Doctoral position on molecular engineering of dynamic covalent hydrogels ETH Zürich in Switzerland

Doctoral position on molecular engineering of dynamic covalent hydrogels at ETH Zurich, within the Macromolecular Engineering Laboratory led by Prof. Mark W. Tibbitt in the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering (D-MAVT).

The project focuses on understanding how molecular-scale features control the mechanics and flow of dynamic covalent hydrogels, a class of viscoelastic soft materials based on reversible covalent cross-links such as boronate esters, hydrazones, imines, and disulfides. These materials are attractive for biomedical and industrial applications because they can be engineered to be injectable, printable, stimulus-responsive, and mechanically tunable.

The doctoral researcher will work on two tightly connected research directions. First, they will synthesize and characterize a library of model hydrogels with different chemistries and network architectures, then quantify binding thermodynamics and kinetics using techniques such as ITC, NMR spectroscopy (including 2D EXSY), UV-vis, fluorescence, shear rheometry, and nano-indentation. A central goal is to determine how macromolecular binding partners differ from small-molecule analogues and how this affects network mechanics and viscoelastic behavior.

Second, the project includes theory and computational modeling in collaboration with Prof. Vlasios Mavrantzas to capture entropy-driven network effects and refine rubber elasticity models for dynamic polymer networks. Additional work on nonlinear flow and microfluidic flow cells will support the design of injectable biomaterials and improve understanding of processability.

The position is embedded in an interdisciplinary, international lab environment with opportunities to contribute to teaching, student supervision, lecture support, and practical lab courses. The appointment is full-time (100%) for four years and is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation, conditional upon admission to the Doctoral Program at ETH Zurich.

Eligible candidates should have an MSc in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, chemistry, materials science, physics, polymer science, or a related field. Strong preparation in organic synthesis and polymer chemistry is required, and experience with rheology, calorimetry, spectroscopy, polymer network design, or computational modeling would be a plus. Fluency in English and interest in interdisciplinary work are essential.

Applications must be submitted online as a single PDF with a motivation letter, CV, diplomas and transcripts, and contact details for at least three references. Applications by email or post will not be considered. For questions, contact Prof. Tibbitt at [email protected].

Institution: ETH Zurich, Switzerland
Start date: On or after 1 October 2026
Deadline: Not specified