PhD in Polymer-based ceramic and metal printing

Mission

We are offering a full-time (100%) PhD Student at the Laboratory for the Chemistry of Materials and Manufacturing (ALCHEMY) at  EPFL Neuchatel. At EPFL ALCHEMY, we are focused on developing accessible chemistries and processing strategies that can enable the fabrication of a wide variety of advanced functional materials and devices.

A core area of research in ALCHEMY is the development of methods for converting 3D printed polymers into metals. We previously pioneered a technology called Hydrogel Infusion Additive Manufacturing (HIAM) that is capable of transforming polymers into composites, ceramics, and metals (Composites:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matt.2026.102809,https://doi.org/10.1021/acsmaterialslett.5c00407;Ceramics/Metals: https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202504951).

The goal of this PhD will be to expand the HIAM technology towards new classes of materials. Depending on the candidate, this could include non-oxide ceramics, metal-matrix composites, ceramic-matrix composites, polymer composites, or high entropy alloys. The PhD will span the development of chemistries and processes that result in high quality architected ceramic/metal parts, and the applications of these materials.

Main duties and responsibilities

As a PhD Student, you will be expected to:

• Have full responsibility for your own dissertation
• Research in close collaboration with other lab members and international collaborators;
• Experiment design and execution
• Analyze and interpret experimental results
• Write scientific articles for publication in peer-reviewed journals
• Present at international conferences
• Participate in education and supervise student projects

Profile

• A MSc degree in the fields of materials science, chemistry, or polymer science
• Strong experimental skills and a practical and hands-on mindset
• Experience with materials characterization is required
• Excellent comunication skills in English
• Experience with ceramic and/or metal characterization is a bonus
• Experience with nanoparticle synthesis is a bonus

We offer

• 4 years to complete your PhD with a competitive remuneration
• You will be part of the EDMX, EDAM, or EDCH doctoral program
• An opportunity to develop a scientific career in materials science and additive manufacturing
• A world-class research and training environment with access to state-of-the-art research facilities
• International collaboration and visiting opportunities
• A 1-year fixed-term contract (CDD), renewable for 4 years

Informations

Only applications submitted through the online platform are considered. Please apply by uploading a single PDF file that contains the following:

• Cover/Motivation Letter that detail your past research experiences and your fit for the position
• Detailed CV
• Names and contact information of at least 2 references willing to write recommendation letters for you

The selection process involves multiple stages, and short-listed candidates will be requested to apply to a specific EPFL Doctoral Program to qualify for a PhD at EPFL, i.e. [EDMX, EDAM, or EDCH.
Please check this page for additional information on admission.

Please note that this is a separate application process necessary to be eligible to complete your PhD at EPFL.

 Contract Start Date: 10/01/2026

Activity Rate : 100.00

Contract Type: CDD

Duration: 1 year, renewable for 4 years

Reference: 2307