The Complex Materials group at ETH Zürich is offering a fully funded PhD position in Sustainable Polymers, starting in April 2026 or upon agreement. This interdisciplinary research project, in partnership with the Federal University of São Carlos (Brazil), aims to address the environmental impact of synthetic materials by developing sustainable, naturally derived alternatives. The focus is on polysaccharides, which are renewable, biodegradable, and biocompatible, making them ideal candidates for next-generation functional materials.

The project combines materials science and microbiology to explore the use of microorganisms in producing high-performance biopolymers. The research will investigate scalable, non-seasonal manufacturing processes for biopolymer filaments, films, and 3D structures using water-based methods. Key objectives include understanding the processes that stimulate polymer production in microbial cells and characterizing the chemical, structural, and mechanical properties of the resulting fibers.

The successful candidate will conduct fundamental research on the production and extraction of microbial polymer fibers, prepare fiber bundles, films, and polymer composites, and collaborate with an interdisciplinary team. Access to expertise in chemical and microbiological analyses, microbial strain selection, biotechnological process control, and material characterization techniques is provided.

Applicants must have a Master’s degree in material science/engineering, polymer chemistry, microbiology, or closely related fields. Proficiency in English is mandatory, and candidates should possess strong interpersonal skills and thrive in a diverse, multidisciplinary environment.

ETH Zürich offers a competitive salary, public transport season tickets, car sharing, sports facilities, childcare, and attractive pension benefits. The university values diversity, sustainability, and an inclusive culture, promoting equality of opportunity and a climate-neutral future.

To apply, submit your application online via the ETH Zurich portal, including your CV, academic transcripts, diplomas/certificates, contact information for 2-3 referees, and a short description of your research interests. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered. For questions regarding the position, contact Prof. Dr. André R. Studart at [email protected] (no applications).

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