PhD Position available: “Control of Dynamic Processes in Cellular Systems by Local Temperature Fields”
A PhD position is available to work under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Frank Cichos at the department Molecular Nanophotonics on the study of local temperature induced processes for the control of molecules, materials and cells. This experimental PhD project is part of the Interfaculty Center for Bio-Active Matter – b-ACT, which is a center established by the Faculty of Physics and Earth Sciences and the Faculty of Life Sciences to explore new applications of bioactive materials.
Local dynamic temperature fields generated by plasmonic nanostructures allow for a highly precise manipulation of soft materials on the micro-scale by non-equilibrium processes. We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate with a very good Master’s degree in Physics with excellent English proficiency. The successful candidate will perform cutting edge experimental research to establish a new platform for the control of the dynamics of single molecules, molecular networks and living cells with highly local heat release. The candidate should therefore be committed to collaborative and interdisciplinary work, and have excellent oral and written communication skills (records of creative and independent scientific research and active participation in its dissemination in peer-reviewed journals are welcome).
The experimental work will allow the successful applicant to acquire expert skills and knowledge on innovative micro-optical manipulation and detection techniques, interfacial hydrodynamics and non-equilibrium physics. He will learn to apply modern techniques of image processing, feedback control and machine learning. Experience with modern optical microscopy techniques as well as image and time-series analysis would be useful.
The working language is English. Salaries will be according to DFG standards.
Applications including 1) a letter of interest (max. 1 page), clearly stating the specific motivation of the candidate to join the group, work on this project, career goals, etc., 2) a CV, 3) grade transcripts or equivalent record of excellent academic performance, clearly indicating courses taken and grades in each course (for MS and BS), 4) the names of at least two consenting referees should be sent to cichos@physik.uni-leipzig.de. The application deadline is October 15, 2021.
Please visit our group website for more details about our research:
https://www.uni-leipzig.de/~mona
