PostDoc Position field of Hybrid 3D printing process SiC- metamaterials

Organisation/Company Empa Research Field Engineering » Materials engineering Engineering » Mechanical engineering Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) Final date to receive applications 12 May 2026 - 21:59 (UTC) Country Switzerland Type of Contract Permanent Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Materials science and technology are our passion. With our cutting-edge research, Empa's around 1,100 employees make essential contributions to the well-being of society for a future worth living. Empa is a research institution of the ETH Domain.

For an applied research project, we are seeking a highly motivated Postdoc interested in the development of a hybrid AM manufacturing process for silicon carbide ceramics. This project is a close collaboration between the Smart Materials Processing and Architectured Materials groups of the laboratory and focuses on the design, fabrication and characterization of 3D-printed SiC-based ceramic metamaterials. We will develop SiC-based thermoplastic feed stocks, a hybrid manufacturing process combining FDM 3D printing and milling, design metamaterials with unique properties, and analyze their microstructural, mechanical, and thermal properties after sintering.

Post Doc Position in the field of Hybrid 3D printing process for SiC-based metamaterials

• Exploring commercial SiC ceramic powder and sintering additives
• Development of SiC thermoplastic feed stocks for FDM printing
• Programming of an existing hybrid FDM printing machine, including printing and milling devices
• Modelling and optimization of the debinding process
• Simulation-based design of mechanical metamaterials to achieve high specific stiffness and strength, energy dissipation, and damage resistance
• Morphological, microstructural, and mechanical characterization of the 3D printed metamaterials

Your profile
You have a PhD in mechanical engineering, ceramics or a similar field. Previous experience with one or more of the following topics is required:
Processing of SiC-based ceramics, sintering of SiC-based ceramics, microstructural and mechanical characterization, programming of machines, modeling and simulation with Ansys, Abaqus, Comsol or similar software. The experimental nature of the work requires a very high level of experimental skills. You need to program the hybrid printer and possibly modify the device to be able achieve more freedom in printing and milling of the 3D printed SiC-based structures.

You are a team player and your strengths include taking personal responsibility, excellence and flexibility to work and deliver results. The candidate should have excellent written and oral communication skills in English. Knowledge of German is beneficial, but not mandatory.

Our offer
We offera Post Doc position at the research institution with excellent infrastructure and plenty of possibilities for personal and professional development. The position is for 1 year, starting April 2026 or upon mutual agreement. Depending on the results, an extension is possible.

We live a culture of inclusion and respect. We welcome all people who are interested in innovative, sustainable and meaningful activities - that's what counts.

We look forward to receiving your complete online application including a letter of motivation, CV, certificates, diplomas and contact details of two reference persons. Please submit these exclusively via our job portal. Applications by e-mail and by post will not be considered.