The position is available in the framework of ITN "Complex Wetting Phenomena" (CoWet). The Early Stage Researcher (ESR) will work on the Work Package “Spreading of liquids and deposition of nanoparticles and surfactant assemblies on (nano)fibers, (nano)pores and substrate heterogeneities”. The objective of his or her PhD project is to understand, model and predict the nanoscale mechanisms of spreading of complex fluids over substrate heterogeneities and elements of porous structure as well as mechanisms of deposition of nanoparticles and surfactant assemblies at these structures. The ESR will be recruited for the first 12 month by Evonik to collect experimental data on surfactant deposition in porous media and for the next 20 months by Technische Unversität Darmstadt to develop theoretical and numerical model describing the spreading of liquids and deposition of nanoparticles and surfactant molecules.

Description

Controlling the spreading of complex fluids on micro- and nanostructured substrates is a great challenge at the crossroad of Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Engineering/Industry. Complex liquids are structured at different length scales and thus have various internal degrees of freedom, e.g. dispersions, polymer melts or solutions, surfactant solutions, emulsions and foams. Complex surfaces include solid or soft substrates showing ordered or random topological patterns, chemical heterogeneities, porosity with typical length scales in the micro- or nanometer range, adaptable or switschable coatings and viscoelastic substrates. Complex wetting Phenomena (CoWet) is a supra-disciplinary project aiming at bridging the gap between industrially relevant processes involving complex fluid-solid interactions and the resolution experiments, as well as physically sound modeling and direct computer simulations. The young researchers will be trained to study the systems of practical importance rather than focusing on model systems only. They learn the cutting edge scientific methodology and application technology from an industrial perspective. The Early Stage Researcher (ESR) will work on the Work Package “Spreading of liquids and deposition of nanoparticles and surfactant assemblies on (nano)fibers, (nano)pores and substrate heterogeneities”. The objective of his or her PhD project is to understand, model and predict the nanoscale mechanisms of spreading of complex fluids over substrate heterogeneities and elements of porous structure as well as mechanisms of deposition of nanoparticles and surfactant assemblies at these structures. The ESR will be recruited for the first 12 month by Evonik to collect experimental data on surfactant deposition in porous media and for the next 20 months by Technische Unversität Darmstadt to develop theoretical and numerical model describing the spreading of liquids and deposition of nanoparticles and surfactant molecules. The position is available starting from beginning of year 2014. Applications are invited from candidates with Master degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physical Chemistry, Physics or related field and having a strong ability for numerical as well as experimental work. Please send your application including CV, motivation letter and transcript of academic records to Dr. Tatiana Gambaryan-Roisman (gtatiana@ttd.tu-darmstadt.de) and Dr. Joachim Venzmer (joachim.venzmer@evonik.com). The policy of equal opportunities will be followed during the recruitment.