driven R&D, in close collaboration with academic and industrial partners.
To strengthen our team, we are seeking a highly motivated researcher with a strong background in aerogel R&D and/or aerogel science and an interest in applied materials research. Both applicants with and without a doctoral degree will be considered.
Project Focus
The innovation project builds on Empa’s extensive experience in silica aerogels, aerogel composites and aerogel product development. The project is in close collaboration with a large enterprise and focusses on the development of high-performance materials and materials systems based on, among others, silica aerogel.
Key objectives include:
- Elucidate how synthesis route and aerogel properties affect the aerogel composite properties
- Optimize thermal and mechanical properties of aerogel composites
- Streamline the efficiency of the aerogel composite production process, scale-up to the 50 by 50 cm range, and prepare for large-scale production with help of the project team and external partners
- Trouble-shoot and optimize the integration of the aerogel composites into the overall system in close collaboration with the project partner
Your tasks
Supported by the project management, you will take a leading role in shaping and executing the innovation project. Within the framework of an innovation project with well-defined objectives, you will be encouraged to develop independent ideas, propose new concepts, and test them experimentally. The role is ideally suited for somebody that is excited by the prospect to develop real-world applications and/or aims to transition from academic research to industry R&D, rather than for somebody that aims to stay on a purely academic track.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Help coordinate project activities in close interactions with industrial project partners
- Supervise intern students contributing to the project
- Design and execute aerogel synthesis strategies and systematic parameter studies
- Investigate effects of sol density, and precursor and substrate selection on aerogel and aerogel-composite properties
- Characterize aerogel and aerogel composites
- Compile, analyze, and critically interpret experimental data
- Contribute to patent applications with support from the team
- For up to 20% of your time, contribute to or lead scientific research lines adjacent to the project scope and contribute to scientific publication of the results
Your profile
- A high level of curiosity, independence, and motivation
- Doctoral or master's degree in materials engineering, sol-gel chemistry or a closely related field
- Hands-on experience with the synthesis of (silica) aerogels and/or aerogel composites is a must, either in an academic environment or a company setting
- Experience with scale-up of aerogel synthesis is beneficial, but not required
- Industry experience is beneficial, but not required
- Familiarity with adhesives selection and bonding optimization is beneficial, but not required
- Familiarity with porous materials characterization techniques is beneficial, but not required, e.g. nitrogen sorption (BET, BJH, NLDFT), SEM, TEM, TGA, FTIR, NMR, thermal conductivity measurements
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English
Our offer
We offer a stimulating, international, and collaborative research environment at a leading research institution with state-of-the-art infrastructure. The laboratory and supervisors provide a supportive and safe-to-fail work environment. As part of the ETH Domain, we offer attractive employment conditions and excellent opportunities for professional and personal development. Start date is May 2026 or upon agreement for a duration of 2 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.
