Postdoc position in polymer-grafted colloidal nanoparticles

The Adolphe Merkle Institute (www.ami.swiss ) is an independent center of competence at the University of Fribourg (Switzerland) that focuses on interdisciplinary research and education in the domain of soft nanomaterials. We have funding for a 1-year Postdoc position in polymer-grafted colloidal nanoparticles funded by the European Innovation Council (EIC) through a Pathfinder Open research grant. This grant was awarded to a research consortium composed of research groups from AMI, Eindhoven University of Technology (The Netherlands), University Paris-Saclay (France), and University of Rome “Tor Vergata” (Italy), which will work under the coordination of the “Veltha” association from Brussels (Belgium).

The selected candidate will synthesize a library of polymer-grafted colloidal nanoparticles that can change properties upon exposure to stimuli, such as light, heat, pH. These materials will be used to create hydrogel actuators, namely materials that expand and contract unidirectionally in response to the stimulation. The ultimate goal of the project is to create materials that mimic the behavior of natural muscles and that, in the long term, will be implantable in living tissues. The selected candidate will be assisted by theoretical models and simulations developed by collaborators from the network. Strong collaborations with all consortium partners active in biophysics, biology, physical chemistry, and 3D printing are expected.

Requisites for applicants:

1) PhD (or equivalent) in Chemistry or Polymer Chemistry.

2) Willingness to pursue interdisciplinary research.

3) Experience with functionalization of colloidal nanoparticles through grafting from or grafting to approaches.

This European project is highly interdisciplinary and will provide the successful applicant with the possibility to expand his/her background in multiple directions. Working within a research consortium might further allow secondments to the universities and laboratories of all consortium members.

AMI offers highly competitive working conditions and an outstanding infrastructure in a recent research facility. Moreover, Fribourg sits in a strategic position in the heart of Europe, can be easily reached from many destinations, and offers exceptional quality of life.

The successful applicant is expected to enrol in a full-time PhD program. Please send your CV, motivation letter, and two recommendation letters to Dr. José Augusto Berrocal via e-mail to [email protected] with the subject title “Postdoc position polymers INTEGRATE”.

Deadline for applications is October 28th 2022.