The Macromolecular Engineering Laboratory within the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering (D-MAVT) at ETH Zurich engineers and applies advanced polymeric materials for biomedical and industrial uses. The group focuses on the rational design of dynamic polymer networks, (bio)material processing, organ perfusion and regeneration, tools to study mechanobiology and cell–matrix interactions, and engineered drug delivery systems. This doctoral project aims to expand understanding of how molecular-scale features govern the mechanics and flow of dynamic covalent hydrogels, with a starting date on or after 01. October 2026.
Dynamic covalent hydrogels (DCHs) are polymer networks cross-linked by reversible covalent bonds, offering tailorable mechanical properties and processability for biomedical and industrial applications. The central aim of this project is to build a quantitative framework linking molecular behavior to macroscale properties.
Tasks
- Synthesize and characterize a library of model dynamic covalent hydrogels with various chemistries and network architectures.
- Quantify equilibrium binding constants, binding thermodynamics, and reaction kinetics of reversible cross-links using isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), NMR spectroscopy (including 2D EXSY), and UV-vis/fluorescence techniques.
- Relate molecular-scale data to macroscale rheological properties measured by shear rheometry and nano-indentation.
- Investigate how the macromolecular nature of binding partners influences binding behavior and network mechanics.
- Develop theoretical and computational frameworks, in collaboration with Prof. Vlasios Mavrantzas, to capture entropy-driven network-scale effects and refine rubber elasticity models for dynamic networks.
- Conduct complementary studies of non-linear flow behavior using shear rheometry and microfluidic flow cells to provide insight into DCH processability for injectable biomaterial design.
- Work closely with and be supported by an interdisciplinary team of doctoral students and postdocs.
- Contribute to lab duties and have the opportunity to contribute to teaching within the group, including student supervision, lecture support, and practical courses in the lab.
Requirements
- Curious, motivated, and self-driven individual comfortable working on interdisciplinary projects spanning macromolecular chemistry, soft matter physics, and physical chemistry.
- Academic excellence, professional work attitude, and proactive, self-driven work ethic.
- Fluent communication in English (oral and written).
- Willingness to work in a highly interactive, international team.
- MSc degree in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, chemistry, materials science, physics, polymer science, or related fields.
- Working knowledge of organic synthesis and polymer chemistry.
- Practical experience in one or more of the following is advantageous: rheological characterization of soft materials, calorimetric or spectroscopic analysis of molecular binding (ITC, NMR, UV-vis), design of polymer networks, or computational modeling of polymeric systems.
Benefits
- The position is hosted in the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering (D-MAVT) of ETH Zurich, in the Zentrum Campus in Zurich, Switzerland.
- ETH Zurich is a global leader in science and engineering and consistently ranks among the top universities in the world.
- Zurich offers broad access to outdoor activities, arts and culture, other European cities, and a rich scientific community.
- ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture, promotes equality of opportunity, values diversity, and nurtures a respectful working and learning environment.
- Sustainability is a core value, with ongoing efforts towards a climate-neutral future.
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Das Team
The Macromolecular Engineering Laboratory is composed of a highly interdisciplinary and international team of motivated researchers. The doctoral student will work closely with and be supported by an interdisciplinary team of doctoral students and postdocs working on related topics.