Doctoral thesis on the freezing of soft materials

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Doctoral thesis on the freezing of soft materials 100%, Zurich, fixed-term

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This thesis topic is about understanding how damage occurs when soft, wet materials are frozen. Despite this being a very common problem, it is still surprisingly poorly understood. Most people think that freezing causes damage because water expands as it freezes. However, this effect plays a very minor role: if we replace water with a liquid that shrinks as it freezes, it still causes damage. This is a problem ranging from frost heave damage to infrastructure, to storing food in freezers, to cryopreservation, and to life at low temperatures.

Project background

The aim of this project is threefold:

To understand the detailed mechanism underlying freezing damage.

To use this information to work out optimal strategies for freezing soft materials without damage.

To develop novel, frost-proof, soft materials.

To this end, we have developed an imaging setup that allows us to grow ice into samples of materials, while simultaneously monitoring the 3D shape of the ice, and visualising damage. We will use this to investigate the freezing of model tissues (made from hydrogel) and to study the role of cryopreservatives (like antifreeze proteins). At the end of the project, we will use our understanding to develop novel, tough hydrogel materials, by extending previous approaches for toughening soft materials.

Job description

The position is available starting immediately. It is expected that the role will involve a broad range of characterisation, imaging, synthesis and analysis techniques, predominantly including:

Microscopy

Mechanical testing

Hydrogel synthesis

Image analysis, and calculations using Matlab (or similar software)

Your profile

You have a master's degree in physics, material science, mechanical engineering or a related field and enjoy experimental work.

Practical knowledge of fracture mechanics and thermodynamics would be beneficial but not essential.

You have an excellent track record, and meet the general admission requirements for a doctorate at ETH Zürich.

Your workplace Your workplace We offer

The project will be supervised by Dr Rob Style in the Laboratory of Soft Materials and Interfaces of Prof. Lucio Isa at ETH Zürich.

We offer an exciting working environment in a large, diverse group, that works on a range of different topics in soft matter. Beyond your research, you will have the opportunity to work collaboratively with others in the group and to learn about wider aspects of soft matter.

We particularly value an inclusive culture and promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected.

chevronright Working, teaching and research at ETH Zurich

We value diversity

In line with our values, ETH Zurich encourages an inclusive culture. We promote equality of opportunity, value diversity and nurture a working and learning environment in which the rights and dignity of all our staff and students are respected. Visit our Equal Opportunities and Diversity website to find out how we ensure a fair and open environment that allows everyone to grow and flourish.

Curious? So are we.

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

CV (Including contact details for References)

Letter of Motivation

Academic Transcript

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

Further information about our group can be found on our website, www. isa.mat.ethz.ch. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Rob Style via email: [email protected] (no applications).

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world's leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.

Curious? So are we.

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

CV (Including contact details for References)

Letter of Motivation

Academic Transcript

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

Further information about our group can be found on our website, www. isa.mat.ethz.ch. Questions regarding the position should be directed to Dr. Rob Style via email: [email protected] (no applications).

Apply online now

About ETH Zürich

ETH Zurich is one of the world's leading universities specialising in science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education, cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe, yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.

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