At the Center for Single (micro- and nano-) Particle Science and Engineering (SPSE) we have an open position for a PhD fellowship which supports our current focus on microparticle research. The position is to be filled by October 2014 or soon thereafter.

The successful applicant will be enrolled in the Graduate School of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy at the University of Southern Denmark.

We are looking for highly talented, creative, and motivated candidates to join an interdisciplinary research centre concerned with experimental and theoretical research within the fields of:
• Colloid and Surface Science
• Physical Chemistry
• Micro-Nano-Science
• Cell and Membrane Biophysics
• Microparticles and Interfaces
• Micropipette Manipulation of Micro-droplets

The fundamental technique at SPSE is micropipette manipulation of single and pairs of microparticles. This technique is a highly versatile experimental setup that allows us to carry out multiple studies involving micro-particles of all three states of matter and their five interfaces. For example we have previously evaluated the way gas or liquid microdroplets dissolve in a second solvent, and the micro-crystallization or microglassification from liquid microdroplets containing different solutes, polymers or proteins. In addition, it is possible to perform a mechanical characterization of interfacial and membrane-based materials like giant lipid vesicles by employing micropipette aspiration, obtaining material properties like elasticity, bending moduli, mechanical strength or shear yield and viscosity. These fundamental studies characterize diffusion coefficients, solubilities, phase behaviour, and interfacial tension that underlie many potential industrial and pharmaceutical applications.

The overall goal of this project is to explore new uses and methodologies of the micropipette technique and use it especially to inform our nanoparticle formulations, characterizing composition-structure-property relationships at the micro level that translate to nanoparticles. The selected candidate will be trained in the most advanced techniques in the field of micropipette manipulation and associated micro and nanoscale characterization. He/she will be working in a multidisciplinary project that will be both fundamental and, when coupled to other projects, will be translated into potential applications in a range of industries, including pharmaceutical science and nano-bio-engineering.

The PhD candidates should therefore have strong interests in both basic and applied research, experiment, and theory. Prior experience with optical microscopy techniques, especially the application of micropipette techniques to colloidal, surface and biologically relevant systems will be a distinct advantage.

Applicants for this position should have excellent training in one or more of the following disciplines, preferably at the MSc level:

• Physical chemistry
• Colloid and surface chemistry
• Chemical and Materials processing
• Nano- and bio-technologies

For further information please contact Professor David Needham, e-mail: needham@sdu.dk .

Application, salary etc.
Appointment as a PhD Research Fellow is for three years. Employment stops automatically at the end of the period. The holder of the scholarship is not allowed to have other paid employment during the three-year period.

The successful applicant will be employed in accordance with the agreement of 16 November 2011 on salaried PhD scholars between the Ministry of Finance and AC (the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations).

The successful candidate will be enrolled at this university in accordance with faculty regulations and the Danish Ministerial Order on the PhD Programme at the Universities (PhD order).

The university encourages all persons interested in the position to apply, regardless of their age, gender, religious affiliation or ethnic background.

Application must be made in the form of a Declaration of Interest including the following:
• A research proposal/description of your approach to the above project (max one page excluding references)
• A letter stating your specific interest, motivation and qualifications for the project in question (max. two pages) (please attach this under box "Application form")
• Detailed CV, including personal contact information
• Copies of diplomas, Bachelor as well as Master’s degree, including transcript of notes
• At least two signed reference letters.

Further information about the PhD-study can be found at the homepage of the University .

Applications must be submitted electronically using the link below. Attached files must be in Adobe PDF or Word format. Each box can only contain a single file of max. 10 Mb. Please read How to apply before you apply.

Incomplete applications and applications received after the deadline will neither be considered nor evaluated. This also applies to reference letters.

Further information for international applicants about entering and working in Denmark.