Job Detail

  
Empa - the place where innovation starts



Empa is the research institute for materials science and technology of the ETH Domain and conducts cutting-edge research for the benefit of industry and the well-being of society.

Our Laboratory for Applied Wood Materials is looking for a

Scientist focusing on the development of adhesives for art and cultural heritages

The Project

If something is broken, it is glued! It is not as simple as it can be done in everyday life for any imaginable material as it is with art and cultural goods made of wood. Countless wooden sculptures, panel paintings or altarpieces in churches and castles worldwide show cracks and fractures due to their old age, which have to be glued and restoration become necessary. Then adhesives are required, which follow the principles of restoration ethics. Common, sometimes used adhesives from natural raw materials or industrial sources cannot be used for all purposes and can even lead to further damage. The goal of our project is therefore the development, optimization and targeted use of cellulose structures as aqueous adhesive suspensions for the bonding of wooden artifacts.

Your Mission and Responsibilities

• Evaluation and development of aqueous adhesive suspensions from a variety of cellulose raw materials in collaboration with restorers from the Bern University of Arts



• Preparation, aging and testing of bonding of wooden specimens and artifacts




• Development of an adhesive tools box for restorers including documentation and certification




• Scale up of the adhesive production and market transfer

Your Qualifications

• A PhD or master in conservation and restoration, materials science, chemistry or related field with a strong background in adhesive or cellulosic materials



• Strong interest in developing novel adhesives for arts and heritages




• Excellent precise work, documentation, scientific writing and communication skills



• Fluency in German and English (written and oral) is mandatory

The duration of this position is two years. The project will start January 1st, 2019.

For further information about the position please contact Dr. Thomas Geiger, Thomas.Geiger@empa.ch or Dr. Gustav Nyström, Gustav.Nystroem@empa.ch  and visit our websites www.empa.ch/web/s302  and Empa-Video




We look forward to receiving your online application including a letter of motivation, CV, diplomas with transcripts and contact details of two referees. Please upload the requested documents through our webpage.
Applications via email will not be considered.



Empa, Patricia Nitzsche, Human Resources, Ueberlandstrasse 129, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland.Apply now