related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?: No
Offer Description
The Institute of Physical Chemistry in the Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy at the University of Münster, Germany, is seeking to fill the position in the research group of Prof Marcel Rey of a Doctoral Research Associate for an externally funded project on the topic of "Shapemorphing colloidal particles". The position is available as soon as possible.
Your tasks:
- Construction of a custom inverted optical microscope with integrated laser illumination for the simultaneous deformation and imaging of shapemorphing particles
- Integration and control of laser illumination, polarisation, and spatially structured illumination for the controlled manipulation of particle shape.
- Investigation of light-controlled self-assembly and phase behaviour of shapemorphing colloids at liquid interfaces using optical microscopy.
- Quantitative analysis of ordering transitions, defect dynamics, and shape-dependent structural changes using particle tracking and image analysis
- Quantification of shape-dependent particle interactions at liquid interfaces using optical tweezers
- Documentation and presentation of results at scientific conferences.
- Publication of results in scientific journals
- The position is tied to working towards a doctorate.
Where to apply
Website: https://stellen.uni-muenster.de/jobposting/d05c39fba2f39a8926a0a4ae481033140fc0699f0?ref=homepage
Requirements
Research Field: Physics » Optics
Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Research Field: Chemistry » Physical chemistry
Education Level: Master Degree or equivalent
Skills/Qualifications
- A university degree (Master’s/Diploma) in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, or a related field is required.
- We are looking for a committed, motivated, and team-oriented individual who is characterized by an independent working style
- Proficiency in English, both spoken and written.
- Experience with project-related topics is desirable but can also be acquired during the PhD. These include
- Experience in optics, laser optics, and microscopy.
- Experience in the construction and alignment of optical systems.
- Experience with optical manipulation and/or optical tweezers.
- Experience in image analysis and particle tracking.
- Experience with colloidal systems or soft matter.
Additional Information
Additional comments
Have we sparked your interest? If so, we look forward to receiving your application via the online application tool BITE by 2026-09-30.
https://stellen.uni-muenster.de/jobposting/d05c39fba2f39a8926a0a4ae481033140fc0699f0?ref=homepage
Please submit the following documents:
- CV
- Certificates
- Application Task – Optical Microscopy (approximately 1 page)
Please submit all documents electronically in PDF format. Other file formats cannot be considered.
For the application task, please read the following paper:
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-67739-9
As part of the PhD project, we aim to investigate and control the light-induced deformation and self-assembly of photoresponsive colloids in situ at liquid interfaces using spatially structured illumination.
Propose an optical microscopy setup and sample cell that enable simultaneous imaging and controlled deformation of the particles using polarised light.
Briefly describe and justify your proposed setup. A schematic of the optical setup is encouraged. Relevant literature may be cited.
Work Location(s)
Number of offers available: 1
Company/Institute: University of Münster
Country: Germany
State/Province: NRW
City: Münster
Postal Code: 48149
Street: Correnstrasse 28/30
Contact
City: Münster
Website: https://www.uni-muenster.de/Chemie.pc/en/forschung/rey/index.html
Street: Correnstrasse 28/30
