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

Empa is offering a PhD position in St. Gallen, Switzerland, in the development of life-like materials that learn, remember, and forget for use in soft robotics.

The project sits at the interface of synthetic chemistry, polymer science, materials science, and robotics. The research focuses on mechanically robust, multi-responsive polyurethane elastomers with backbone-integrated molecular switches. The goal is to go beyond conventional stimuli-responsive materials and create materials that can form memories, consolidate them over time, selectively forget, and adapt their behavior through experience while maintaining strong mechanical performance.

As a PhD researcher, you will synthesize and characterize semi-crystalline polyurethane elastomers containing photo-, halo-, and thermochromic switches such as Stenhouse salts, DASA, and spiropyrans. You will work on copolymerization and post-polymerization functionalization, and validate backbone integration using NMR, GPC, DSC, DMA, tensile testing, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and pump-probe characterization. A major part of the work is to design and study synergistic switching cascades using time-resolved and spatially resolved spectroscopy, patterned illumination, and pH/thermal stimuli.

The project also involves building logic maps for memory formation, consolidation, and selective forgetting, then translating these ideas into training-recall-forgetting cycles on polymer films and bilayer actuators. In collaboration with the wider team, you will contribute to integrating these learning materials into soft robotic bilayer actuators and demonstrating behavioral adaptation in autonomous soft robots.

The position 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, with affiliation at ETH Zürich under Prof. René Rossi (D-HEST).

Applicants should hold a Master's degree and have a strong background in Organic Chemistry, Polymer Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related discipline. Strong written and spoken English is required. Prior experience in polymer or polyurethane synthesis and characterization, molecular switches, analytical techniques such as NMR/UV-Vis/FTIR, and thermomechanical testing is expected; experience with soft actuators or soft robotics is an advantage.

Applications must be submitted online through the Empa job portal and should include a motivation letter, CV, certificates, diplomas, and contact details for two referees. Applications sent by email or post will not be considered.