The Adolphe Merkle Institute (AMI) at the University of Fribourg in Switzerland invites applications for 3 PhD positions in the Soft Matter Physics group of Prof. Ullrich Steiner, jointly supervised by Dr. Ilja Gunkel and Dr. Bodo Wilts.

The Adolphe Merkle Institute at the University of Fribourg is a recently established center of competence, focused on research in the field of soft nano-materials, science and technology. With the objective to stimulate innovation, AMI aims to combine fundamental and application-oriented research within an interdisciplinary setting. AMI offers highly competitive working conditions, an outstanding infrastructure and a competitive salary.

Project description

The goal of the three projects is the development of well-defined 3D morphologies that potentially exhibit a negative refractive index at visible optical wavelengths. The tasks of the three positions will be subdivided into

1. the exploration of novel self-assembly methods combined with advanced chemical depositions methods, and
2. the development of new three-dimensional morphologies replicated from self-assembled block-copolymer structures,
3. the optical characterisation of nanostructured plasmonic materials.

The experimental work will be supported by numerical modelling. While the three positions will have their main focus on one of these three topics, it is expected that each of the candidates develops skills ranging from the manufacture of the materials to their structural and optical characterisation.

Your profile

The successful applicant will hold a Master’s degree, or equivalent, in Physics, Chemistry, or Materials Science. The candidate should have excellent communication skills in English (both written and oral). Close collaboration with other members of AMI, the Faculty of Sciences, and local and international companies is expected.

How to apply

Please email your application to ami-applications@unifr.ch including your CV, a cover letter, and contact information of (at least) two references. Review of applications will begin immediately upon receipt of complete application materials. The call will be closed on December 1, 2015.