The PhD position is proposed in the framework of the International Research Training Group “Soft Matter Science” (IRTG), a joint PhD program of the Universities of Strasbourg/France and Freiburg/Germany. The primary workplace will be at the University of Freiburg. This International Research Training Group brings together chemists, physicists and engineers from all over the world aiming to develop concepts for the design of innovative materials with a high level of functionality.

For more information about the IRTG: www.softmattergraduate.uni-freiburg.de

Project description
In this project we will investigate experimentally and also theoretically the ordering and crystallization processes of polymers in quasi two dimensional systems. The experimental work will be supervised in the research group “experimental polymer physics” in Freiburg which is headed by Prof. Günter Reiter who has long-standing experience in polymer crystallization. The two-dimensionality will be achieved by focusing on confined systems as thin films and Langmuir films of polymers and bio-polymers. Theoretical work to describe the experimental observations will be supervised by Prof. Jörg Baschnagel who is the heading the research group “theory and simulation of polymers” at the Institut Charles Sadron in Strasbourg and has excellent expertise in modeling conformation, structure and dynamics of polymers at interfaces.

We offer
•Comprehensive, interdisciplinary research in soft matter science
•Supportive mentoring by at least two advisers
•Exchange with PhD students of the participating laboratories in Germany, France and Switzerland

Complementary training through
•Introductory and advanced courses in the research field of the IRTG
•Specialized workshops and training camps
•Wide spectrum of further qualification measures

Requirements
We are looking for highly qualified and motivated graduates holding a master's degree (or equivalent) in physics, chemistry or related areas with excellent grades. Applicants should be strongly interested to expand their horizon beyond the specific field of their major and should have excellent proficiency in English. We particularly encourage women to apply.

For the format and the documents required for the application please refer to our website http://www.softmattergraduate.uni-freiburg.de/appl.

Applications must be sent by e-mail to guenter.reiter@physik.uni-freiburg.de and softmattergraduate@uni-freiburg.de
(deadline: February 20, 2015).