PhD in life-like materials for soft robotics

About the role

Join Empa’s research group to develop mechanically robust, multi‑responsive polyurethane elastomers that can learn, remember, and forget. The PhD project focuses on integrating backbone‑embedded molecular switches to create materials with quantifiable memory and learning behaviours for soft‑robotic applications.

Key responsibilities

• Synthesize libraries of single‑, dual‑, and triple‑switch polyurethanes (Stenhouse salt, DASA, Spiropyran) via copolymerisation and post‑polymerisation functionalisation.
• Validate backbone integration using NMR, GPC, DSC, DMA, tensile testing, UV‑Vis and pump‑probe techniques.
• Design and characterise synergistic switching cascades (collaborative, competitive, inter‑dependent) with time‑resolved and spatially resolved spectroscopy.
• Develop logic maps for memory formation, consolidation and selective forgetting, and implement training‑recall‑forget cycles on polymer films and bilayer actuators.
• Integrate learning materials into soft‑robotic bilayer actuators and demonstrate behavioural adaptation in autonomous soft robots.
• Collaborate with international partners and contribute to scientific publications and conference presentations.

Required profile

• Strong background in Organic Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science or a closely related field.
• Highly motivated, curious and comfortable working in a multidisciplinary, collaborative environment.
• Fluent in spoken and written English and holder of a Master’s degree.
• Willingness to publish scientific results and present at national and international conferences.

Required skills

• Polymer/polyurethane synthesis and characterisation.
• Experience with molecular switches (photo‑, halo‑, thermochromic systems).
• Standard analytical methods: NMR, UV‑Vis, FTIR, GPC.
• Thermomechanical characterisation: DSC, DMA, tensile testing.
• Time‑resolved and spatially resolved spectroscopy techniques.

What we offer

• PhD position within a leading Swiss research institution.
• Access to state‑of‑the‑art laboratories and interdisciplinary research environment.
• Opportunities to publish, present internationally and collaborate with global partners.
• Support for professional development in materials science and soft robotics.