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Empa

PhD Position on All-Solid-State Batteries Empa in Switzerland

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Chemistry

Funding

Full funding available
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Country

Switzerland

University

Empa

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Keywords

Chemistry
Electrical Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Materials Science
Energy Storage
Electrochemistry
Physics
Solid-state Battery
advanced battery materials

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About this position

Empa is offering a PhD position on all-solid-state batteries within its Laboratory Materials for Energy Conversion. The project is embedded in Empa’s research environment in Dübendorf, Switzerland, and the candidate will also be enrolled in the doctoral program in Electrical Engineering at ETH Zurich.

The research focuses on lithium- and sodium-based solid-state batteries, with a strong emphasis on understanding electrochemical performance at the microscopic level. The project uses muon-based bulk and interface characterization techniques to study ion distribution, transport, concentration gradients, interphase evolution, and degradation mechanisms during battery operation. Topics include ageing, material dissolution (leaching), and transition-metal migration, with the goal of uncovering the mechanisms that govern performance and durability.

The work is highly experimental and combines electrochemical and structural characterization of battery materials and cells with muon-based experiments. The successful candidate will design and carry out experiments, identify reaction pathways and degradation processes, and analyze complex datasets to connect microscopic phenomena with macroscopic battery behavior. The role also involves close collaboration with project partners to support the development and testing of materials and cell concepts.

This PhD is part of the National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) Muoniverse and is funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation. Muoniverse brings together more than 30 research groups and offers a structured research school with training, exchange opportunities, and career development. The project provides access to a broad battery research infrastructure, including gloveboxes, furnaces, spectroscopy, microscopy, and electrochemical testing facilities.

Applicants should have a Master’s degree in chemistry, materials science, or a related field, with electrochemistry or battery experience considered an advantage. Excellent English skills are required. The position starts on 1 October 2026 or upon agreement. Applications must be submitted online and include a motivation letter, CV, scholarly records, diplomas with transcripts, and at least two reference letters.

Funding details

Full funding including tuition fees and living expenses is available for this position. The scholarship covers all educational costs and provides a monthly stipend.

How to apply

Please submit your application including a cover letter, CV, academic transcripts, and contact information for two references. Applications should be sent via the online portal before the deadline.

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