PhD position (f/m/d) on BEOL integration of memristive devices for neuronal activity detection

 

Reference No.: QM 2021/5

In the Institute IFOX at HZB, we work on functional oxide and semiconductor nanodevices for energy efficient data sensing or processing. Our work covers the range from material synthesis to nanoscale devices and circuit integration. We investigate the electrical and optical properties in different types of materials and devices. We have several collaborations through EU and national projects within Europe.

The PhD student will work in the DFG project ‘MEMMEA’ targeting development of biological neuronal activity probes integrating CMOS Multi-Electrode Array (MEA) chips with memristive devices. The project involves collaboration with expert group of TU Berlin for circuit design, device modelling at Forschungs Zentrum Jülich, and biological characterization at NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tübingen. In the PhD thesis, the student will focus on the development of CMOS back-end fabrication of memristive devices (metal filament based and oxide filament based) and their integration on the back-end of CMOS MEA chips. The student will also work on basic circuit design for on-chip characterization of small memristive arrays. The student will benefit from our established expertise on memristive devices. He/she will closely collaborate with experts and other PhD students from the consortium groups involved. The project provides a unique opportunity to learn from memristive device level to chip applications of implants for brain neuron signal processing in real time.

The PhD student will benefit from a dynamic and state-of-the-art-equipped environment at HZB (cleanroom access, advanced electrical characterization) combined with the outstanding environment of Berlin in terms of universities (including access to some facilities) and research institutes. He/she will be working in a multidisciplinary team within international collaborations.

Tasks

• CMOS back-end fabrication of memristive devices, particularly conductive bridge and oxide resistive switching devices
• Standard DC and pulsed electrical characterization of memristive devices and arrays.
• Evaluation of different device architectures and optimization of device parameters for signal processing of pre-recorded neuronal signals.
• Circuit design for programming of small memristive arrays.
• Collaboration with experts for CMOS MEA circuit design, device compact model development and biological characterization for neurons.
• Presentation at international conferences and scientific publications of experimental results

Requirements

• Completed Master Degree in Electrical Engineering or Physics with excellent academic record and interest for device and circuit co-development
• Research experience in nanodevice fabrication
• Experience with electrical characterization such as CV/IV bench tests, pulsed IV measurements
• Experience or knowledge in analog or digital circuits
• Experience working in cleanroom and morphological characterization such as SEM, AFM would be beneficial
• Good written and spoken skills in English
• High motivation for research, zeal to learn, and open mind for cooperative work as well as a team-oriented and communicative work ethic

What we offer

Fixed term contract for 36 months . The salary is based on the Collective Agreement for the German Public Service (TVöD-Bund).

We particularly welcome applications from women. Preference will be given to handicapped applicants provided equal suitability.

How to apply

We look forward to receiving your application via our application management system by 19.05.2021. For reasons of data protection regulations, we are unfortunately unable to consider applications that reach us by email or by mail in the application process.

For German version, please click on the following link: German Version.

➜ APPLY HERE

PhD Student (f/m/d) for Development of inorganic hole selective contacts for inorganic perovskite solar cells

 

Reference No.: SE 2021/7

The young investigator group “Active Materials and Interfaces for Stable Perovskite Solar Cells” studies the materials and interfaces of perovskite solar cells in order to improve their long-term stability.

The staff of the young investigator group have access to the infrastructure of the HySPRINT Innovation Lab (https://www.helmholtz-berlin.de/projects/hysprint/index_en.html) at HZB.

The graduate student will be able to attend the graduate school" Hybrid Perovskites Solar Cells" (HyPerCells) (https://www.helmholtz-berlin.de/jobskarriere/promotion/graduiertenschulen/perovskites/index_en.html).

The scientific aim of this doctoral thesis is the investigation of inorganic hole transport materials for inorganic perovskite solar cells in the development of all inorganic perovskite solar cells.

Tasks

• Exploration of a range of inorganic hole selective contacts
• Deposition of inorganic hole selective contacts
• Characterization of the work function of inorganic hole selective contacts
• Investigation of charge extraction and charge recombination at the interface between hole selective contact and perovskite.
• Stability measurement and analysis of perovskite solar cells.

Requirements

• Master degree in Chemistry, Physics, Material Science or Engineering 
• Knowledge of the basics in photovoltaics and photoelectrochemistry
• High level of ability to work independently
• Good time management of the project
• Willingness in joining multi-disciplined projects

What we offer

Fixed term contract for 36 months . The salary is based on the Collective Agreement for the German Public Service (TVöD-Bund).

We particularly welcome applications from women. Preference will be given to handicapped applicants provided equal suitability.

How to apply

We look forward to receiving your application via our application management system by 10.05.2021. For reasons of data protection regulations, we are unfortunately unable to consider applications that reach us by email or by mail in the application process.

For German version, please click on the following link: German Version.

➜ APPLY HERE

PhD Student (f/m/d) in Physics or Biophysics

 

Reference No.: PS 2021/4

To characterize the structure of condensed matter in bulk and of interfaces, we provide access to several infrared spectroscopic techniques in combination with brilliant and diffraction-limited synchrotron radiation from the electron storage rings BESSY II. To gain knowledge of the molecular basis of the functional and reaction mechanisms of photoreceptors, a spectrometer for time-resolved absorption spectroscopy was recently developed. This work is thematically linked to the SFB 1078 (Protonation Dynamics in Protein Function) and is carried out in close cooperation with the working groups "Experimental Biophysics" and "Biophysical Chemistry" of the Institute of Biology of the Humboldt University of Berlin.

Topic of the doctoral thesis: Spectroscopic investigation of reaction mechanisms and dynamics of photoreceptors

Tasks

• Development and application of time-resolved vibration spectroscopic methods with infrared synchrotron radiation
• Investigation of the molecular reaction mechanisms of selected photoreceptors and their dynamics

Requirements

• Diploma or master degree in Physics or Biophysics 
• Experience infrared spectroscopy, software development and molecular biological/biochemical methods for protein expression and purification are desirable

What we offer

Fixed term contract for 36 months . The salary is based on the Collective Agreement for the German Public Service (TVöD-Bund).

We particularly welcome applications from women. Preference will be given to handicapped applicants provided equal suitability.

How to apply

We look forward to receiving your application via our application management system by 04.05.2021. For reasons of data protection regulations, we are unfortunately unable to consider applications that reach us by email or by mail in the application process.

For German version, please click on the following link: German Version.

➜ APPLY HERE

Apprentices as system integration IT specialist

 

Reference No.: IT 2021/3

Client/Server-architectures, networks in companies and communication around the world are standard now. However, the "devil is in the detail" sometimes. So that with IT infrastructure functions, components must be planned carefully and be installed – PCs, servers, network components, software, periphery devices etc.

Would you like it to help in such projects or to support the users with the use of these devices and all this in a scientific research environment?

Pleasure in dealing with computers and people belongs to the most important requirement to be successful in this occupation. Furthermore one should have good basic knowledge of science, logical reasoning power and a good knowledge of English. Technical detailed knowledge must be also transmitted to layman; therefore, the system integration IT specialist (f/m/d) should be sociable and communicative and have interest in the planning, realizing and operating of IT systems.

Overview of the apprenticeships:

Apprenticeships begin yearly on the 1st of September and last 3 years. All together two apprenticeship places per year are available at HZB.

Here a small selection of the knowledge and skills imparted to you during your apprenticeship:

• Conceiving and realizing complicated IT systems
• Installation and configuring linked up IT systems
• Data processing
• Realisation and control of projects
• Removal of disturbances in client systems
• Administration of IT-Serversystems
• Consulting and training users
• Presentation of system solution

There is the possibility of additional qualifications, e.g. Cisco or Linux certificates and the completion of an internship abroad.

Requirements:

• Intermediate or upper secondary school leaving certificate
• Good grades in English, Mathematics and Physics
• High degree of willingness to learn
• Self-responsibility

The apprenticeship pay is based on the Collective Agreement for Apprentices for the Public Service (TVAöD).

We particularly welcome applications from women. Preference will be given to handicapped applicants provided equal suitability.

How to apply

We look forward to receiving your application via our application management system by 06.05.2021. For reasons of data protection regulations, we are unfortunately unable to consider applications that reach us by email or by mail in the application process.

For German version, please click on the following link: German Version.

➜ APPLY HERE

PostDoc (f/m/d) in Physical chemistry or Material Chemistry - Design and synthesis of plasmonic nanostructures

 

Reference No.: CE 2021/12

The department Electrochemical Energy Storage focuses on fundamental aspects of novel battery concepts like sulfur cathodes and lithiated silicon anodes. The aim is to understand the fundamental mechanisms that lead to their marked capacity fading. The Department has a strong expertise on operando studies of battery systems, which is closely connected to our efforts to synthesize new carbon nanostructures as cathodes for lithium/sulfur cells.

tasks

• Design and synthesis of plasmonic nanostructures formed by core/shell nanoparticles, nanorods, and nanostars
• Synthesis of tailored chiral metal nanowires by using self-assembled sugar-containing helix nanowires as the template
• Study the optical properties of the plasmonic nanostructures
• Establish surface plasmon polariton directional propagation by a chiral hybrid
  nanostructure
  Reporting and discussion, publication in peer-reviewed journals

Requirements

• Completed academic university studies with PhD
• Expertise in colloidal chemistry and nanoparticle synthesis/assembly
• Experience with material analysis techniques, such as SEM, TEM, XRD, etc.
• Good knowledge on optical properties of plasmonic nanostructures. Research experience in optical spectroscopy, etc., Excellent knowledge in English, written and spoken
  
• Interdisciplinary team working skills with high independency
• Outstanding academic performance and publications

What we offer

Fixed term contract for 24 months . The salary is based on the Collective Agreement for the German Public Service (TVöD-Bund).

We particularly welcome applications from women. Preference will be given to handicapped applicants provided equal suitability.

How to apply

We look forward to receiving your application via our application management system by 02.05.2021. For reasons of data protection regulations, we are unfortunately unable to consider applications that reach us by email or by mail in the application process.

For German version, please click on the following link: German Version.

➜ APPLY HERE

Post-doctoral Fellow - Human COVID Immunology

 

Posting Number: 000281
Position Type: Scientific
Classification: Ongoing
Status: Full-Time
Department: Arthritis & Clinical Immunology – James

Job Summary/Basic Function:
The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF) is an independent, not-for-profit, biomedical research institute adjacent to the campus of the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC) located in Oklahoma City. OMRF investigators have internationally recognized expertise in Autoimmunity, Immunology, Genetics, Aging, Cardiovascular Disease, and Cancer. Our Autoimmune Disease Institute houses Centers of Excellence and specialty research clinics for Rheumatic Diseases (focusing on Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, UCTD, and Sjogren’s) and for Multiple Sclerosis and related diseases. In addition to following over 4,000 patients with these conditions, teams of basic and clinical investigators conduct extensive clinical, translational and mechanistic research using samples obtained from these large clinical programs. Investigators at OMRF enjoy close scientific interactions with OUHSC faculty and participate in OUHSC graduate programs. Additional information about OMRF can be found at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation web site: www.omrf.org or James.omrf.org, Guthridge.omrf.org, & ACI-Cores.omrf.org. Join our dynamic team in a well-funded research group in infectious disease immunology in an NIH-funded Cooperative Center for Human Immunology or in an NIAID-funded Autoimmunity Center of Excellence. We are focused on identifying and characterizing mechanisms of COVID pathogenesis and human immune responses against SARS-CoV-2. Dr. Judith James is seeking a Post-Doctoral Fellow with a strong immunology background to be part of the team working to understand mechanisms of COVID pathogenesis in humans by leveraging the extensive resources and data available from our well characterized clinical cohorts. The successful candidate will be part of a dynamic team with synergistic skills and experiences and will be given the opportunity to develop projects that complement the overall directions of the group. The team utilizes high throughput bimolecular assays, deep cellular phenotyping, single cell genomic, proteomic, chromatin conformation/epigenetic and computational and bioinformatics analyses through resources in our Human Phenotyping and Translational Informatics Cores which are supported through NIH P30 and U19 mechanisms. We also have access to high performance computational resources both in-house and through cloud-based resources. This is a mentored position for postdoctoral training. Individuals at this level plan, design and conduct research experiments; manage research projects; prepare reports and papers for publication, presentation and future research; contribute to grant writing and are encouraged to write applications for fellowships; learn the complexities of research lab management and participate in various lab management activities. Benchmark Expectations: – Conduct scientific research – Manage research projects – Present scientific information both formally and informally – Prepare papers for publication – Contribute to grant writing – Perform lab management responsibilities as assigned – Work collaboratively and collegially as part of the team while developing skills needed as an independent scientist. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of the principles and practices of scientific theory and research; demonstrates skill in formulating and testing hypotheses; demonstrates ability to conduct scientific research analysis and summarize data and results; writes technical, scientific papers; writes grants and communicates effectively both orally and in writing; mentor students; provides analytic support and input to other projects in the group and guides/directs the work of less senior scientists. OMRF’s excellence can only be fully realized by individuals who share our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Successful candidates will demonstrate commitment to these values. OMRF is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, color, national origin, age, religion, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected characteristic.

Minimum Qualifications:
Ph.D. in immunology, or another biological science, chemistry, physics, biostatistics or other relevant area with additional immunology training. M.D., or equivalent, with additional immunology training.

Minimum Degree Required:
Doctorate

Work Hours:

Preferred Qualifications:
Doctorate in Immunology, Molecular Biology, Clinical Science, or related field. Publication of at least 2-3 peer-reviewed publications. Experience planning and efficiently executing mechanistic studies in human model systems. Great communication skills needed. Must be efficient with time and project management, with a strong organizational ability with exquisite attention to detail. Must have the ability to multi-task and work both independently and as a member of an interdisciplinary team with complementary skill sets. Very strong immunology, preferably with human immunology/clinical immunology experience. Evidence of applied analysis experience of immune, genetic, genomic or epigenetic data is desired, in particular experience with high dimensional mass cytometry (CyTOF), flow cytometry (or other forms of cytometric analyses), cellular immunology, infectious disease, autoimmunity and/or human immunology. Exposure to human biomedical, genetic and/or clinical research preferred. Demonstrated (or willing to learn) basic computer (UNIX, R or similar statistical package) helpful. Experience with (or willingness to learn) univariate and multivariate analyses, clustering, pathway, genetic and genomic data analyses and bioinformatics is helpful

Physical Demands:
Regularly required to stand, use manual dexterity, talk or hear; Frequently required to walk and reach with hands and arms; occasionally sit; frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds; vision abilities include close vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Potential exposure to fumes, airborne particles, or rodent dander. May work with toxic, caustic chemicals, radioactive materials, liquid nitrogen, human tissue or blood. Potential risk of electrical shock. Occasional exposure to cold 4C, and/or extreme cold -80C from freezers. Noise level is usually moderate.

Apply

Post-doctoral Fellow - Drosophila genetics & neurodevelopmental diseases

 

Posting Number: 000310
Position Type: Scientific
Classification: Ongoing
Status: Full-Time
Department: Aging & Metabolism – Yoon

Job Summary/Basic Function:
The Yoon Lab is looking for a highly motivated, creative, and responsible scientists who will play a key role in achieving the mission of the lab. We aim to discover cellular and molecular mechanisms of Mendelian mitochondrial diseases. To do this, we implement an experimental pipeline that leverages the combined power of clinical data, genomics analysis, and studies using Drosophila models and patient-derived stem cell models. We have discovered 5 new Mendelian mitochondrial diseases including the Harel-Yoon syndrome that bears my name. We have established disease models in Drosophila and human iPS cells. Hence, the motivated postdoctoral researchers are expected to discover new findings and publish high-impact papers. Researchers with strong interest in neurological and mitochondrial diseases are welcome to apply. Expertise in any of the following areas is highly valued though not required: – Drosophila genetics – Metabolism/mitochondrial biology – Neurodegeneration & Neurodevelopmental diseases – Developmental biology – iPSCs/cerebral organoids OMRF is an independent, not-for-profit biomedical research institute adjacent to the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC) campus in Oklahoma City. Oklahoma City offers a dynamic and flourishing downtown area, with low cost of living, short commute times and a diversified economy. OMRF’s excellence can only be fully realized by individuals who share our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Successful candidates will demonstrate commitment to these values. OMRF is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, color, national origin, age, religion, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected characteristic.

Minimum Qualifications:
Ph.D. in a biological science, or other relevant area, or equivalent .

Minimum Degree Required:
Doctorate

Work Hours:

Preferred Qualifications:


Physical Demands:
Regularly required to stand, use manual dexterity, talk or hear; Frequently required to walk and reach with hands and arms; occasionally sit; frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds; vision abilities include close vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Potential exposure to fumes, airborne particles, or rodent dander. May work with toxic, caustic chemicals, radioactive materials, liquid nitrogen, human tissue or blood. Potential risk of electrical shock. Occasional exposure to cold 4C, and/or extreme cold -80C from freezers. Noise level is usually moderate.

Apply

PhD Position in Soil Microbial Ecology of Agroecosystems

 

As the global population expands, the demand for food rises steadily. Meeting these needs in a sustainable manner remains one of the greatest challenges of our time. It is becoming clear that recycling human wastes can provide effective fertilizers for enhancing soil fertility and crop production, soil amendments for increasing carbon sequestration, and a means for improving public sanitation and health. Yet while waste-based fertilizers are already used in many developing countries, the potential health risks connected to these practices are still debated, especially since very little is known regarding how antibiotics potentially contained in these fertilizers impact the soil-microbial-plant nexus.

Job description

This four-year PhD position will be a key component of the SNF Prima project “Understanding the impacts of antibiotics from human excreta derived fertilizers on the soil-microbial-plant nexus” awarded to Dr. Gina Garland. The main goals of the project will be to determine how antibiotics contained in currently utilized human waste-based fertilizers across Africa impact soil microbial community structure, functioning and development of antibiotic resistance genes. The planned work will involve managing a large-scale greenhouse trial, where multiple crop species will be grown in African soils with contrasting fertilizer sources. The PhD candidate will be based in the Soil Resources group of Dr. Sebastian Doetterl and supervised together with Dr. Gina Garland and Dr. Martin Hartmann of the Sustainable Agroecosystem Group.

Your profile

We are looking for a motivated and team-oriented PhD student interested in better understanding and improving agricultural sustainability by assessing the impact of human excreta derived fertilizers application on soil microbial community dynamics through the use of cutting-edge molecular techniques. A Master’s degree in Environmental Sciences, Soil Sciences, Biology, Microbiology, or Ecology is needed. Experience in DNA or RNA sequencing, bioinformatics, statistics, biogeochemical analysis, and general laboratory skills are strong assets. Excellent oral and written English communication skills is required.

Interested?

We look forward to receiving your online application including the following documents:

• CV
• Certificates and transcripts of your Master and Bachelor courses
• Title and abstract of your Master thesis
• Motivation letter describing how the past experience and research interests fits the profile sketched in this call
• Contact details of two referees
• Optionally you can additionally upload publications to which you have contributed
• Certificates regarding your proficiency in English

The deadline to submit an application is Friday, 30th April. The anticipated start date is 1st September, 2021 (with some flexibility possible) for a period of four years. Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or post will not be considered.

Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Gina Garland by email at gina.garland@usys.ethz.ch (no applications).

Apply online now

Fellowship Positions in Experimental Law & Economics

 

The newly established research group, headed by Professor Dr. Alexander Stremitzer at ETH Zurich conducts lab, internet, and field experiments on legal and social institutions. We are looking to fill Fellowship Positions in Experimental Law & Economics.

Job description

The fellows will be involved in all aspects of the research, including project planning, research design, data analysis, presentation of findings at conferences, and preparation of manuscripts for submission to leading peer-reviewed journals and law reviews. Postdocs will have the opportunity to co-author papers with lab colleagues, work with an array of affiliated faculty from ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich, and develop independent projects related to these research areas. Organizational and teaching duties are limited to a few hours per week. Our offices are located in downtown Zurich, and the working language is English. The appointment will be for at least one year. Salaries are internationally competitive, paid according to ETH standards.

Your profile

The ideal candidate will be a JD/PHD with a strong background in social sciences (e.g., economics, psychology, political sciences) who has just completed a Fellowship Program (or equivalent) at a leading law school and will want to devote an extra year to experimental research in preparation of the legal job market. However, we also welcome applications of other highly qualified candidates.

Interested?

We look forward to receiving your online application, including a cover letter, CV, graduate school transcripts, a writing sample, and contact details of at least two referees. Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

For further information, please visit www.lawecon.ethz.ch. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Prof. Alexander Stremitzer by email at alexander.stremitzer@gess.ethz.ch (no applications).

Apply online now

Two PhD Researchers: Urban BioCycles - Mycelium Digitalisation

 

Future Cities Lab (FCL) Global is a research collaboration between ETH Zurich and the Singapore universities – National University of Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) and the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) – with support from the National Research Foundation (NRF). It operates under the auspices of the Singapore-​ETH Centre (SEC), which aims to strengthen the capacity of Singapore and Switzerland to research, understand and actively respond to the challenges of global environmental sustainability.

www.fcl.ethz.ch

The Digital Building Technologies (DBT) group at the Institute of Technology in Architecture, ETH Zurich, led by Prof. Dr. Benjamin Dillenburger, researches in new building technologies based on the seamless integration of computational design methods, digital fabrication, and new materials. In this context, DBT investigates additive manufacturing strategies in architecture, which have the potential to challenge traditional paradigms of construction. Our aim is to develop digital technologies to increase the productivity of construction, improve the quality and the ecological footprint of buildings, and to open up radically new design-solutions.

www.dbt.arch.ethz.ch

The Block Research Group (BRG) at the Institute of Technology in Architecture, ETH Zurich, led by Prof. Dr. Philippe Block and Dr. Tom Van Mele, has three core areas of research: equilibrium analysis and design of vaulted masonry structures, computational form finding and structural optimisation of curved surface structures, and fabrication and construction of novel shell structures, particularly in unreinforced masonry and concrete. Translating research into practice, the BRG develops novel computational structural design strategies to utilise digital fabrication and to push construction innovation. To address the grand challenges posed by climate change, the group’s research follows the motto “strength through geometry” to reduce embodied carbon, use fewer resources and minimise waste.

www.block.arch.ethz.ch

Project background

The worldwide economic and ecological development of our future is strongly connected to the question of where our resources for future prosperity come from. As our mines run dry and CO2 levels reach alarming levels, our thinking needs to be radically different in all economic sectors.

The building industry alone is responsible for 40% of global solid waste production, for 40% of the use of primary energy resources and for 40% of CO2 emissions worldwide. Even in current times, natural resources are extracted from the earth and disposed of in a linear process. They are literally consumed rather than being temporarily borrowed from natural or socio-​technical circuits.

This approach has profound consequences for our planet, that will be further aggravated if we do not adopt a more circular process. Ecosystems are destroyed, the climate is jeopardised, and many resources – such as sand, gravel, copper and zinc – will soon no longer be available in economically reasonable terms. To address this issue, we need to build an environment that is truly sustainable using alternative construction materials and systems.

In the module Urban BioCycles - Mycelium Digitalisation, in collaboration with Prof. Dirk Hebel (KIT) and Prof. Hortense Le Ferrand (NTU), the researchers aim to develop new sustainable technologies by combining composite materials that comprise cultivated, grown and harvested natural resources with digital fabrication methods. Mycelium material grown from fungi is one of the materials of choice for this enterprise, as well as subtractive and additive (i.e., 3D-​printing) processes. Along with materials and fabrication, a careful assessment of the sustainability and likelihood for application in the construction sector will be studied.

Job description

The project team will consist of 2 PhD students and 1-2 postdoctoral researchers. Research on structural design and analysis methods as well as structural testing and the combination of subtractive and additive manufacturing processes will be carried out by postdoctoral researchers. A starting date of September 1, 2021, is preferred.

The topics of the PhD researchers will be:

3D printing of self-organising biological material (PhD 1)

The team will comprise a researcher, a PhD Student and a PostDoc situated between the disciplines architecture, digital fabrication and material science. Guided by Prof. Benjamin Dillenburger at the Institute of Technology in Architecture, ETH Zurich, the PhD student will focus on developing a custom 3D printing process and design-to-fabrication routines. Research tasks include:

• Investigating powder bed based additive manufacturing of mycelium based elements  
• Determination if the printing parameters strengthen the material. 
• Investigating possible reinforcement strategies
• Customised set-ups for a digital workflow from design to fabrication
• Design and optimisation of 3D-printed mycelium parts that demonstrate the potential of additive manufacturing
• Experimental prototyping and development of a large scale demonstrator 

Subtractive processes to realise structural components out of Mycelium (PhD 2)

The research will be conducted by a PhD student with a background in architectural, structural or mechanical engineering. Guided by Prof. Philippe Block, the project team’s postdoc and senior scientists in the Block Research Group with a cross-disciplinary expertise in architectural design, structural engineering and computational methods, the PhD student will focus on the development, testing and evaluation of various subtractive fabrication methods.

The expectation is the development of methods and tools for the structural design and analysis of compression-only structures made of Mycelium:

• Adopting and calibrating existing digital subtractive methods for roughing and finishing operations on Mycelium
• Investigating fabrication workflows and strategies that enable the efficient production of geometrically complex elements
• Identifying possible geometric constraints for the fabrication of complex-shape elements when using the adopted subtractive fabrication methods
• Testing compression-only structural elements made of Mycelium to understand their structural behaviour

Employment type:

PhD student - stipend

The successful candidates will be salaried employees as well as enrolled doctoral students following the guidelines of ETH Zurich (standard rate). A work place in the Institute of Technology in Architecture on ETH’s Hönggerberg campus will be provided, and flexible working conditions including partial home office are possible.

Your profile

• A postgraduate degree at the MSc or MArch level in architecture, architectural engineering, structural design, structural engineering, mechanical engineering or related fields is required
• Expertise in computational design and digital/robotic fabrication (PhD 1)
• Expertise in computational design and structural design and/or mechanics (PhD 2) with an interest in digital fabrication
• Coding skills, preferably in Python
• Interest in material-driven research
• Ability and interest to work in a large interdisciplinary team
• Strong written, verbal and graphical communication skills (English)

Interested?

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents: 

• Cover letter (please specify interest in PhD topic 1 or 2)
• Curriculum vitae
• Contact information for two references
• Portfolio
• Sample of publications (optional)

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered.

Questions regarding the position (no applications!) should be directed to:

• PhD 1: Mario Guala (guala@arch.ethz.ch) 
• PhD 2: Dr. Noelle Paulson (paulson@arch.ethz.ch)

Apply online now

Research Scientist in econometric and geospatial analyses of sustainable supply chain policies

 

We are seeking to hire a full-time team member to support our quantitative data analysis projects, initially for a 2-year position (start date negotiable between July and October 2021) with possibility for renewal. We offer an intellectually challenging position in one of the leading research centers in Europe. The researcher will work closely with EPL members and Prof. Garrett to quantify the impacts of supply chain policies on environmental and socioeconomic outcomes by conducting analyses of farm and company level data, as well as spatial and other secondary data collected across the tropics.

Project background

ETH Zurich’s Environmental Policy Lab (EPL), chaired by Prof. Dr. Rachael Garrett, works on understanding the causes of global environmental change and identifying policies and practices that can contribute to reducing global environmental harms while promoting sustainable development. Our research is focused on land and food systems, with particular attention to supply chain sustainability policies and producers' motivations and livelihood challenges.

One current area of focus is the effectiveness and equity of forest-focused corporate supply chain policies that aim to eliminate commodity-driven deforestation in the cattle, cocoa, soy, and palm oil sectors. To identify the impacts of these policies, we combine field-level survey data with geospatial imagery and supply chain network analysis, and also draw on qualitative (interview-based) evidence.

See www.epl.ethz.ch and www.zerodeforestationimpacts.com for an overview of our research group and the portfolio of projects you would be working on.

Job description

The salary starts at 88,600 CHF/year and increases with seniority (see ETH standard payscale; this position is pegged at the Scientific Assistant II level).

This is not a standard post-doctoral position as heavier emphasis is placed on assisting with existing team projects, rather than new individual research.

Specifically the researcher will support EPL with:

• Econometric analyses of spatial, survey and company data about supply chain policies to assess their impacts on land use change (e.g. degradation and deforestation) and on socioeconomic outcomes (e.g. technology adoption, equity)
• Analyses and management of vector and raster spatial data
• General data management and implementation of the data management plans of EPL projects
• Synthesis of secondary data from the web  

Your profile

Key qualifications:

• PhD degree or at least three years of commensurate experience applying microeconometric and quasi experimental methods for policy evaluation. If not formally trained in econometrics, the candidate should demonstrate commensurate experience in data analysis and programming
• Previous experience in applied sustainability or socioeconomic research, ideally with a focus on quantitative policy impact evaluation, and/or analysis of the environmental and social impacts of land-use change
• Strong competence in the analysis and management of spatial data
• A good level of competence in programming in one or more among R, Stata, and Python as well as the ability to independently acquire new technical skills, including work in other programming languages, quickly
• Fluency in English

Desirable qualifications:

• Experience with cloud computing for spatial data and large-scale raster & vector computations (e.g. Google Earth Engine)
• Experience with Scientific Computing Clusters, e.g. Euler and Leonhard
• Experience with web-based data scraping
• Experience with version control (Git) and collaborative software development (e.g. GitHub)
• Experience working with AWS services such as RDS or S3
• Experience with machine learning algorithms 
• Experience in creating and maintaining relational databases (e.g. SQL)
• Experience in data processing and management of large-scale, field-based survey data (preferably including standardizing data across multiple regions) 

Interested?

We look forward to receiving your online application with the following documents all in one single .pdf file:

• A one-page letter outlining your motivation and skills
• A CV
• Two writing samples (e.g., published articles or chapters from your dissertation)
• Your Bachelor and Master level study transcripts

Please note that we exclusively accept applications submitted through our online application portal. Applications via email or postal services will not be considered. Applications must be received by June 15 for a start date of September 1.

Apply online now