Postdoc in material science to develop laser welding applications

작업 내용

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.

Empa’s Laboratory for Advanced Materials Processing (LAMP) is a multidisciplinary research unit that develops innovative functional modification of materials by beam (e.g. laser light, electron) and plasma induced processing. LAMP provides full cycle technology development, starting from novel materials, deep understanding of the background physics of beam-matter interactions, development of automated systems based on AI/Ml for processing quality insurance. The lab combines additive manufacturing, large scale laser micro-processing, multiscale modelling and AI/ML quality monitoring/control systems, at the end offering the society novel nanostructured materials, their shape-forming and integration into devices.

Your tasks

For two of our projects, funded by Innosuisse, the Swiss federal industrial innovation agency, we are looking for motivated Postdoc candidates to develop a novel laser processing technology with the particular focus on improved reliable quality of processed parts. Working in close collaboration with the industrial partners, you will provide the sensorization of the unique laser welding setups for real-time monitoring and detection of background physical phenomena, investigate the laser-matter interaction varying processing conditions/parameters in multiple experimental runs, validate processing results using advanced analytics and translate your scientific ideas to tackle the challenges of fast and precise laser processing. Your scientific activities will be carried out in a close collaboration with the specialists in machine learning and artificial intelligence, modelers of laser induced heat flow and laser physicists. You will get access to cutting edge analytical tools/methods, computational facilities, photonic sources and equipment (like additive manufacturing, laser welding). You will support our PhD and master students, publish in scientific journals, and participate in domestic/international conferences.

Your profile

We are searching for candidates holding a PhD in material science or physics (preferably with the background in laser physics or photonics related fields). You are motivated and curious about new physical phenomena of laser/beam-matter interactions, you are ready to discover new horizons in laser processing and to bring your ideas to the technology level, you have a background and/or you know materials analysis methods/tools (i.e. spectroscopy, light/electron microscopy, sample preparation etc.). The knowledge of sensors, optics, electronics and hands on metal laser processing is an advantage. Excellent skills in both, verbal and written scientific communication in English are mandatory. Mastering German and/or French are helpful but not mandatory.

Our offer

Empa offers a stimulating research environment at its site in Thun. near Bern. You are proposed to work on the topic that is of utmost scientific and technological novelty, with easy access to cutting edge research infrastructure and equipment. You will be part of an experienced project team with national/international collaborations, which will give you a full multidisciplinary support in present work and will allow to realize your scientific ideas. You also will be supported in producing top notch world level results and to publish in international peer reviewed journals, as well as support in your personal development.

The positions are available with the starting dates in April-May 2024, initially for one year with the possibility of extension by one more year.

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.