SoftComp

PSCM User Meeting 2024
2024-03-04 11:00 - 2024-03-06 14:00 (Europe/Berlin) | Institut Laue-Langevin, 71 Avenue des Martyrs, Grenoble, 3800, France
We are delighted to announce that the Institut Laue Langevin (ILL) and the European Synchrotron (ESRF) will be hosting the PSCM User meeting from 4th to 6th March 2024 in Grenoble, France.
The PSCM (Partnership for Soft Condensed Matter) is a joint initiative by ILL and ESRF. This workshop aims to bring together the soft matter community
and will encompass a diverse range of lectures, poster sessions, discussions, and social events.
We invite you to check the meeting’s website, submit your abstract, and register at User Meeting Website before 12 January.
Additionally, you can visit the PSCM Website to explore the research activities of our partnership.
We look forward to welcoming you to Grenoble.

Sincerely,

The PSCM Coordinators,
Leonardo Chiappisi and Diego Pontoni

Full Professor position at ESPCI
2024-02-27 08:00 - 2024-07-31 17:00
ESPCI Paris-PSL is recruiting a Professor in the field of polymer physics and soft matter in the broadest sense.
Since the days of Georges Champetier and Pierre-Gilles de Gennes, the ESPCI (https://www.espci.psl.eu/fr/) has been a center of excellence for polymers and soft matter in the center of Paris. It is constantly adapting its activities with a recent focus on sustainability issues.
Research profile: The research will take place in the ESPCI Soft Matter Science and Engeenring et laboratory (SIMM, UMR CNRS 7615, https://www.simm.espci.fr/). This laboratory is unique in that its research activities bring together physicists, physical chemists and mechanics. The subjects covered, often related to industrial processes, are all those that mobilize the fundamental knowledge of soft matter, such as rheology, flows, wetting, adhesion, mechanical properties, including fracture and adhesion, but always in relation to the physical chemistry of the system. The candidate’s activity and expertise profile is therefore broad, but the core competence is that of soft matter physics, with a strong ability to integrate into multi-disciplinary research activities linked to chemistry, physical chemistry, mechanics and industrial processes in the broadest sense.
Teaching profile: As a Professor, you will mainly teach in the engineering cycle at ESPCI Paris-PSL, and in part in PSL masters programs.
In the 2nd year of the curriculum, you will be asked to propose an introductory course in the physics and physical chemistry of polymers and soft matter, focusing on structure-property relationships. This physics course should fit in with existing courses in polymer chemistry and physical chemistry.
Requirements: PhD in Physics or Materials Science. Significant research experience in one of the fields defined in the research profile. A reasonable command of the French language is required.
Timetable: Position opening not yet determined, but probably early April. Employement is expected to begin at the start of the 2024 academic year.
Contact : Jean-Baptiste d’Espinose <jean-baptiste.despinose@espci.fr>, deputy directeur of the SIMM laboratory.

PhD in Soft Matter physics: Dynamics of chiral guest-host systems based on liquid crystals
2024-02-22 08:00 - 2024-04-30 17:00
Dear colleagues,
I’m looking for a motivated student to join as a PhD candidate our Soft Matter team at Laboratoire Charles Coulomb (L2C), Montpellier (France), in the context of my project “CHIRALGHOST” newly funded by the french Agence Nationale de la Recherche via the call ANR JCJC 2023. This project will focus on the dynamics of chiral guest-host systems in frustrated chiral liquid crystal systems, for more details please refer to https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/196425.
The project will take place entirely in Montpellier, L2C. The candidate will perform mainly experiments (polarized microscopy in transmission or fluorescence, optical tweezers, electrical driving, etc), data analysis using standard software or scripting languages, and, depending on the candidate skills, will also perform supporting simulations using in-house finite element and optical simulation codes. The PhD will be directed by Maurizio Nobili (full professor at L2C) and supervised by myself (CNRS permanent researcher).
The deadline for application is April 30th. The position is for 36 months and must start by September 1st, 2024, at the latest. Interested candidates can contact me directly at the email address given in the above link.
Best regards,
Guilhem Poy

PhD position in Active Immuno-Mechanics of Cancer Environments
2023-12-01 08:00 - 2024-01-31 17:00
We are currently accepting applications for a PhD position on the interdependence of active mechanics and immune response of cancer cells under the recently awarded Cancer Biology Doctoral Training Unit from the Luxembourg National Research Funds. Interested candidates should write to anupam.sengupta@uni.lu for further details and application procedures.
Brief description of the project: The role of host feedback on the microbial community has been largely neglected until now. Based on recently developed experimental workflows which allow to track microbial behaviour within cancer environments using organoid platforms, microfluidics, advanced imaging, in-house-robotics, mathematics and machine learning tools. In this project, the PhD student will use these tools and combine physics and mathematical approaches to understand how biophysical parameters (ECM, rigidity) within the cancer/tumor environments regulate the dynamics of the cancer microbiome.
Link to Sengupta Lab: http://sengupta.mit.edu/
Link to the Doctoral Training Unit: https://www.lih.lu/en/research-support/doctoral-training/canbio2/

Postdoc position in Physics of Cancer-Microbiome
2023-12-01 08:00 - 2024-01-15 17:00 | Phsyics of Living Matter Group, University of Luxembourg, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
The Physics of Living Matter Group at the University of Luxembourg is currently accepting applications for Postdoctoral Fellowships within the Young International Academics Programme of the Institute for Advanced Studies (IAS), Luxembourg. The selected fellows will carry out cutting-edge cross-disciplinary research on the Physics of Cancer and Microbiome, supported jointly by Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Co-Fund Project and the IAS Luxembourg. For details contact: anupam.sengupta@uni.lu , with recent CV, cover letter, list of publications.
Link to the Young International Academics Programme: https://yia.uni.lu/

PhD position focused on vitrimers within the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Doctoral Network ReBond
2023-11-07 08:00 - 2024-03-01 17:00
Dear Colleagues,
Please find information, through the link below, about an exciting PhD position within the new Horizon Europe – Marie Sklodowska-Curie – Doctoral Network: “ReBond: A Universal platform for recycling plastic waste using dynamic covalent bonds”. The PhD studentship is focused on resolving how the kinetics of vitrimer bond exchange influences the properties of polymer-vitrimer systems; the influence of composition, structure, mechanical deformation and flow on the local dynamics of vitrimers will be investigated. Experimental techniques include broadband dielectric spectroscopy, as well as multispeckle light scattering and SAXS/WAXS, with a particular focus on combining these techniques with mechanical deformation. The research will be conducted in the Dept. of Physics at the University of Ioannina (Ioannina, Greece) with Prof. George Floudas and at the CNRS, Laboratoire Charles Coulomb (Montpellier, France) with Prof. Laurence Ramos, with a four month secondment to the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Leeds (Leeds, U.K.) with myself.
Further details can be found through the following link:
https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/153739
Please forward to anyone who might be interested.
Thanks a lot!
Best Regards,
Johan
Johan Mattsson
School of Physics and Astronomy
University of Leeds
E-mail: k.j.l.mattsson@leeds.ac.uk

PREDOCTORAL RESEARCH POSITION IN THE POLYMERS & SOFT MATTER GROUP IN COLLABORATION WITH THE MICHELIN COMPANY: ‘IMPACT OF ADDITIVES ON THE KEY INGREDIENTS GOVERNING THE BEHAVIOR OF MIXTURES WITH DYNAMIC ASYMMETRY’
2023-11-07 08:00 - 2023-11-30 17:00
The Polymers & Soft Matter Group at CFM is offering a predoctoral position (1+1+1 years) starting in December to work with Profs. Angel Alegría and Arantxa Arbe. This is a collaboration research project with the Michelin company.
The positions will be funded by the Michelin company. The selected candidate will be hired by the Research Association MPC – Materials Physics Center. The salary will be of 16.131,72 euros during the first year before taxes.
The Polymers & Soft Matter Group addresses the structure and dynamics of polymers, glass-forming systems and soft materials at different length and time scales with a multidisciplinary approach (http://www.sc.ehu.es/sqwpolim/PSMG/).
In the project here proposed, the structural, thermodynamic and dynamical properties of simplified mixtures of industrial interest will be investigated, by combining different techniques including calorimetry and dielectric spectroscopy, and X-ray and potentially neutron scattering.
Candidates must hold a Master degree, preferably in the field of Physics, Chemical Engineering, or Chemistry. Expertise in dielectric and mechanical spectroscopy will be highly appreciated for this particular position, as well as background in scattering techniques.
Suitable candidates can apply for this position sending by email to jobs.cfm@ehu.eus the following information before 30th of November with the subject label “Predoc CFM-MICHELIN”:
1- An updated Curriculum Vitae ([70]%)
2- A presentation letter with declaration of interests (max. 1 page). ([10]%)
3- Two reference letters and/or contact email of two potential referees. ([20]%)
General enquiries or questions about this position should be submitted by email to: jobs.cfm@ehu.eus with the subject label “Postdoc/Predoc CFM-MICHELIN”.

Active matter in complex environments
2023-10-04 08:00 - 2023-11-30 17:00
Type: PhD position
Start: 2024
Duration: 4 years
Location: Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
Group: Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter
Supervisor: Asst. Prof. Dr. Uddalok Sen (Physics of Soft Matter lab)
Biological fluidic environments are highly complex and messy. They are usually non-Newtonian,
and often heterogeneous and anisotropic [1]. Swimming of active microorganisms in such complex
environments dates back to the earliest days of biological evolution. An understanding of such
swimming will provide one of the keys to unravel a fundamental question in evolutionary biology:
what are the origins of multicellularity? [2]. Confining boundaries, either rigid or deformable, add yet
another level of complexity to understanding the physics of swimming microorganisms. Advanced
experimental, computational, and analytical techniques have recently allowed scientists to gain some
insight into this interdisciplinary problem at the confluence of physics, applied mathematics, and
biology. However, there are several fundamental questions related to the influence of the complexity of
the fluid and the confinement on the swimming behavior of microorganisms that are still unanswered.
We are looking for a highly motivated and skilled PhD candidate who will experimentally investigate the fundamentals of swimming active micoorganisms in complex environments under various
degrees of confinement. You will use state-of-the-art microscopic imaging systems to observe the
motile behavior of one (or multiple) biological (and/or synthetic) microswimmers in non-Newtonian
fluids in the presence of a rigid (or deformable) confinement. The experiments will be complemented
by theoretical and/or numerical modeling. The project represents a paradigm shift in understanding the motility of microorganisms in realistic complex environments, and may provide fundamental
understanding of the (bio)physical principles underpinning the origins of multicellularity.
Your profile:
– A successfully completed MSc (or equivalent) degree in (applied) physics, molecular life sciences, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, applied mathematics, or in a closely related discipline.
– Experimental experience, fundamental knowledge of fluid dynamics, and experience in image and data analysis are required.
– You have strong communication skills, including fluency in spoken and written (scientific and non-scientific) English.
– You have strong analytical capabilities.
– You are proactive in coming up with innovative solutions to experimental challenges.
Your responsibilities:
– To design and perform experiments on active microswimmers in complex fluids.
– To discuss and disseminate results among peers, the scientific community, and the broader
society in general.
– To collaborate with colleagues having complementary expertise.
– To supervise bachelor and master students.

Our offer:
– We want you to play a key role in an ambitious project in an inspiring and stimulating international work environment.
– We provide excellent mentorship and a stimulating, modern research environment with world-class research facilities.
– You will have an employment contract for the duration of 4 years, and can participate in all employee benefits the university offers.
– You will be embedded in a dynamic research group with colleagues working on similar topics.
– Additionally, Wageningen University and Research is a green campus with excellent facilities and resources for professional and personal development, and offers a wide variety of sports facilities.
– You will follow a high-quality personalized educational program.
– The research will result in a PhD thesis at the end of the employment period.
– We strive for diversity and fairness in hiring.
Applications should provide:
– A motivational letter (1 page max) describing why you want to apply for this precise position,
including your research interests/experience and how they connect to this position.
– A detailed CV.
– Academic transcripts from your bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
– Name and email addresses of at least two visible references who are willing to send a letter of
recommendation on your behalf.
– An interview with a scientific presentation on your previous work will be part of the interview
process.
Potential applicants are encouraged to apply to Asst. Prof. Uddalok Sen at uddalok.sen@wur.nl, or here: PhD position in ‘Active matter in complex environments’ – WUR

Soft Matter & Environmental Challenges - Minicolloquium at CMD30 conference
2023-09-04 - 2023-09-08 | Milan, Italy
We are organizing a minicolloquium (MC) during the 30th general conference of the Condensed Matter Division of the European Physical Society to be held in Milan (Italy) on September 4-8, 2023, jointly organized with FisMat, the biennial conference of the Italian community of condensed matter physics, optics, liquids and soft matter. (see https://eventi.cnism.it/cmd30-fismat)
The topic of the MC is “Soft Matter and Environmental Challenges” (https://eventi.cnism.it/cmd30-fismat/minicolloquia). This MC aims at bringing together all scientists who belong to the broad soft condensed matter community and its interfaces and whose research contributes to a rational understanding and design of approaches, tools and materials for the development of a more sustainable future. We anticipate that the minicolloquium will be the occasion to make a rather exhaustive inventory of the research conducted in the field of soft matter in relation to the environmental challenges that the world is currently facing.
Confirmed invited speakers: E. Del Gado and M. Corredig.
Abstract submissions for both poster and oral presentations are open until April the 15th.
We also kindly ask you to distribute this announcement among your potentially interested colleagues and students.
Thanks and regards
Laurence Ramos, on behalf of the Soft Condensed Matter and Biophysics section of the CMD: Mikko Alava (Aalto University,Finland), Nuno Araujo, Secretary (Lisbon University, Portugal), Daniela Kraft (Leiden University, The Netherlands), Catherine O’Sullivan (Imperial College London, UK), Laurence Ramos, Chair (CNRS&Montpellier University, France), Anna Stradner (Lund University, Sweden), Dimitris Vlassopoulos (Forth, Crete, Greece), Emanuela Zaccarelli (Sapienza University of Rome, Italy).

Professor of Chemical Engineering: Modeling Transport Phenomena and Properties for Soft Matter in Bio- and Health Applications
2023-08-28 08:00 - 2023-11-07 17:00
KU Leuven has a vacancy for a full-time (junior or senior) professor in the domain of Chemical Engineering with expertise in computational modeling of transport phenomena and properties for soft matter for bio- and health applications. We are looking for internationally oriented candidates with an excellent research track record, a strong orientation towards collaboration with industry and the medical sector, and educational excellence in the field of chemical engineering technology. The successful candidate will become a member of Group T Leuven Campus, an international and entrepreneurial engineering campus with a focus on healthcare engineering and sustainability (https://www.kuleuven.be/grouptcampus). It is one of seven campuses where KU Leuven’s educational Faculty of Engineering Technology is offering academic yet implementation-oriented engineering programs across Flanders. Each year more than 2200 students enrol at Group T Leuven Campus in Bachelor and Master in Engineering Technology programs that are offered in both English and Dutch. The new faculty member will also become a member of KU Leuven’s research Department of Chemical Engineering, and in particular its SMaRT (Soft Matter, Rheology and Technology) unit. Research at SMaRT aims at designing methodologies for intelligent process or product (formulation) design using complex fluids or soft matter. Hence, the research is situated at the intersection of classical chemical engineering (transport phenomena) and soft matter physics and chemistry. From a materials point of view, the two most important classes studied are polymers and colloidal dispersions. The faculty, department and campus can build upon solid research and educational infrastructure, extensive regional, national and international networks, and connections with companies and non-profit organisations in Belgium and abroad.
Application deadline: 7 November 2023

Workshop “Physics of Microbial Motility”
2023-07-13 08:00 - 17:00
Dear colleagues,

It is our pleasure to announce the workshop “Physics of Microbial Motility” in Würzburg, Germany from October 4-6 2023.
Registration and abstract submission are open on https://events.hifis.net/event/885/

The deadline for abstracts is August 14, and notification of accepted abstracts is August 21.
[Note that we made a pre-reservation of rooms until Aug. 31 at several hotels that you find on our website.
After Aug.31 a room can not be guaranteed any more due to several other events that are held at the same time in Würzburg.]

Looking forward to seeing you in Würzburg,

Markus Engstler, Gerhard Gompper, Cecille Cottin-Bizonne, Marco Polin and Knut Drescher

ILL Soft Matter Summer School
2023-07-04 - 2023-07-06 | Institut Laue-Langevin, 71 Avenue des Martyrs, Grenoble, 3800, France
Soft matter pervades into daily life under several forms: biological matter, foams, food products, ink, tires, and many others. In contrast to their very different appearance, all these systems are governed by the same, fundamental physical laws. Aim of the school is providing 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 for doctoral students working in the field of soft matter given by recognized experts from all over Europe. Poster sessions will be opened for discussion on research topic and experimental results between students and invited lecturers.

PhD position at UniVe on "Topological materials for novel (opto)electronic switches" (deadline 31.05.2023)
2023-05-17 08:00 - 2023-06-02 17:00
During the last 7 decades, the miniaturization of silicon CMOS transistors has led to the development of electronic switches with increased speed and reduced power consumption and costs. As a result, electronics is nowadays ubiquitous. However, when these devices are reduced to nanoscale dimensions, they suffer from thermal dissipation phenomena that compromise their performance. To overcome these limitations, new switching mechanisms are necessary. Rather than being based on the transport of electric charge, these switches should focus on unraveling and harnessing quantum phenomena. Researchers are currently investigating “topological” materials that could potentially offer access to transport phenomena without energy dissipation, even in adverse measurement environments. The combination of electronic and spin properties has made the use of topological devices a great challenge. The focus of thisresearch will be on analyzing the electronic and optoelectronic properties of atomically thin compounds such as 2D materials with strong spin-orbit coupling, with the goal of integrating them into novel electronic devices. Some of the research in this project may be performed in collaboration with the CNR-IOM in Trieste, Italy.
TASKS
Tasks will include but will not be limited to the following:
• Synthesis of nanomaterials with techniques such as micromechanical cleavage, physical and chemical vapor
deposition.
• Characterization of their fundamental properties via a variety of microscopy and spectroscopy techniques.
• Nanofabrication of devices through lithography techniques, contact and vacuum deposition and etching.
• Electronic transport and optoelectronic measurement performed on the final device.
The PhD student will also be required to spend a minimum of six months abroad in an institution TBD (possible
destinations could be the University of Cambridge (UK), The Institute of Photonic Sciences (Spain) or the Swiss
Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (Switzerland).
PREREQUISITES
• Good scientific (at least theoretical) background in the field of nanomaterials and characterization techniques.
• Basic experience in the fields of electronics and/or optoelectronics.
• Programming skills.
• Advance knowledge of the English language
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION
• The deadline for applications is on 31/05/2023.
• More information on the application procedure can be found at this link: https://www.unive.it/pag/43333/
CONTACTS
For additional information on the topic please do not hesitate to contact:
• Dr. Domenico De Fazio, domenico.defazio@unive.it
• Dr. Giovanni A. Salvatore, giovanni.salvatore@unive.it

Synthesis and structural investigation of self-assembled cluster crystals from DNA-based nano-constructs
2023-05-12 08:00 - 2023-08-01 17:00
https://www.fz-juelich.de/en/careers/jobs/2023D-033

Tenure Track Assistant Professor (3 years) in Theoretical Physics of Matter
2023-03-22 08:00 - 2023-04-30 17:00
Public selection procedure for n. 1 fixed-term researchers in compliance with art. 24 paragraph 3 letter b) of Italian Law No. 240, 30 December 2010, academic recruitment field 02/B2 (Theoretical physics of matter), academic discipline FIS/03 (Physics of matter).
Deadline 29/04/2023
https://www.supervenice.com/openings/

Postdoc position in Wageningen on "Confined multiphase multicomponent evaporation"
2023-03-22 08:00 - 2023-04-21 17:00
Type: Postdoctoral researcher position
Start: 2023
Duration: 2 years
Location: Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
Group: Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter
Supervisor: Asst. Prof. Dr. Uddalok Sen (Physics of Soft Matter lab)
Are you curious about how liquids dry in confinement, and how particles and/or living cells
affect that drying behavior? Evaporation in a multiphase multicomponent system is ubiquitous in
several biological and industrial processes [1], and leads to a multitude of interesting phenomena
such as segregation and phase separation. When confined (e.g., in a capillary), such systems exhibit
even richer physics such as stratification [2, 3], clogging, compaction, and crystallization. The
properties of the liquids present in the evaporating multicomponent liquid mixture play a critical role
in determining the overall evaporation dynamics, which can be further complicated by the presence
of salts, surfactants, particles (passive and active), polymers, fibers, and motile cells. However, there
are still several unanswered/open questions concerning the precise dynamics of the evaporation in
confined multiphase multicomponent systems.
We are looking for a highly motivated and skilled candidate for a postdoctoral researcher position who will experimentally investigate the fundamentals of evaporating multiphase multicomponent liquids in confined systems. The experimental system will comprise of a suspension of particles (axisymmetric/non-axisymmetric, passive/active, flexible/rigid, monodisperse/polydisperse) in a multicomponent dispersing liquid. The candidate will use state-of-the-art imaging techniques such as confocal microscopy and particle tracking velocimetry, and the work will be complemented by theoretical and/or numerical modeling. A part of the project is also affiliated with an academic-industrial collaboration and provides the opportunity to study interesting, complex physics, and solve real world problems.

Your profile:
• A successfully completed PhD (or equivalent) degree in (applied) physics, molecular life sciences, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, applied mathematics, or in a closely
related discipline.
• Experimental experience, fundamental knowledge of fluid dynamics, and experience in image
and data analysis are required.
• You have strong communication skills, including fluency in spoken and written (scientific and
non-scientific) English.
• You have strong analytical capabilities.
• You are proactive in coming up with innovative solutions to experimental challenges.
Your responsibilities:
• To design and perform experiments on evaporation of confined multicomponent liquids.
• To discuss and disseminate results among peers, the scientific community, and the broader
society in general.
• To collaborate with colleagues having complementary expertise.
• To supervise bachelor, master, and PhD students.
• To play an active role in writing personal grants (Veni, MSCA IF, Humboldt) and/or collaborative grants.
Our offer:
• We want you to play a key role in an ambitious project in an inspiring and stimulating international work environment.
• We provide excellent mentorship and a stimulating, modern research environment with worldclass research facilities.
• You will have an employment contract for the duration of 2 years, and can participate in all
employee benefits the university offers.
• You will be embedded in a dynamic research group with colleagues working on similar topics.
• Additionally, Wageningen University and Research is a green campus with excellent facilities
and resources for professional and personal development, and offers a wide variety of sports
facilities.
• You will follow a high-quality personalized training program.
• We strive for diversity and fairness in hiring.
Applications should provide:
• A motivational letter (1 page max) describing why you want to apply for this precise position,
including your research interests/experience and how they connect to this position.
• A detailed CV.
• Name and email addresses of at least two visible references who are willing to send a letter of
recommendation on your behalf.
• An interview with a scientific presentation on your previous work will be part of the application
process.
Potential applicants are encouraged to apply to Asst. Prof. Uddalok Sen at uddalok.sen@wur.nl,
or apply here.
2
References
[1] M. Rump, U. Sen, R. Jeurissen, H. Reinten, M. Versluis, D. Lohse, C. Diddens, and T. Segers.
Selective evaporation at the nozzle exit in piezoacoustic inkjet printing. arXiv:2205.06639, 2022.
[2] L. Thayyil Raju, C. Diddens, J. Rodr´ıguez-Rodr´ıguez, M. N. van der Linden, X. Zhang, D. Lohse,
and U. Sen. Evaporation of binary liquids from a capillary tube. arXiv:2211.06528, 2022.
[3] E. Hooiveld, H. van der Kooij, M. Kisters, T. E. Kodger, J. Sprakel, and J. van der Gucht. In-situ
and quantitative imaging of evaporation-induced stratification in binary suspensions. J. Colloid
Interface Sci., 630:666–675, 2023.

PhD position: Computer simulations on the effect of DNA topology on SMC protein-mediated loop extrusion
2023-03-13 08:00 - 2023-04-15 17:00
The compaction and folding of our two-meter-long genome into a confined micron-sized nuclear volume creates numerous challenges to a cell. Chromatin loops are formed by an ATP-driven process—named loop extrusion—that progressively enlarges the loops by the motor action of SMC (structural maintenance of chromosomes) complexes including condensin and cohesin.
In this project we will undertake coarse-grained computer simulations of these processes to elucidate and potentially guide corresponding experiments at the MPI for Biophysics in Frankfurt. Particularly, we will study the role of topological effects such as supercoiling or knotting on loop extrusion. This PhD project will take place in the group of Dr. Peter Virnau at the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Germany, and is embedded in the collaborative research center 1551. Applications should be sent directly to virnau@uni-mainz.de.

Postdoc at San Sebastian in Atomistic Simulations of Glass-Forming Systems
2023-02-07 08:00 - 2023-02-28 17:00
Materials Physics Center (Donostia / San Sebastián)
The Polymers & Soft Matter Group at CFM is offering a postdoctoral (1+1 years) position starting around April (latest July 1st), 2023 to work with Fernando Alvarez and Juan Colmenero, in collaboration with Gøran Nilsen (ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, UK), in the project entitled ‘A synergetic approach by neutron spectroscopy with polarization analysis and massive molecular dynamics simulations to unravel collective and self-dynamics in liquids and glass-forming systems at the mesoscale’. The position offered here will be mainly focused on the computational work of this project. In particular, the work will deal with atomistic molecular dynamics simulations at the mesoscale of different glass-forming systems
The positions will be funded by MCIN and by the European Union NextGenerationEU/PRTR- C17.I1, as well as by IKUR Strategy under the collaboration agreement between Ikerbasque Foundation and DIPC on behalf of the Department of Education of the Basque Government.
The selected candidate will be hired by the Research Association MPC – Materials Physics Center. The salary will be of 35.650,44 euros during the first year before taxes.
The Polymers & Soft Matter Group at the Center of Materials Physics addresses the structure and dynamics of polymer and glass-forming systems in general at different length and time scales. For more information, visit our web: http://www.sc.ehu.es/sqwpolim/PSMG/
Candidates must hold a PhD degree in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or related discipline. Expertise in Molecular Dynamics Simulations will be highly appreciated for this particular position, as well as background in neutron scattering techniques.
Suitable candidates can apply for this position sending by email to jobs.cfm@ehu.eus the following information before 28th of February with the subject label “Postdoc CFM-PSMG- ISIS”:
1- An updated Curriculum Vitae, including a list of publications. (70%)
2- A presentation letter with declaration of interests (max. 1 page). (10%) 3- Two reference letters and/or contact email of two potential referees. (20%)
General enquiries or questions about this position (and particularly the scientific ones) should be submitted by email to: juan.colmenero@ehu.eus or fernando.alvarez@ehu.eus with the subject label “Postdoc CFM-PSMG-ISIS”

Professor in Chemical Engineering: Design and Processing of Functional Products by Physico-Chemical Treatment of Natural Compounds from Side/Waste Streams
2023-01-11 08:00 - 2023-02-07 17:00
KU Leuven has a full-time academic vacancy in the design of functional products by physico-chemical modification and processing of natural compounds from side and waste streams at Ghent Technology Campus. The new faculty member will be part of the Soft Matter, Rheology and Technology (SMaRT) group of the Department of Chemical Engineering consisting of 7 professors at present. With this vacancy, the department aims to develop a SMaRT section within Ghent Technology Campus. The aim is to realize modern, industrially focused research and infrastructure at Ghent Technology Campus for rheological and morphological research of biosourced functional products, with a focus on the utilisation and functionalization of natural compounds derived from side and waste streams originating, amongst others, from (local) food- and bio-industries. Collaboration is envisaged with the existing groups at Ghent Technology Campus, e.g. the Laboratory of Enzyme, Fermentation and Brewing Technology (EFBT), Meat Technology and Science of Protein rich foods (MTSP) and Chemical and BIOchemical process TEChnology and control (BIOTEC+). Besides this, collaboration with the Sustainable Materials Lab of KU Leuven (KULAK, KU Leuven Kortrijk Campus) and the Structural Composites and Alloys, Integrity and non-destructive testing group (SCALINT, KU Leuven Bruges Campus) active in the region is desired. We are looking for internationally orientated candidates with an excellent interdisciplinary research record and with educational competencies within the field of chemical engineering and chemistry. The research competencies will enable a focus on the physico-chemical processing of natural compounds from side- and waste streams from food and other industries for the design and processing of new functional products, including their (rheological) property characterisation. Product applications can be situated in a broad field e.g. (bio)polymer or textile industry, construction, chemicals, pharmaceutics, etc. The successful applicant will be appointed to the Department of Chemical Engineering and the Faculty of Engineering Technology of the Science, Engineering and Technology Group of KU Leuven. The Faculty of Engineering Technology has an extensive national and international network, both in the academic and business world. Research at SMaRT is at the intersection of classical chemical engineering and soft matter physics and chemistry. The hosting research group can build upon a solid research infrastructure, an extensive international network, connections with companies and non-profit organisations, a stable inflow of highly talented PhD students, and a supportive work environment.
More details and information on the application procedure can be found through this link. Application deadline is 7 February 2023.

Theoretical modeling of nanoparticles interacting with cells
2023-01-10 08:00 - 2023-01-31 17:00
1 year postdoc position within Spanish government project is based on a recent publications showing the importance of membrane tension for interaction of nanoparticles with cells (1–3). Deformation of cells and compression of lipid bilayers by strongly adsorbing nanoparticles is related to a non-chemical and non-biological mechanism of recently discovered antibacterial action of nanoparticles.
Responsibilities
Work with Molecular Dynamics, Langevin dynamics, numerical surface evolvers, as well as analytical theory based on the Helfrich model to investigate the interaction of idealized cell membrane models with nanoparticles of different geometries.
The effect of structure parameters such as size, topography, spikes, flexibility or rigidity of the material, surface properties, charge will be systematically evaluated.
Qualifications
· CUDA programming
· Molecular Dynamics of Soft Matter
· Monte Carlo simulations
· Theoretical physics
· Neural networks algorithms
References
(1) Fleury, J.-B.; Werner, M.; Guével, X. L.; Baulin, V. A. Protein Corona Modulates Interaction of Spiky Nanoparticles with Lipid Bilayers. J. Colloid Interface Sci. 2021, 603, 550–558. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcis.2021.06.047.
(2) Linklater, D. P.; Baulin, V. A.; Guével, X. L.; Fleury, J.-B.; Hanssen, E.; Nguyen, T. H. P.; Juodkazis, S.; Bryant, G.; Crawford, R. J.; Stoodley, P.; Ivanova, E. P. Antibacterial Action of Nanoparticles by Lethal Stretching of Bacterial Cell Membranes. Adv. Mater. 32 (52), e2005679. https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202005679.
(3) Linklater, D. P.; Baulin, V. A.; Juodkazis, S.; Crawford, R. J.; Stoodley, P.; Ivanova, E. P. Mechano-Bactericidal Actions of Nanostructured Surfaces. Nat. Rev. Microbiol. 2020, 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41579-020-0414-z.

PhD Position at San Sebastian (Dynamic Networks in Soft Matter: From Small Molecules to Complex Polymers)
2022-12-27 08:00 - 2023-01-17 17:00
The Polymers and Soft Matter Group (PSMG, http://www.sc.ehu.es/sqwpolim/PSMG/) of the Materials Physics Center (joint centre of CSIC and the University of the Basque Country) at San Sebastián (Spain) is offering a PhD Grant associated to the national Project “Dynamic Networks in Soft Matter: From Small Molecules to Complex Polymers (DYNANET)”.

Application period: 12 -26 January 2023 (please contact us before 15th January). Starting of the Grant: Second half of 2023 (see details below).

The Grant has a duration of 4 years. If the student obtained his/her PhD degree before the end of the 4th year, the remaining time of the Grant would have a postdoctoral character.

There are several possible PhD projects to be performed in the PSMG, of experimental or computational character, and focused on physics or chemistry. In all cases the project will investigate structural and dynamic aspects of soft-matter networks with reversible bonds, in systems as water, polyalcohols, polymers or biopolymers.

Depending on the PhD project, some of the techniques to be used are scattering (neutron, X-ray, light), dielectric spectroscopy, calorimetry, rheology, molecular dynamics simulations, or polymer synthesis, among others. Therefore, candidates of very different profiles, experimental or computational, can apply to the Grant.

The Grant is offered within the call ‘Ayudas para contratos predoctorales para la formación de doctores 2022’, which will be open from 12th to 26th January 2023 (unfortunately instructions are only given in Spanish: https://www.aei.gob.es/convocatorias/buscador-convocatorias/ayudas-contratos-predoctorales-formacion-doctores-2022-0).

The selection of the awarded candidate is expected to be officially announced by June 2023, so he/she would start the PhD project in the second half of the year (incorporation is flexible within the first 3 months after the announcement). The awarded candidate must have an MSc degree by the time of the incorporation to the PSMG, in Physics, Chemistry, Materials Engineering or related areas. Background in soft matter topics and/or in some of the aforementioned techniques will be highly esteemed.

Please note that, though the call ends at 26th January, the application procedure is not fully trivial and needs some clarification (in particular for non-Spanish speakers). Therefore, candidates who are interested in applying to the Grant should send their CV (including marks of their BSc degree, and their MSc if it is the case) to Angel Moreno (angeljose.moreno@ehu.es) before 15th January. Recommendation letters are not essential but will be esteemed. We will made a pre-selection of the candidates and contact them for further information on the steps to follow in the application.

Senior Lecturer (Associate Professor) at Lund University
2022-12-22 08:00 - 2023-01-24 17:00
The Division of Physical Chemistry at Lund University is recruiting a

Senior Lecturer (Associate Professor)

with a well-documented background in soft matter studied by scattering methods.

Job description
The candidate should have a strong research profile within soft and/or biological matter that adheres to and is complementary to the other research currently conducted within the division. The applicant’s research should to a large extent involve the use of scattering methods, using both local in house equipment, and large-scale synchrotron and/or neutron facilities. The successful candidate is expected to actively engage in the planned faculty infrastructure platform Center for Scattering Methods, and in the LINXS Institute of Advanced Neutron and X-ray Science. The successful candidate is also expected to pursue a leading role in interacting with the ESS and MAX IV facilities.
The person is expected to develop active research, which includes applying for external funding and developing collaborations with other university units and governmental organizations.
The position entails teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The amount of undergraduate teaching will be circa 10-20% of full time. In addition, there will be supervision of bachelor and master student projects, as well as supervision of PhD students. The work assignments of the position, as well as the relative proportions of research and teaching, may however change over time.

The research environment
The Division of Physical Chemistry, part of the Department of Chemistry within the Faculty of Science, performs experimental and theoretical research within the area of colloid and interface science, involving both synthetic and biological systems. A number of different experimental techniques are available within the division, where scattering methods are particularly important. The European Spallation Source (ESS) and the synchrotron light source MAX IV, as key European large-scale facilities for neutron and X-ray scattering, significantly contribute to the scientific life of Lund, and their close proximity has the potential to strengthen the role of the division as an internationally leading center of excellence in soft matter research. The division therefore has strong ambitions to be actively involved, through close collaborations and projects, with both facilities. The division has also a strong active engagement in the LINXS Institute of Advanced Neutron and X-ray Science, and also in NanoLund, the Lund University center for nanoscience.

On-line application can be made at (Deadline 22 January 2023):

https://lu.varbi.com/en/what:job/jobID:556566/type:job/where:4/apply:1

PhD position in Montpellier (Soft Matter, microgels)
2022-10-25 08:00 - 2022-11-30 17:00
We are seeking to fill a fully-funded PhD position at Laboratoire Charles Coulomb (CNRS/University of Montpellier, France), starting early spring 2023. In the framework of a French-German collaboration with Thomas Hellweg (Bielefeld), we wish to study membranes made of microgels. Further information can be found here:
https://cloud.coulomb.umontpellier.fr/index.php/s/2tqNQsikoLasDzo
Best regards,
Julian Oberdisse and Domenico Truzzolillo

LabVIEW Software Engineer
2022-10-14 08:00 - 2022-12-31 17:00
LS Instruments AG, a spin-off of the University of Fribourg, is a technology leader in the field of optical characterization of nanoparticles. LS Instruments develops advanced scientific instruments for analytical applications in life sciences, food, personal care, and many more.
Rising investments in the pharmaceutical industry, increasing regulatory requirements for medical products, and the recent successful launch of vaccines based on mRNA technology related to COVID-19 have led to a global increase in demand for high-precision nanoparticle analytical solutions.
In this context, we are enlarging our team and are looking for reinforcement.
We are looking for a dynamic person to join LS Instruments as a LabVIEW Software Engineer to take the lead on the software development effort geared at driving the hardware of our instruments.
For further details please visit the LS Instruments website.

Post doc position Unina-DPI
2022-09-26 08:00 - 17:00
We are currently looking for a motivated Postdoc to work on Long Chain Branching in Polyolefins within the framework of GoLBraPol, a research project funded by the Dutch Polymer Institute (DPI).
This Project focuses on the relationship between molecular architecture, rheological and processing properties of Sparsely Long Chain Branched Polyolefins (SLCB-PO). A multidisciplinary approach to determine the rheological fingerprint of the SLCB architecture will be set up to link the flow properties to molecular architecture. This will provide the knowledge to govern SLCB processing and tune the mechanical properties of the final product. Experiments will be devised to require very small, milligram size amounts of polymer, thus making it possible to use high throughput, laboratory-oriented synthesis strategies. The results are expected to pave the way to the use of SLCB-POs in specific processing technologies. The possibility to predict and design the best SLCB-PO material for a specific application will also contribute to a better, more responsible, and sustainable use of polyolefins.
The duration of the fellowship is for one year and can be extended for one more year, to be spent mainly at the University of Naples Federico II. We are looking for a highly motivated experimental researcher with a solid background in engineering, physics, chemistry, or a related field, preferably with knowledge of rheology and soft matter. Experience with experimental research, especially using rheometry and processing techniques, as well as excellent communication and computer skills will be highly beneficial.
The Postdoc position will be assigned based on a public competition. The starting of the activity is November 1st.
The call is available here:
https://lnkd.in/dzymAfxu
For any info:
Nino Grizzuti (nino.grizzuti@unina.it)
Rossana Pasquino (rossana.pasquino@unina.it)
Salvatore Costanzo (salvatore.costanzo@unina.it)

Predoctoral Research Position at the Materials Physics Center (San Sebastian, Spain)
2022-09-22 08:00 - 17:00
The Polymers and Soft Matter Group at CFM is offering a predoctoral (1+1+1 years) position starting between November 2022 and January 2023 to work under the supervision of Dr. Jon Maiz and Prof. Arantxa Arbe in the study of the Structure and Dynamics of Complex Polymer-based Materials for Energy Storage Applications.
The position will be funded by the IKUR strategy. IKUR is the strategy promoted by the Education Department of the Basque Government to boost Scientific Research in specific strategic areas and to position the Basque country at the forefront of international research in those fields.
The selected candidate will be hired by the Research Association MPC – Materials Physics Center. The salary will be 16.131,72 euros before taxes for the first year.
The Polymer and Soft Matter Group at the Center of Materials Physics addresses fundamental problems related with the structural and dynamical properties of soft matter systems, mainly based on polymers. Current research topics in the group include blends, all-polymer nanocomposites, or single-chain nanoparticles. For more information, visit our web: www.sc.ehu.es/sqwpolim/PSMG/.
Candidates must hold a Master degree (in Physics, Chemistry, Chemical or Material Engineering, …). Expertise in polymers will be highly appreciated for this particular position, as well as background in experimental methods like scattering techniques or relaxation techniques.
Suitable candidates can apply for this position sending by email to jobs.cfm@ehu.eus the following information before 21st of October with the subject label “Predoc CFM-PolymerEnergy”:
1- An updated Curriculum Vitae, including a list of publications. (70%)
2- A presentation letter with declaration of interests (max. 1 page). (10%)
3- Two reference letters and/or contact email of two potential referees. (20%)

International Soft Matter Conference 2022 (ISMC2022)
2022-09-19 - 2022-09-23 | Poznan, Poland, Poland
The International Soft Matter Conference (ISMC 2022) will be held on September 19-23 in Poznań, Poland.
This will be the 6th edition of the triennial meeting of the soft matter-focused research community,
organized internationally under the auspices of the SoftComp Network of Excellence.
The ISMC 2022 is organized by the NanoBioMedical Centre of the Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, and Poznań Congress Center.

Scope of the Conference
Active Soft Matter
Arrested Soft Matter
Colloidal Soft Matter
Interfacial Soft Matter
Living Soft Matter
Making & Measuring Soft Matter
Polymeric Soft Matter
Processing & Stressed Soft Matter
Self-Assembled Soft Matter

Plenary Speakers

Thomas Angelini, University of Florida, USA
Anne-Laure Biance, Université Lyon, France
Luca Cipeletti, Universit​é Montpellier, France
Eric Dufresne, ETH Zürich, Switzerland
Living Droplets Get to Work
Martin van Hecke, AMOLF / Leiden University,
The Netherlands
Kurt Kremer, Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Germany
Silvia Marchesan, University of Trieste, Italy
Pierangelo Metrangolo, Politecnico di Milano, Italy
Francesco Sciortino, ​Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
Dimitris Vlassopoulos, Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser, FOTRH, Greece

Keynote speakers

Steve Armes, The University of Sheffield, UK
Costantino Creton, ESPCI, France
Haim Diamant, Tel Aviv University, Israel
Wiebke Drenckhan, Institut Charles Sadron, France
Eric Grelet, CNRS, France
Giovanni Ianniruberto, The University of Naples Federico II, Italy
Tanniemola B Liverpool, University of Bristol, UK
Cristian Micheletti, International School for Advanced Studies (SISSA), Italy
Cecile Monteux, ESPCI Paris, France
Elie Raphael, ESPCI, France
Stefano Sacanna, New York University, USA
Andela Šarić, ​ Institute of Science and Technology Austria
Peter Schall, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Veronique Trappe, University of Fribourg, Switzerland
Nicolas Vogel, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany
Giovanni Volpe, University of Gothenburg, Sweden

Deadlines and registration information

Early registration – ​ 30 June, 2022
Abstract submission deadline for oral presentations – 30 June, 2022
Abstract submission deadline for posters – 30 July, 2022

Registration fees

Early registration fee
(registration up to 30 June, 2022)
Regular registration fee
(registration after 30 June, 2022 )

Regular Participants
575 €
685 €

Students
465 €
575 €

Accompanying person
90 €
115 ​€

Fee includes:

admission to all sessions,
participation in the Opening Ceremony,
participation in the Gala Dinner,
participation in the city tours,
coffee breaks and lunches,
conference materials,
free use of public transport on the basis of the Conference ID tag.

For more information, please visit our website: http://ismc2022.amu.edu.pl, or write an email to ismc2022@amu.edu.pl

We are looking forward to welcoming you to this Conference.
The Organizing Committee

Tenure-track Junior Professor Chair : New materials and processes with low environmental impact
2022-09-06 08:00 - 2022-11-30 17:00
Research project
The scientific project carried out by the Chair is at the intersection of the disciplinary fields of process and material sciences involving the use of supercritical fluids. It will allow the development of studies which will aim at :
– Intensifying the adequacy between the process and the material by improving the process efficiency. It can be achieved by integrating several functions in a single operation and by reducing the consumption of inputs (monomers, additives, catalysts…). The idea is to optimize the physico-chemical properties and/or reactive systems by supercritical fluids as reagents or carrier fluids to provide new functions or as plasticizers to transform heat-sensitive materials such as biobased polymers.
– Making the use of polymeric materials safer in order to increase their recycling towards currently unthinkable applications by achieving total clean-up/purification: offering ultra-pure virgin or recycled polymers,
– Continuously generating materials with properties that are different from those currently proposed: high-performance materials, nano-cellular polymer foams or polymer blends with controlled morphologies.
The deployment of the scientific project relies on a base of existing projects currently composed of 3 PhD on recycling and 4 projects on the purification and development of cellular materials. As soon as he/she is recruited, the person hired will be integrated into the follow-up of the projects. He/she will also supervise the doctoral and post-doctoral students recruited. They will be assigned to the development of the coupling of fluids under supercritical conditions and polymer processing and, more particularly, they will endeavour to associate conceptual aspects at different scales and states of matter with the experimental part (constitutive laws and scaling laws for complex polymer/supercritical fluids under strong flows, fundamental mechanisms involved in the elaboration of nano-foams assisted by supercritical fluids, understanding of the clean-up processes integrated in a recycling operation).
The overall budget allocated to the project amounts to 650000 € including salaries.
Contacts Head of the lab : Pr Jean-Charles Majesté, majeste@univ-st-etienne.fr
Host laboratory:
The Laboratory « Ingénierie des Matériaux Polymères » (UMR CNRS 5223) is a research unit (70 senior scientists /130 Ph-D and postdocs) which focuses on polymer materials, affiliated to CNRS, University of Lyon, INSA and to University Jean Monnet of Saint-Etienne). The laboratory has included in its roadmap the development of cross-disciplinary skills related to major societal challenges in both energy and environmental aspects, including an approach to the development of materials with a virtuous life cycle. The person recruited at the Saint-Etienne site will be able to rely on the laboratory’s platform “FlusCritex” (unique in Europe) dedicated to the coupling of fluids under supercritical conditions and polymer processing. The development of this coupling approach requires the association of conceptual aspects at different scales and states of matter in addition to the experimental component. This conceptualization approach is an important research axis in the laboratory.

24th JCNS Laboratory Course Neutron Scattering
2022-09-05 08:00 - 2022-09-16 17:00 | Forschungszentrum Jülich / MLZ Garching
The course will consist of one week of lectures and exercises at Forschungszentrum
Jülich and one week of practical training at the neutron scattering facilities of
Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum MLZ, Garching/Munich. It is the aim of the course
to give a realistic insight into the experimental technique and its scientific
power.
Students of physics, chemistry, materials science and biosciences are invited to
apply for participation. There is no tuition fee. Accommodation and meals during
the course will be provided by JCNS. Travel expenses will be reimbursed within
reasonable limits.
For further information, updates in connection with COVID-19, and to apply for
participation please visit our website
www.neutronlab.de
Deadline for application is May 15, 2022.

European Colloid and Interface Society (ECIS2022)
2022-09-04 - 2022-09-09 | Minoa Palace, Chania, Crete, Greece
The European Colloid and Interface Society (ECIS2022) will take place from the 4th to the 9th of September 2022 in Chania (Crete, Greece) https://ecis2022.org/.
The abstract submission as well as the short-course and conference registrations are open. Please note the deadline for abstract (oral and poster) submission is the 4th of April 2022.
Under the current conditions, we aim to have four parallel on-site sessions with partial online coverage (all plenary talks and one session).
If however, further COVID pandemic restrictions are applied, provisions exist to move to a full hybrid version (with all sessions running on-line and on-site).
A satellite session on “Tribological effects on rheology of suspensions: Surface forces, contact effects, and chemical modifications” and a special China-Europe Symposium are also planned within the conference.
A short course on “Advanced Characterization and Modelling techniques for Colloids” is scheduled on 3-4 September at the premises of FORTH at Heraklion.
Complementing the scientific program, a diverse social program shall expose the participants to the history, culture and magnificent nature of mountains and beaches of Crete. We look forward to welcoming you to Crete in September.
