Open Positions

**About Archemides** Archemides is a deep-tech spin-off from ETH Zurich focused on developing a novel class of advanced polymers for next-generation self-healing coatings. We specialize in the chemical design of polymers, their industrial scale-up, and their integration into advanced coating applications across multiple sectors. **Role Description** Corrosion protection remains a key challenge in high-performance industries such as aerospace, where conventional coating systems often rely on environmentally critical substances that are increasingly restricted. This thesis focuses on the development of a novel, sustainable polymer-based coating system as an alternative to existing technologies. The project combines polymer synthesis, material design, and coating engineering, with a strong emphasis on industrial applicability and scalability. The goal is to develop and tailor a novel polymer system for corrosion protection on aluminum alloys (e.g., AA2024). This includes controlled synthesis and modification of the material, followed by formulation and processing into coatings. Key performance targets include mechanical robustness, adhesion, and long-term corrosion resistance under relevant conditions. The project is research-driven, while being closely aligned with real industrial requirements and application scenarios, offering direct insight into the translation of materials from lab to application. **Your Key Responsibilities** • Conduct polymer synthesis and modification of a novel material system • Develop and optimize coating formulations and processing routes (e.g., spray coating) • Apply coatings on metallic substrates and study processing–structure relationships • Characterize coating performance: • Analyze results to guide material and process optimization toward application-relevant targets **Your Profile** • Master student in Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related field • Strong interest in polymer science, coatings, or applied materials research • Motivation for hands-on experimental work in the lab • Basic knowledge of polymer synthesis or characterization is an advantage • Independent, structured, and solution-oriented working style **We Offer** • A research-focused thesis with strong industrial relevance • Close collaboration with an ETH spin-off company (Archemides AG) • Insight into real-world material development and scale-up considerations • Dynamic and interdisciplinary research environment

Yingying Yu, yingying,yu@mat.ethz.ch/yingying.yu@archemides.ch