Effects of topological constraints in polymer melts on crystallization and structure formation (Thurn-Albrecht, University Halle)

“Molecular Ordering of polymeric ionic liquids” (Binder, University Halle)

“Interactions of single polymer chains and amyloid fibrils in a thermophoretic trap” (Cichos, Leipzig University)

“Optical Control and Analysis of Brownian Machines and Active-Particle Swarms” (Cichos, Leipzig University)

PhD Position available: Effects of topological constraints in polymer melts on crystallization and structure formation | Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg

PI / Contact Person, Affiliation: Prof. T. Thurn-Albrecht, Institute of Physics, Martin-Luther-Univ. Halle-Wittenberg, Experimental Polymer Physics Group: thurn-albrecht@physik.uni-halle.de

About the project
During crystallization from the melt, polymers form a nanoscopic semicrystalline structure which largely determines the mechanical properties of these ubiquitous materials. Despite long-standing research efforts, it is not well understood, which factors exactly control the crystallization process and determine this crystalline-amorphous structure. Our recent investigations based on an advanced combination of experimental methods (small-angle x-ray scattering, NMR, optical microscopy, calorimetry, and rheology) evidenced an unexpectedly important role of the molecular dynamics in the crystalline regions and of the entanglements in the amorphous regions. For the further exploration of these effects in the next stage of the project, which is pursued in close collaboration with another doctoral student focusing on NMR techniques, we are seeking a candidate focusing on scattering techniques and on the investigation of mechanical properties. The overall aim of this fundamental research project is a deepened understanding of the process of crystallization, which is important for polymer processing as well as for the understanding of the relation between microscopic structure and properties.

Requirements / Restrictions for applicants
The successful applicant should have a Master degree or equivalent in Physics or Chemistry, and some knowledge of scattering techniques and/or polymer/soft-matter physics. We require profound command of mathematical concepts and good experimental skills and some computer knowledge. We are looking for dedicated candidates capable of doing systematic and independent work who are willing to collaborate within the group and with other projects. The working language is English.

What we offer
Working in the project will allow the candidate to acquire expert skills and knowledge on x-ray scattering techniques, mechanical properties of polymers and polymer physics. As a member of the integrated Research Training Group “Polymers: random coils and beyond”, the candidate benefits from a structured PhD program with individual supervision and mentoring, seminars as well as workshops on scientific and transferable skills. The successful candidate will hold a working contract with the university (no tuition fee). Salaries will be according to DFG standards.

Further information / Publications

Schulz et al., The Underestimated Effect of Intracrystalline Chain Dynamics on the Morphology and Stability of Semicrystalline Polymers. Macromolecules 51, 8377 (2018)
Kurz et al., Interplay between Crystallization and Entanglements in the Amorphous Phase of the Crystal-Fixed Polymer Poly(ϵ-caprolactone). Macromolecules 51, 5831(2018)

Please also check the internet page of the experimental polymer physics group and the page of the research training group. Please apply via our web portal. The application deadline is October 30, 2020. Entry date is flexible between January and March 2021.

PhD and PostDoc position: Molecular ordering of polymeric ionic liquids | University Halle

At the polymer science department at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Research Group Prof. Wolfgang Binder researcher positions in the area of polymeric ionic liquids are available.

One PhD and one PostDoc position in the area of a DFG-funded project on molecular ordering of polymeric ionic liquids, starting from 12/2020. Required is knowledge in preparative chemistry of polymeric ionic liquids/ionic liquids and their structural characterization via X-ray scattering, conductivity-techniques. A strong background in physical chemistry/physics of soft matter characterization (hard/soft interfaces, such as electrolyte/metal-oxides) is required. Knowledge of interfacial and electrochemical characterization (XPS, GISAXS) techniques is an asset.

One PostDoc Position in the area of electrolyte-technology for batteries within the Bat4ever-project (Horizon 2020). We aim to generate self-healing electrolytes/nanocomposites for battery technology, equipped with self-healing properties. Required is a strong background in the polymeric ionic liquids and self-healing, preferably at hard/solid interfaces. Knowledge and skills of nanosized material technology (dispersion, characterization, preparation) is required.

In case of interest please send your full CV, names of min. 2 references, list of publications / pdf-Files of Master-thesis by September 20, 2020 to Miss Anke Hassi at anke.hassi@chemie.uni-halle.de

PhD Position available: Interactions of signel polymer chains and amyloid fibrils in a thermophoretic trap | Leipzig University

A PhD position is available to work under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Frank Cichos at the department Molecular Nanophotonics on the interactions of single polymer chains and the formation of amyloid fibrils in a thermophoretic trap.

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate with a Master’s degree in Physics with excellent English proficiency. The successful candidate will perform cutting edge experimental research on the formation of peptide aggregates and the trapping of single and multiple biologically relevant macromolecules in solution. 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 optical microscopy, polymer physics, macromolecular dynamics, thermophoresis and protein aggregation. Experience with modern optical microscopy and statistical data 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, 2020.

Reference:
M. Fränzl, T. Thalheim, J. Adler, D. Huster, J. Posseckardt, M. Mertig, F. Cichos
Thermophoretic Trap for Single Amyloid Fibril and Protein Aggregation Studies
Nat. Methods 16, 611–614 (2019)

Please visit our group website for more details about our research:
https://www.uni-leipzig.de/~mona

PhD position available: Optical Control and Analysis of Brownian Machines and Active-Particle Swarms| Leipzig University

A PhD position is available to work under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Frank Cichos at the department Molecular Nanophotonics on the optical control and analysis of Brownian machines and active-particle swarms. This experimental PhD project is part of a recently granted German–Czech (DFG–GACR) research collaboration. The project also includes a collaboration with the Soft Condensed Matter Theory Group of Prof. Dr. Klaus Kroy at the Institute for Theoretical Physics.

Active matter includes flocks of birds, swarms of insects, ensembles of robots, and colonies of bacteria. We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate with a Master’s degree in Physics or Physical Chemistry with excellent English proficiency. The successful candidate will perform cutting edge experimental research on the dynamics and non-equilibrium statistical thermodynamics of these systems, with a main focus on many-body effects and confining environments. 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 and allow the successful applicant to acquire expert skills and knowledge on innovative micro-optical multi-particle manipulation and detection techniques as well as on machine learning algorithms applied to active particle detection and control. Experience with modern optical microscopy and tweezers techniques and image and time-series analysis, which will be employed to control and study active-particle swarms and microscopic thermodynamic machines, would be useful.

The working language is English. Salaries will be according to DFG standards.

Please visit our group website for more details about our research.