PhD position in the development of life-like materials that learn, remember, and forget for use in soft robotics

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.

PhD position in the development of life-like materials that learn, remember, and forget for use in soft robotics

In our research group, we design mechanically robust, multi-responsive polyurethane elastomer with backbone-integrated molecular switches. Our aim is to move beyond conventional stimuli-responsive materials, which merely switch between predetermined states, toward life-like materials that genuinely learn: Forming memories, consolidating them over time, selectively forgetting, and adapting their behavior through experience, all while retaining commercial-grade mechanical properties.
In this PhD project, you will synthesize and characterize semi-crystalline polyurethane elastomers containing backbone-integrated photo-, halo-, and thermochromic molecular switches, and investigate how their interactions can be engineered to produce quantifiable memory and learning behaviors.

Your tasks

• Synthesize libraries of single-, dual-, and triple-switch polyurethanes (Stenhouse salt, DASA, and Spiropyran) via copolymerization and post-polymerization functionalization, and validate backbone integration by NMR, GPC, DSC, DMA, tensile testing, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and pump probe characterization.
• Design and characterize synergistic switching cascades (collaborative, competitive, and interdependent pathways) using time-resolved and spatially resolved spectroscopy, patterned illumination, and pH/thermal stimuli.
• Develop and validate logic maps for memory formation, consolidation, and selective forgetting, and translate these into training-recall-forgetting cycles on physical polymer films and bilayer actuators.
• Contribute to integrating learning materials into soft robotic bilayer actuators and, together with the wider team, demonstrate behavioral adaptation in autonomous soft robots.
• Collaborate with international partners

Your profile

The candidate should have a strong background in Organic Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related field. We are looking for a highly motivated, curious person who enjoys working at the interface of synthetic chemistry, materials science, and soft robotics, who is comfortable in a multidisciplinary, collaborative environment. The PhD candidate needs to be highly proficient in spoken and written English and hold a Master's degree. S/he will participate in writing scientific publications and presenting data at national and international scientific conferences. Previous experience in one or more of the following areas is required:

• Polymer/polyurethane synthesis and characterization
• Molecular switches (e.g., photochromic, halochromic, or thermochromic systems)
• Standard analytical methods (NMR, UV-Vis, FTIR, and related techniques)
• Thermomechanical characterization of polymers (DSC, DMA, tensile testing) Experience with soft actuators or soft robotic systems is a plus but not required.

Our offer

This project is part of an SNSF Ambizione grant led by Dr. Livius F. Muff, hosted in the group of Dr. Luciano Boesel at Empa. The work will primarily be carried out at Empa St.Gallen under the direct supervision of Dr. Livius F. Muff. The PhD student will be affiliated at ETH Zürich (Prof. René Rossi, D-HEST).

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.