The Institute of Metal Physics and Technology (LMPT) of the ETH Zurich Department of Materials conducts basic research in the fields of bulk metallic glasses, nanostructured metals, and metallic biomaterials. The LMPT is an important research center for the design of new metallic alloys and the characterization of their physical properties. It offers an interdisciplinary and stimulating research environment with excellent infrastructure.

Background of the Ph.D. thesis:The Ph.D. thesis deals with the emerging field of biodegradable materials for implant applications. Such biodegradable implants degrade in the body after performing their tasks, so that removal surgery is no longer necessary. For such applications, we have developed various fine-grained MgZnCa alloys, which show good biocompatibility and excellent mechanical properties.

The objective of this Ph.D. project is to obtain a detailed understanding of the alloys’ microstructure and to optimize the alloys in terms of degradation characteristics. The studies will also involve in-vitro and in-vivo degradation studies of the implants. The Ph.D. thesis is thus at the boundary of physical metallurgy, bioengineering, and biomedical science.

Profile of requirements:

• Diploma or Master’s degree in materials science, bioengineering, physics or chemistry
• Knowledge of or willingness to obtain a detailed understanding of materials science, electrochemistry, and biomedical properties
• Highly motivated and great interest in the field of complex alloy processing
• Highly motivated and great interest in the fields of microstructural investigations using SEM, TEM, DSC, and possibly X-ray tomography
• Great interest in the field of biomedical science and ability to communicate with collaborators in the medical area

Further information about the institute can be found at www.metphys.mat.ethz.ch

• This position may be taken up immediately or in the near future

We look forward to receiving your application online at www.jobs.ethz.ch (or “Apply now” below) with attention to: ETH Zurich, Mr. Matthias Steiger, Human Resources, CH-8092 Zürich. Please include a comprehensive CV with cover letter, including grades, information on current research interests and the names of at least two referees.

Any other way of applying will not be considered.