SoftComp

Erice Workshop on Self-Organization in Active Matter: from Colloids to Cells – October 1-4, 2018
2018-10-01 08:00 - 2018-10-04 17:00 (Europe/London) | Erice, Sicily, Italy
Dear Colleagues,
We are pleased to announce that registration is open for the Workshop Self-Organization in Active Matter: from Colloids to Cells to be held October 1-4, 2018, at the Ettore Majorana Centre for Scientific Culture in Erice, Italy.
The Workshop will bring together established and junior researchers to discuss the latest development in experiments and theory of self-organization in active systems. Topics covered will include active colloids, microswimmers, active liquid crystals, bacterial suspensions and biofilms, subcellular structures, and tissues. We will have a number of invited talks by distinguished speakers that have made important contributions to the field of active matter. There will also be opportunities for contributed presentations to be selected from submissions and for poster presentations.
The venue is the The Ettore Majorana Centre for Scientific Culture in the historic town of Erice, Sicily. Erice is located on top of Mount Erice, at around 750 metres (2,460 ft) above sea level, overlooking the city of Trapani and the Aegadian Islands on Sicily’s north-western coast. A cable car joins the upper and lower parts of the town. Erice is a wonderfully preserved walled Mediaeval town offering the most breathtaking views and a palpable sense of history.
For more information and to register please visit the Workshop website: http://soft-living-matter.syr.edu/events-2/events/erice-self-organization-in-active-matter/
The number of attendants is limited, so please, register soon, and in any case before August 31, 2018.
The fee of 120 Euro/night covers all local expenses (ground transportation, accommodation, meals, coffee breaks, excursion, and social dinner).
Limited funds are available to support the participation of junior scientists or scientists from developing countries.
We hope to see you in Erice in October.
The organizers
Hugues Chaté
Gerhard Gompper
Cristina Marchetti

Ikerbasque Research Positions in Neutronics
2018-09-17 08:00 - 17:00 (Europe/Berlin)
The IKERBASQUE foundation has opened a call for applications for research positions at the levels of Research Professor and Research Fellow in the field of neutron science, in particular in the following fields:
* Neutron science applied to the study of polymer and macromolecular systems
* Neutron science applied to the study of materials for energy
* Neutron science applied to the study of functional materials
* Neutron science applied to the study of biological systems and bio-inspired materials
The research activities will be developed in association with one of the scientific institutions of the Basque Country. Deadline for applications is October 19, 2018.
More details can be found in:
http://www.ikerbasque.net/en/calls/research-positions-neutronics
and in the attached document.

Italian Soft Days 2018
2018-09-13 08:00 - 2018-09-14 17:00 (Europe/Berlin) | University of Padova, Dipartimento di Fisica via Marzolo 8, Padova, Padova
This is the third edition of an event previously held at the University of Rome La Sapienza (2014) and Politecnico di Milano (2016).
The founders of these events are Emanuela Zaccarelli (Rome La Sapienza), Roberto Cerbino (Milano), and Stefano Buzzaccaro (Milano Politecnico).
The present edition will be organised by Achille Giacometti and Flavio Romano (Universita’ Ca’ Foscari Venezia) and Matteo Pierno and Alberta Ferrarini (Universita’ di Padova) and will be held at the University of Padova on 12-13 September 2018.
It aims at promoting and providing visibility to the work of young researchers, especially the italian ones working abroad.
The section for oral contribution is closed, but the poster session is still open for contributions.

Postdoctoral position available in a project on tumor growth and SERS detection at CIC biomaGUNE
2018-09-05 08:00 - 2018-09-30 17:00 (Europe/Berlin)
Applications are invited to work at the Bionanoplasmonics Laboratory, CIC biomaGUNE, under the supervision of Prof. Luis M. Liz-Marzán. The successful candidate will undertake research in the area of hybrid materials and 3D printing.
The project, supported by the European Research Council, is aimed at the application of surface enhanced Raman scattering for the real-time monitoring of tumor growth within purposely devised scaffolds. Within this project, the proposed post-doc research will focus on 3D printing of functional scaffolds.

A PhD in a relevant area of Chemistry, Physics or Materials Science is required and experience in the fields of hybrid materials, soft matter processing and 3D printing is highly desirable.
The position is for up to two years, starting by January 2019.
Application procedure: Candidates should submit a C.V., a cover letter stating why they are interested in this position and the contact details of two academics who can provide a reference using the following form and indicating “321 Postdoc” as reference. The deadline for application is September 30, 2018.

Postdoc at the Materials Physics Center in San Sebastian (Spain)
2018-09-05 08:00 - 17:00 (Europe/Berlin)
CROWDING EFFECTS ON THE BEHAVIOR OF MACROMOLECULAR NANO-OBJECTS

The general framework of this project is to contribute to the understanding of crowding effects on the structure and dynamics of macromolecules of diverse types. We are currently running a project focused on single-chain nano-particles (SCNPs) –soft nano-objects obtained by intramolecular cross-linking of individual macromolecules. In dilute conditions, SCNPs have been found to adopt sparse morphologies, reminiscent of those presented by intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) under the same dilute conditions. This similarity motivates the use of synthetic SCNPs as mimicking nano-objects for IDP to investigate structural as well as dynamical aspects as functions of different variables. The proposed project aims to characterize the influence of increasing the concentration of the macromolecular environment of SCNPs and IDPs. In this way, we try to extract universal features due to steric effects of the behavior of biomacromolecules in the crowded conditions typical for cellular environments. The study will be based on the application of scattering techniques, in particular neutron scattering on deuterium-labeled samples, as well as small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), static and dynamic light scattering (SLS and DLS) available in our labs. Experience of the candidate in light scattering will be particularly appreciated.

PROFILE: Scattering Experiments on crowded macromolecular solutions. We are looking for highly-motivated experimentalists with a PhD in condensed or soft matter physics or in material science. Previous experience with scattering techniques, in particular light scattering, will be highly valuated.

Postdoctoral position in Chemistry in San Sebastian, Spain
2018-09-01 08:00 - 2019-08-31 17:00 (Europe/Berlin)
Dear all,
A postdoctoral position is available at the Donostia International Physics Center (DIPC) beginning the 1st September 2018. The work will be under the direction of Prof. Fabienne Barroso, Prof. Luca Salassa and Dr. Marek Grzelczak and will be developed within multidisciplinary areas. The aim of the project is at synthesizing cyclic polymers for complexing with inorganic substrates. The work will include synthesis of organic molecules, polymerization reactions, polymer functionalization, functionalization of gold nanoparticles and metal complexes.
We are looking for a motivated candidate fulfilling the following requirements:
1) PhD in Chemistry
2) Strong background in organic synthesis and polymer science.
3) Good command of written and spoken English.
Applications should be sent to postdoc@dipc.org before 20th August 2018. Applications should include:
1) curriculum vitae
2) brief statement of interest
3) the names and contact addresses (e-mail) of two academic referees
For more details:
http://dipc.ehu.es/join_us.php
Sincerely,
Fabienne Barroso

International Symposium on Polyelectrolytes, 12th edition
2018-08-27 - 2018-08-31 | Wageningen International Congress Centre, Wageningen, The Netherlands, Lawickse Allee 9, Wageningen, Netherlands
https://www.vlaggraduateschool.nl/en/courses/course/ISP2018.htm
The meeting is the 12th in the ISP series of conferences started in 1995, on the physics and physical chemistry of polyelectrolytes, with a focus on understanding how electrostatic interactions determine and influence the behaviour of synthetic and biological charged macromolecules in solution, in complexes and at interfaces. We aim at continuing the success of the 11th edition in Moscow (2016) by providing a stimulating forum with prominent keynote and plenary speakers, ample opportunities for submitted oral and poster presentations, and plenty of opportunities to discuss and interact with colleagues. The conference venue is the Wageningen International Congress Centre (www.wicc.nl), Wageningen, the Netherlands. Wageningen is conveniently located, just one hour by train from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. Ahead of the conference, on August 26 and 27, a PhD course on polyelectrolytes will be organized that will be free of charge for PhD students attending the conference, featuring extended tutorial lectures by a selection of the organizers and plenary speakers of the conference.
Keynote speakers:
Michael Rubinstein (Duke University, USA)
Russell Stewart (University of Utah, USA)
Christine Keating (Penn State University, USA)

Plenary sessions

Polyelectrolytes theory and modeling
Katia Zhulina (Institute of Macromolecular Compounds,St Petersburg, Russia)
Charles Sing (University of Illinois, USA)
Fabien Léonforte (L’Oréal Research and Innovation, France)

Polyelectrolyte complexes at interfaces
Henrik Birkedal (Aarhus University, Denmark)
Philipp Erni (Firmenich, Switzerland)

Polyelectrolytes and coacervation in cell biology
Tim Nott (University of Oxford, UK)
Roy Beck (Tel Aviv University, Israel)

Biological and biohybrid polyelectrolytes
Tanja Weil (MPI for Polymer Research, Mainz, Germany)
Mauri Konstiainen (Aalto University, Finland)

Polyelectrolyte complex coacervation
Sarah Perry (University of Massachusetts, USA)
Paul Dubin (University of Massachusetts, USA)

Conjugated polyelectrolytes & poly(ionic liquids)
Ulli Scherf ((Bergische Universität Wuppertal, Germany)
Christophe Detrembleur (University of Liège, Belgium)
Joris Sprakel (WUR, The Netherlands),

Polyelectrolyte membranes
Ivo Vankelecom (KU Leuven, Belgium)
Joris de Grooth (NX Filtration, Enschede, The Netherlands)

International organizing committee:
Paul Dubin, University of Massachusetts, USA; Ray Farinato, Solvay, USA; Alexei Khokhlov, Moscow State University, Russia; Serge Stoll, University of Geneva, Switzerland; Ulrich Scheler, Leibniz Institute Polymer Research, Dresden, Germany

Local organizing commitee:
Renko de Vries (chair), Frans Leermakers (co-chair), Wageningen University and Research; Eva Oudshoorn (secretariat), Wageningen University and Research, Graduate School VLAG; Evan Spruijt, Radboud University Nijmegen; Ilja Voets, Eindhoven University of Technology; Jasper van der Gucht, Marleen Kamperman, Louis de Smet, Wageningen University and Research; Andreas Herrmann, University of Groningen; Simeon Stoyanov, Unilever R&D, Vlaardingen; Wiebe de Vos, Saskia Lindhoud, University of Twente.

Abstracts for 20 min oral and posters presentations can be submitted for these topics, as well as on any topic that relates to the general focus of this conference series, which is on the influence of electrostatic interactions on the behaviour of synthetic and biological charged macromolecules in solution, in complexes and at interfaces. Deadline for submission is June 1st, 2018. Conference contributions can be submitted for publication in a special issue “Polyelectrolytes and Polyelectrolyte Complexes” of the MPDI Journal “Polymers”, submission deadline December 1, 2018. To register please visit the conference website. Registration will be accepted in the order in which payment is received. Participation is restricted to 250 persons. Conference fee includes conference materials, admission to all conference sessions, welcome reception, coffee/tea during breaks, lunches, the social programme and the conference dinner:
Industry/For-Profit € 750
Non-profit organizations/University staff/Postdocs € 400
PhD students € 400
Accompanying persons € 200

For more information, see the conference website.

Thermodynamics and Energetics in Soft Matter Systems
2018-07-24 08:00 - 2018-07-26 17:00 (Europe/London) | Institut Laue-Langevin, 71 Avenue des Martyrs, Grenoble, 3800, France
Dear Colleagues,
we are pleased to announce the international summer school on “Thermodynamics and Energetics in Soft Matter Systems” from the 24th to 26th July 2018 at the Institut Laue-Langevin, Grenoble, France.
The aim of the school is to provide an overview of the forces governing the behavior of soft matter systems and introducing the most relevant techniques to probe such interactions. The school proposes frontal lectures given by recognized experts from all over Europe. For full details see the flyer attached to this email or the website: https://workshops.ill.fr/e/softmatter2018
Due to the limited number of available places, pre-registration by the 20th of May is required. A short description of research activity and a CV should be sent to softmatter2018@ill.fr The organising committee will examine your application and inform you in June 2018.
Please distribute this information to colleagues or students who might be interested and accept our apologies if you receive this email more than once.
Best Regards,
Leonardo Chiappisi

Immunoshape International Symposium on Glycoimmunology.
2018-07-11 09:00 - 2018-07-13 18:00 (Europe/Berlin) | Auditorium of San Sebastian Technology Park, Paseo Mikeletegi 53, Central Building, San Sebastián, 20009, Spain
This 2.5 day symposium will provide a forum for scientists from chemistry, immunology and glycobiology to discuss recent advances in our understanding and the opportunities for shaping glycan mediated immune responses. The following topics will be covered in the program: Glycoconjugate vaccines, Glycan based immunotherapy, Host pathogen interactions, Synthesis of glycan antigens, Glycomimetics.

POST-DOC POSITION in the ESPCI-TOTAL joint laboratory
2018-07-05 08:00 - 17:00 (Europe/Berlin)
This post-doc will work on the lab research for the project of “polymer enhanced foam”. The main working place is at the joint laboratory Physico-chemistry of Complex Interfaces between the SIMM laboratory at ESPCI and TOTAL, in Lacq.
This work focuses on the consequences of interactions between surfactants and polymers at the water/gas interface, and it consequences on foam stability. The influence of several physical parameters will be investigated, such as (1) the electrostatic charge of the surfactant and polymer, (2) polymer molecular weight, (3) hydrophobic interaction, etc. The surfactant/ polymer foams will be tested for foam enhanced oil recovery. The work is mostly experimental, and results will be either published or patented.
All the experiments will be performed in Lacq (France, Atlantic Pyrenees, 15km from Pau)
Requirement: solid background in soft matter
Contact : leyu.cui@total.com

Postdoctoral Research Associate (rheology and scattering)
2018-07-04 08:00 - 2018-07-23 17:00 (Europe/Berlin)
A PDRA post is available from 1 July 2018, or as soon as possible thereafter, for a period of 12 months to work in association with Dr Richard Thompson on a National Formulation Centre (NFC) funded project. The project is a new collaboration between Durham University and Imperial College London, to develop new methods for characterising and forecasting instability in complex structured fluid formulations. The project will operate in close collaboration with the NFC and industrial partners (BP and P&G) with the emphasis on understanding the influence of flow (shear & extensional) on stability.

PhD thesis: Damage mechanisms in insulating polymer materials under mechanical stress and high voltage : theory and simulations.
2018-07-04 08:00 - 17:00 (Europe/Berlin)
We propose a theoretical PhD project for describing damaging mechanisms either under applied electrical field and under applied stress. This is a theoretical work which follows earlier experimental studies on damaging under mechanical stress [1] and an on-going project regarding damaging under applied electric field. The aim is to identify and describe the damaging mechanisms and to develop a theoretical model for both situations. Currently, we study the microscopic mechanisms under medium to high electric field, in long lifetime regime. Dielectric properties of materials are investigated along electrical fatigue tests, combined with microscopic structural characterization (tomography, Ultra-small angle X-rays scattering, etc…). The methodology we use is similar to the one we used for studying fatigue in semi-crystalline polymers and adapted to the specific considered subject. Based on these works, theoretical model will be implemented into a 3D numerical model allowing to study the nucleation and growth of defects, until final breaking of the material, based on an already existing 3D mechanical model. The model will be compared to experimental results on both electrical and mechanical damage and ultimate failure.
This PhD is proposed within the context of a collaboration between Nexans, a worldwide leading company for electric networking, Solvay and Laboratoire Polymères et Matériaux Avancés (LPMA), within the context of the “Lyons Polymer Science and Enineering” collaboratibve network. The PhD will take place within LPMA.
The Solvay/CNRS Joint Laboratory (UMR: Unité Mixte de Recherche) ‘Advanced Materials Laboratory’, is located near Lyon, France. The objective of the lab is to develop fundamental research on physical properties of heterogeneous polymer materials, in order to be able to propose innovative materials with tailored properties and improved usage properties for new applications.
This PhD project is suitable for applicants graduated in polymer physics and/or condensed matter physcis and/or statistical physics and/or mechanics and material science. To apply please send detailed CV and application statement to:

D. Long
Email : didier.long-exterieur@solvay.com
tel: +33(0)4 28 27 10 30
P. Sotta
Email : paul.sotta-exterieur@solvay.com
tel: +33 (0) 428271029

[1] E. Mourglia-Seignobos, D.R. Long, L. Odoni, L. Vanel, P. Sotta, C. Rochas, “Physical Mechanisms of Fatigue in Neat Polyamide 6,6”, Macromolecules, 47, 3880-3894 (2014)
[2] L. Conca et al, Macromolecules (2017)

Playing Colloidal Mikado
2018-07-02 - 2018-07-04 | University of Oxford, Physical and Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QZ, United Kingdom
The 6th Playing Colloidal Mikado workshop, organised by DiStruc, covers experimental, theoretical and computational aspects of non-spherical colloidal particles with a focus on colloidal rods. The purpose of the workshop is to discuss current developments and advances in the field and to provide opportunities for networking.

3-D microfluidics to study break up of blood aggregates
2018-07-01 08:00 - 2019-02-28 17:00 (Europe/London)
The goal of this research project is to understand the break up of natural blood aggregates in model 3-D microfluidic channels as well as physiological shaped channels, tuning the interplay between interaction strength and complex flow geometries. The candidate will design , build and use a range of micro-fluidic channel structures , which should finally mimic blood flow from the heart to the brain. To this end a novel Laser etching techniques will be used, which can produce arbitrary shaped channels on a scale of a few micrometers and this technique will be coupled to real 3D data of the micro-vascular system as it is being obtained in Jülich.
The candidate will have a background in physics, mechanical or chemical engineering, preferentially with interest in biological and Soft Matter systems. He/she should have experimental as well as computational skills. He/she will work mainly in the department ICS-2, with long stays in the ZEA-1 and INM-1, respectively the engineering and Human Brain department. The degree will be granted at the physics department of the KU Leuven.

University Professor of Experimental soft matter Physics
2018-06-21 12:05 - 2018-09-30 23:30 (Europe/Berlin)
As a research university with high international visibility and a wide range of degree programmes, the University of Vienna is committed to basic research open to application and research-led teaching, as well as to career development of young researchers and to the dialogue with economy and society. That way, the University of Vienna contributes to the education of future generations and to the society’s ability to innovate.
The appointment of particularly qualified researchers to university professors is an important strategy of the University of Vienna. Become part of this vibrant and future-oriented organisation.
At the Faculty of Physics of the University of Vienna the position of a University Professor of Experimental soft matter Physics (full time, permanent position) is to be filled.
We are looking for an outstanding researcher with an internationally established record and reputation in the broad area of experimental soft condensed matter physics, non-equilibrium statistical mechanics, or biological physics. The research topics of interest include, without being limited to these: self-assembly behavior of soft matter in- and out-of equilibrium; phase transformations; novel soft and hybrid and composite materials; active systems; stochastic thermodynamics; rheology; and physics-oriented approach to biological systems. Applicants are expected to strengthen the existing research focus of the Faculty of Physics on soft matter, statistical mechanics and soft materials by conducting world-class research, by attracting competitive funding and by actively promoting collaboration with theoretical/computational soft matter groups of the Faculty of Physics.

Postdoc and PhD positions available in the Collaborative research center TRR146 "Multiscale simulation methods for soft matter systems"
2018-06-13 08:00 - 2018-09-30 17:00 (Europe/Berlin)
The collaborative research center
*TRR 146 Multiscale simulation methods for soft matter systems*,
funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and hosted by the *Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz*, the *Technical University Darmstadt*, and the *Max-Planck Institute for Polymer Research* (Mainz) invites applications for:
*4 PhD positions*
*1 Postdoc position*
Application instructions and further information on the available positions can be found at https://trr146.de/en/openings .
The center provides a stimulating research environment bringing together physicists, chemists, mathematicians, and computer scientists with a complementary expertise in a wide range of modeling methods. The initiative aims to tackle some of the most pressing problems in multiscale modeling of soft matter systems through a massive interdisciplinary effort at the level of fundamental science and algorithmic development.
The participating institutions are keen to increase the number of women among its employees and thus encourages women to apply. Disabled persons will be given preference if equally qualified.
Contact address: TRR 146 Office <trr146@uni-mainz.de>, Dr. Giovanni Settanni, Institute of Physics, Johannes Gutenberg University , 55099 Mainz, Germany.

2 PhD POSITIONS AVAILABLE IN A PROJECT ON NANOPLASMONICS AND SERS DETECTION
2018-05-29 08:00 - 2018-07-15 17:00 (Europe/Berlin)
Applications are invited for the following PhD studentships to work on an ERC Advanced Grant. The research, which will be carried out at the Bionanoplasmonics Laboratory, CIC biomaGUNE (San Sebastián, Spain) , under the supervision of Prof. Luis M. Liz-Marzán CIC biomaGUNE, aims at the application of surface enhanced Raman scattering for the real-time monitoring of tumor growth within purposely devised scaffolds. Within this project, two PhD positions are available, to carry out research on the following topics: i. Fabrication of hybrid plasmonic scaffolds for 3D cell culture; ii. Interaction of nanoparticles with cells and tissues

A Bachelor or Masters degree in a relevant area of Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Biochemistry or Materials Science is required and experience in the fields of nanomaterials and/or biotechnology is highly desirable.
The deadline for application is July 15, 2018.

Research Professor in Biomaterials for Regenerative Medicine
2018-05-28 08:00 - 2018-07-15 17:00 (Europe/Berlin)
The Center for Cooperative Research in Biomaterials, CIC biomaGUNE, together with IKERBASQUE invites applications for one position of Research Professor in BIOMATERIALS FOR REGENERATIVE MEDICINE.

We are looking for candidates with strong experience in the broad field of Biomaterials for Regenerative Medicine. Experience in therapeutic nanostructures, artificial cell matrices, bioprinting and cell therapies will be highly valued.

The successful candidate must have an established record of excellence in research in this area and is expected to develop internationally recognized, externally funded research programs that complement or extend the strengths of CIC biomaGUNE, build internal and external collaborations, generate technology transfer and mentor graduate students and postdocs.

Candidates should provide a Cover Letter, Curriculum Vitae, detailed description of research interests and contact information of three references. Only researchers with a strong record of research and extensive group leading experience will be considered. Women candidates are particularly welcome.

All applicants are invited to submit detailed curriculum vitae to rrhh@cicbiomagune.es indicating reference 321 Regenerative Biomaterials Research Professor.

The deadline for application is July 15, 2018.

Platform Manager in Surface Analysis and Nanofabrication
2018-05-28 08:00 - 2018-06-30 17:00 (Europe/Berlin)
We are seeking an outstanding applicant with a background in physics, chemistry or engineering to run and maintain the Center’s surface analysis and nanofabrication facility. We are looking for a dedicated, responsible, creative individual to join an eclectic international team of scientists with research interests in the areas soft interfaces, biosensors, biomaterials, bio- and nano-technology and colloid chemistry. The successful candidate will maintain CIC biomaGUNE’s X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, magnetron sputtering, and thermal evaporation instruments, train users, collaborate with researchers and perform service measurements.

PhD Position in Biohybrid Photocatalysts
2018-05-28 08:00 - 2018-06-30 17:00 (Europe/Berlin)
A PhD position is available as a collaborative project between the groups Aitziber L. Cortajarena (Biomolecular Nanotechnology Lab at CIC biomaGUNE) and Luca Salassa (Inorganic Photochemistry Lab at DIPC). This project aims at developing hybrid structures for bioorthogonal drug photoactivation and photocatalysis.
Candidates should have a Master degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry or a related discipline. Candidates that are in the process of their Master thesis defense in the next 3 months will also be considered.
Previous experience in protein chemistry, protein engineering, molecular biology, organic chemistry, photochemistry, bioconjugation and/or biophysics would be highly valuable but not mandatory. The candidate is expected to work in a multidisciplinary and an international environment. Good interpersonal skills as well as written and oral communication skills in English are required.

Technician position in the Computational Biophysics group
2018-05-28 08:00 - 2018-06-30 17:00 (Europe/Berlin)
One technician position is available at CIC biomaGUNE (San Sebastián, Spain) in the
Computational Biophysics group lead by Dr Ivan Coluzza.
The duties of the selected candidate will be to participate in the development of the
simulations tools used in the group for the scientific investigation. Moreover, the selected
candidate will be expected to help the team in the optimisation of the existing software by
implementing CUDA enable libraries and/or port our models in established simulation
packages such as GROMACS and LAMMPS.
He/She will actively participate in the research activities of the group and will be in an author in
the publication arising from the use of the group software.
The ability of the candidate to develop user interfaces or web-based front ends is highly
appreciated.

PhD proposal: Microfluidic flow of biomimetic tissues
2018-04-24 08:00 - 2018-05-28 17:00 (Europe/London)
The University of Montpellier offers three PhD grants to carry on a PhD in Physics in the Laboratory of Charles Coulomb (L2C), starting on October 2018 and for a duration of three years. In the context of this call Dr. Laura Casanellas and Prof. Gladys Massiera, from the Soft Matter team at L2C, offer the possibility of cosupervising a PhD Thesis on the ¨Microfluidic flow of biomimetic tissues¨. Collaborations with the University of Barcelona and the University Paris Diderot are foreseen. The period for online applications is from April 27th to May 28th and an audition will take place on early June 2018 for the selection of candidates. Interested candidates should contact L. Casanellas as soon as possible at: laura.casanellas-vilageliu@umontpellier.fr
Details of the call can be found at: https://www.adum.fr/as/ed/voirproposition.pl?site=adumfr&matricule_prop=21027
Project description
During embryogenesis, tissues and organs develop through cell differentiation and reorganization. Individual and collective motion of cells leads to a flow tissue, which can be observed during embryo development. Mechanical factors, such as the intercellular adhesion or interactions of cells with their environment are key elements governing this process. Even though a large amount of studies based on animal models have enabled to make great progress on the comprehension of development, they do not offer the possibility to easily decouple the role of different mechanisms. The goal of this project is to develop a simplified model tissue (but which still preserves some of the essential features of physiological tissues) with the aim of identifying the key physical mechanisms regulating the flow of tissues, and in particular of understanding the role of cell-cell adhesion.
PhD objectives
The PhD student will first work on the design of the artificial tissue by the controlled assembly of unilamelar giant vesicles (GUV), which represent a good biomimetic model for the study of the mechanical properties of cells. GUV can be fabricated using a microencapsulation technique based on the continuous passage of droplets through an interface (cDICE) developed recently in our laboratory, which allows us to obtain monodisperse vesicles at high throughput. Next, he/she will focus on the realization of flow experiments of the developed tissues in microfluidic chips of different geometries, which mimic the physiological flows of living tissues. Image velocimetry methods will be used to analyze the spatio-temporal dynamics of the flow, which will enable to validate the theoretical constitutive equation describing the flow behavior of artificial tissues. Eventually, this study will contribute to get a full comprehension of the role of intercellular adhesion on the flow of living tissues, which is a crucial biophysical mechanism in embryogenesis.
PhD Candidate
We are looking for a highly motivated candidate to join our team, willing to carry on experimental research in a multi-disciplinary framework. Candidates should hold a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Physics, Biophysics or Physical Chemistry. Previous knowledge on microfluidics, microscopy, and/or image analysis will be appreciated. An intermediate English level is required.

Annual European Rheology Conference 2018 (AERC 2018)
2018-04-17 - 2018-04-20 | Hilton Sorrento Palace Hotel, Via Sant 'Antonio 13, Sorrento, 80067, Italy
SCIENTIFIC SESSIONS

Blends, Emulsions, Foams & Interfacial Rheology
Colloids & Suspensions
Experimental Methods & Progress in Rheometry
Food, Pharmaceutics & Cosmetics
Industrial Rheology & Processing
Living & Active Matter
Micro-, Nanofluidics & Microrheology
Non‐Newtonian Fluid Mechanics & Flow Instabilities
Polyelectrolites, Self Assembling Fluids & Gels
Polymer Solutions & Melts
Porous Media, Geo Fluids, Crude Oil & Derivatives
Solids, Glasses, & Granular Materials

CALL FOR PAPERS
Abstract submission will start at the beginning of September 2017.
Abstracts must be submitted via the conference website by 18th November 2017.

RHEOLOGY COURSE
Monday, 16 April 2018 ‐ Tuesday, 17 April 2018
Particles, Active Matter, Confinement and Viscoelasticity: the microfluidics playground.

Contributions from all fields of rheology are welcome!
Please visit the event website for more information: https://rheology-esr.org/aerc2018

Director, Scientific Computing Department
2018-03-21 08:00 - 2018-04-22 17:00 (Europe/London)
STFC – The Science and Technology Facilities Council – Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Oxfordshire or Daresbury Laboratory, Cheshire
Location: Daresbury, Harwell
Salary: Circa £82,000, plus discretionary allowances
Hours: Full Time
Contract Type: Permanent
Placed on: 19th March 2018
Closes: 22nd April 2018
Job Ref: IRC244585
About Us
The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) is one of Europe’s largest research organisations. Through combining world-class facilities with major international collaborations and some of the world’s most talented staff, we’re driving ground-breaking advances in science and technology.
STFC’s Scientific Computing Department (SCD) develops leading edge software, computer and data storage infrastructures to support the work of leading science both within STFC and internationally; contributing to the solution of grand scientific computing challenges.
SCD employs over 150 staff including experts in a number of scientific fields such as computational chemistry and biology, computational engineering, materials science, band theory, advanced research computing, atomic and molecular physics, numerical analysis, data services and petascale storage.
About The Role
We now have an excellent opportunity for a highly skilled and experienced Scientific Computing professional to lead SCD across two sites, ensuring delivery of strategic goals, supporting delivery of the STFC e-infrastructure strategy and leading the provision and development of the rapidly evolving e-Infrastructure required by advanced science facilities.
You will provide visible and inspiring leadership for SCD in delivering STFC’s corporate vision for data intensive computing across all our programmes and facilities and implement our delivery plan for scientific computing, including providing core support for the STFC Hartree Centre.
Through strategic collaboration with the STFC large scale facilities, you will deliver and develop innovative, state of the art, leading edge computational tools and techniques to underpin and enhance their scientific programmes, including ensuring the success of the emerging Ada Lovelace centre.
You will also be responsible for direct line management of senior staff and sound financial, safety and risk management of the department, which has a budget of circa £12m.
Further responsibilities will include:
Leadership of STFC’s world-class expertise and support for the UK theoretical and computational science communities, in both academia and industry, through collaborative computational programmes. Maintenance and development of cost-effective and efficient services that enable predictions from complex theories to be calculated from first principles and be compared directly with experimental data
Leading the provision of the computing, data storage and networking infrastructure required by advanced science facilities and the undertaking of background research, from simulation and experimental design, data collection, data management and analysis through to publication
Delivery of STFC’s commitments to the government’s e-leadership programme as it becomes established within UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and through effective partnership with universities, industry and other end users
Working with STFC’s Chief Data Scientist and other colleagues within STFC and UKRI to develop the Centre for Applied Artificial Intelligence for Scientific Data
Influencing international scientific and investment decisions
Strengthening strategic partnerships with key national and international organisations to achieve joint delivery of shared strategies and objectives
Sharing corporate accountability for the delivery of our Vision, Strategy and Delivery Plan as a member of the Operations Board; supporting development of future corporate strategy, policy and plans to optimise delivery of STFC’s objectives and ensuring that SCD continues to contribute effectively to STFC’s overall performance.
The role can be based at either Harwell, Oxfordshire or Daresbury, Cheshire, with travel required between the two sites, as well as UK and overseas travel required.
About You
You will hold a degree in a STEM discipline, with PhD qualified candidates desirable.
You will demonstrate significant experience in a senior management/director level position within a hi-tech or science and technology organisation, with a strong record in scientific computing or software.
You will also have experience in working with relevant academic communities and/or industries, along with experience in successfully managing financial budgets, ideally from multiple funding streams.
You will have strong knowledge of theoretical and computational science/research, including broad understanding of the science and technology across STFC, as well as knowledge of the e-Infrastructure capabilities required by advanced science facilities.
You will display the ability to operate at a strategic level; demonstrating strategic vision and corporate planning, as well as exceptional leadership, team working and collaboration skills.
You will demonstrate excellent communication, interpersonal and influencing skills, including the ability to build strong relationships at all levels and to positively influence stakeholders and attract external collaborators and investment.
Benefits
STFC holds the Investor in People Gold accreditation and offers a benefits package designed to provide an excellent work/life balance including 30 days’ annual leave, flexible working hours, a workplace nursery, exceptional pension scheme and social and sporting activities and societies. A relocation allowance may also be available where applicable.
To Apply
Applicants are required to include a cover letter outlining their suitability for this role. Please also state where you saw this role advertised.
Applications are received by UK SBS; to apply please visit our job board at http://www.topcareer.jobs/Vacancy/irc244585_8064.aspx. Applicants who are unable to apply online should contact us by telephone on +44 (0)1793 867000.
The closing date for applications is 22nd April 2018 with interviews scheduled for 16 May 2018.

Functional Polymers
2018-03-19 09:30 - 2018-03-21 13:00 (Europe/Berlin) | Donostia International Physics Center (DIPC), Paseo Manuel de Larzibal 4, San Sebastian, 20018, Spain
Following on in the tradition of events jointly organized by the Donostia International Physics Center (DIPC, San Sebastian, Spain), the Jülich Centre for Neutron Science (JCNS, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Germany) and the European Network of Excellence SoftComp, a workshop on “Functional Polymers” is being organized to take place in spring 2018 in San Sebastian, Spain.
The workshop focuses on advanced polymer materials, and aims to bring together physicists and chemists who are interested in novel polymer nanocomposites, polymers functionalized with supramolecular groups and functional soft nano-objects.
Registration Deadline: February 15, 2018
Workshop Chaipersons:
Juan Colmenero
Tel: +34-943-018791
Email: juan.colmenero@ehu.eus
Materials Physics Center (CSIC-UPV/EHU)
Paseo Manuel de Larzibal 5
20018 San Sebastian
Spain
Dieter Richter
Tel: +49 2461 61-2499
Email: d.richter@fz-juelich.de
Jülich Centre for Neutron Science
Forschungszentrum Jülich
Germany
Local Organizing Committee:
Josexto Pomposo, Angel Moreno, Arantxa ArbeMaterials Physics Center (CSIC-UPV/EHU)
Paseo Manuel de Larzibal 5
20018 San Sebastian
Spain

49th IFF Spring School "Physics of Life"
2018-02-26 - 2018-03-09
Scope
The Spring School will provide an introduction to and an overview of current research topics in biophysics of living systems, with an emphasis on understanding biological structure, dynamics and function. Biomolecules, cells, tissues, and their multiscale interactions are the main building blocks of biological organisms. The physical understanding of their structural and dynamical properties and their organization and synergy is very challenging due to the enormous complexity and non-equilibrium behaviour of these systems.
However, this knowledge is essential for linking the structure and dynamics of biosystems to their corresponding functions. The goal of this Spring School is not only to give an overview of selected topics from biophysics to students and postdocs in physics, chemistry and biology, but also to establish an interdisciplinary connection between these fields. This includes, in particular, the introduction of biologists and chemists to physical experimental methods and theoretical modelling, and the introduction of physicists to the large variety of fascinating biological phenomena. Introductory lectures will present the basics of biosystems and biophysics.
These lectures are intended to establish a common level of basic interdisciplinary knowledge. Subsequent lectures will treat more advanced topics within different disciplines and emphasize interdisciplinary aspects.
Scientific Organization:

Gerhard Gompper
Jan Dhont
Jens Elgeti
Christoph Fahlke
Dmitry Fedosov
Stephan Förster
Pavlik Lettinga
Andreas Offenhäusser

Application deadline: 20 December 2017

Ring Polymer Workshop
2017-09-25 - 2017-09-27 | Aldemar Knossos Royal Hotel, Crete, Aldemar Knossos Royal Hotel, Hersonissos, Greece
We are pleased to announce the workshop RING POLYMERS, where recent advances and applications regarding ring polymers will be discussed. The workshop will take place in Hersonissos, near Heraklion, Crete, Greece, at the “Aldemar Knossos Royal Hotel” (www.aldemar-resorts.gr), from 25 to 27 September 2017. The format will include invited and contributed (oral and poster) presentations and ample time for both formal and informal discussions.
Speakers include:

Rae Anderson (San Diego),
Ralf Everaers (Lyon),
George Floudas (Ioannina,
Mark Foster (Akron),
Scott Grayson (Tulane),
Nikos Hadjichristidis (KAUST),
Margarita Krutyeva (Jülich),
Youn Joon Jung (Seoul),
Kurt Kremer (Mainz),
Christos Likos (Vienna),
Vlasis Mavrantzas (Patras/Zurich),
Greg McKenna (Lubbock),
Hendrik Meyer (Strasbourg),
Davide Michieletto (Edinburgh),
Wim Pyckhout-Hintzen (Jülich),
Takahiro Sakaue (Fukuoka),
Sachin Shanbhag (Tallahassee),
Charles Schroeder (Urbana),
Hiroshi Watanabe (Kyoto).

Organizers:

Dieter Richter, Forschungszentrum Jülich ;
Michael Rubinstein, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill;
Dimitris Vlassopoulos, FORTH and University of Crete.

Oral and poster slots are available.
To register and book accommodation, please visit: www.ringpolymers.synedry.com/.
Deadline: March 31, 2017.

SoftComp Annual Meeting 2017
2017-05-29 - 2017-05-31 | Isola San Servolo, Isola di San Servolo , Venice, 30124 , Italy
The SoftComp Annual meeting 2017 will take place at the San Servolo island in the venetian lagoon, Venice, Italy. The SoftComp Annual Meeting represents the forum for all SoftComp particpants to discuss scientfic work performed and the realization of next goals.
