AMI’s BioPhysics Group (Prof. Michael Mayer) invites applications for a post-doctoral research associate to investigate bio-inspired hydrogel batteries. This project addresses the urgent societal need for new power storage systems. The group targets novel electrical power sources whose design is inspired by the electric organs of electric fish and exploits salinity gradients. The research activities range from preparing thin hydrogel and polymer films, conducting electrochemical measurements of open circuit potentials and short circuit currents to fabricating, assembling, characterizing, and testing hydrogel-based devices. The project is a collaboration with groups in Polymer Chemistry (AMI, CH), Mechanical Engineering (PSU, US), and Machine Learning (CMU, USA).
Applicants must have a PhD degree in (Bio)Physical Chemistry, Biomedical or Chemical Engineering, or a related field and wish to pursue interdisciplinary research in a fast-moving international team. Previous experience in electrochemistry, biochemistry/biophysics/electrophysiology/electrical engineering would be ideal. Other requirements are the ability to advance a complex project independently and as part of a team, excellent communication skills, and proficiency in English. AMI offers attractive employment conditions and outstanding infrastructure in a state-of-the-art research facility.
The position will be filled as soon as possible. Please send your CV, motivation letter, and contact information of at least two references as one PDF file via E‐mail to michael.mayer@unifr.ch with the subject title “Post-doctoral Research Associate Position Bio-Inspired Hydrogel Batteries”.