PhD position in Montpellier (Soft Matter, microgels)
2022-10-25 08:00 - 2022-11-30 17:00 (Europe/Berlin)
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

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 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.

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.

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.

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”

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 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.

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/

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

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

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.

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

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

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).

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

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”.

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

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 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/

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

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.

PSCM User Meeting 2024
2024-03-04 11:00 - 2024-03-06 14:00 | 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

15 PhD Fellowships funded by the Marie-Curie Industrial DN "CoCoGel"
2024-03-10 08:00 - 17:00
15 PhD Fellowships in Soft Matter funded by EU research project CoCoGel:
“Controlling Colloidal Gels for Novel Sustainable Materials”
https://cocogel.iesl.forth.gr/
CoCoGel is a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Industrial Doctoral Network (DN) (HORIZON-MSCA-2022-DN-01-01) aiming to provide integrated training for early career researchers, enabling them to achieve scientific excellence and set the foundations of their future careers.
CoCoGel is seeking 15 motivated PhD Candidates (DCs) in the field of Soft Condensed Matter. The Network involves leading experts in 6 academic and 6 industrial nodes. The network provides state-of-the-art expertise in experimental techniques, computer simulations, and industrial systems which will provide a collaborative and stimulating environment for the candidates. Applicants must hold a Master’s Degree in Physics/Chemistry/Chemical Engineering/Materials science or other relevant disciple. Each DC will be enrolled in the PhD program of one of the academic partners. A very competitive EU funding is offered for 36 months.
To qualify for the positions, you cannot have resided or carried out your main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the Host country for more than 12 months in the 36 months preceding the recruitment start date.
CoCoGel overarching goal
Transformative advances in product formulation are required to meet the demand for sustainability across a wide range of EU-priority industrial areas. Colloidal gels – complex, out-of-equilibrium soft matter systems – are core components in many formulations, including building materials (e.g. cement), energy materials (e.g., batteries and fuel cells), consumer care and food products, and medicine. Because of their complexity, current industrial practice in product formulation remains limited to trial and error. Recent advances in colloidal-gel physics strongly imply that the rational design of colloidal gel properties is within reach. This design is based on tuning gel microstructure via external stimuli, such as shear, ultrasound, and (magnetic/electric) fields, and the addition of non-Brownian inclusions.
The CoCoGel doctoral network will focus on these new routes to controlling colloidal gel microstructure, and will enable the translation from the current academic state of the art to industrial practice. We will bring together academic and industrial partners to realize the creation of new sustainable materials and production processes. The CoCoGel industrial doctoral training network will leverage and extend existing collaborations, to train a new generation of researchers with both multi-disciplinary expertise in soft materials and practical experience engaging with industry. These will drive further sustainable development over a wide range of European industries.
For details of each PhD project see: https://cocogel.iesl.forth.gr/esr-projects
Enquiries should be addressed to the CoCoGel Project Manager Dr. D. Ljumovic (cocogel@iesl.forth.gr) and to the relevant partner contact below:

FORTH, Greece (coordinator, G. Petekidis, georgp@iesl.forth.gr )
University of Granada, Spain (J. de Vicente, jvicente@ugr.es )
Delft University of Technology, Netherlands (V. Garbin, Garbin@tudelft.nl )
CNRS, Lyon, France (T. Divoux, divoux@ens-lyon.fr )
Utrecht University, Netherlands (J de Graaf, degraaf@gmail.com )
Edinburgh University, UK (W.C.K. Poon, Poon@ed.ac.uk )
Sunlight, Greece, (N. Tsiouvaras, tsiouvaras@sunlight.gr )
InProcess, Netherlands, (R. Besseling, besseling@inprocess-lsp.com )
Nanogetic, Spain, (R. Naselli, naselli@nanogetic.es )
Advent, Denmark (S. Andreasen, Andreasen@advent.energy )
Holcim, France (F. Toussaint, toussaint@holcim.com )
Unilever, Netherlands (K. Velikov, Velikov@unilever.com )

Fully Funded PhD Position in Bio and Nanomaterials
2024-04-19 08:00 - 2024-05-22 17:00
A fully funded position is available at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice supported by EU next-generation funds with the title:

Computational design and screening of cyclic peptides for precision delivery of therapeutic nucleic acids
The goal of the present project is to develop novel cyclic peptides capable of binding with high affinity and selectivity cell surface tissue-specific receptors that have historically been resistant to conventional modalities ultimately enabling the generation of nucleic acid-based therapeutics with better tissue-selectivity, lower toxicity, and superior efficacy.
We are seeking a motivated and resourceful student with an interest in Computational Biology/Chemistry/Physics and a related background. A familiarity with programming languages (python, Fortran, C++, etc) and HPC environments is desirable. Good knowledge of fundamentals of peptide and protein chemistry is highly recommended. The project is highly interdisciplinary and involves personnel involved in both computational and experimental aspects, so the candidate will be expected to work closely and fruitfully with the experimentalists. We welcome enquiries from all interested candidates. Starting date is 1stSeptember 2024.
For formal enquires please contact Prof. Achille Giacometti (achille.giacometti@unive.it).

Expresion of interest - Postdoctoral Fellowships programme (HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01)
2024-06-21 08:00 - 2024-09-01 17:00
Within the framework of the MARIE SKŁODOWSKA-CURIE ACTIONS – POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS (HORIZON-MSCA-2024-PF-01) CINBIO, acting as a host institution, welcomes applications from researchers in the following main areas:
– Nanomaterials
– Biomedicine
The MARIE SKŁODOWSKA-CURIE POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIPS are available for experienced researchers, of any nationality, who must have, at the date of the call’s deadline, a doctoral degree or at least four years of full time equivalent research experience. Eligible candidates must comply with MSCA MOBILITY RULES.
Please, contact us (cinbio.eup@uvigo.es), if you have a PhD related to our research lines, you comply with the mobility rule of the MSCA; and you choose CINBIO, at University of Vigo, as your Host Institution. Send the following information, before 31st of July 2024:
Deadline for applications: 31 July 2024 / MSCA call deadline: 11 September 2024
Requested: Doctoral degree/PhD or at least four years of full time equivalent research experience in areas related to Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Informatics, Engineering, Physics, or Medicine.
Skills:

Excellent academic record, and strong interest in research, to join an established center with multiple lines of biomedical research, that will sure suit your curiosity.
Highest motivation to carry out scientific experiments in a reliable and efficient way, excellent communication skills; and willing to advance on their research pursuit.
Focus on the daily work, proactive, attentive to detail, autonomous, and able to collaborate in the lab tasks.
Participation on dissemination activities.
Command of English language.

Candidates should send before deadline, 31.07.2024:

Title and summary of the work plan (written in English); (filename CINBIO-MSCA_YourName_WP.pdf).
A detailed CV / Professional experience (filename CINBIO-MSCA_YourName_CV.pdf).
A motivation letter explaining your trajectory in the last five years and explaining the relevance of your achievements (max. 5000 characters); (filename CINBIO-MSCA_YourName_LETTER.pdf).
Academic record, including one copy of relevant publication written in English (filename CINBIO-MSCA_YourName_DEGREE.pdf).

International Conference “Motile Active Matter 2024”
2024-07-09 08:00 - 17:00
Organized by EU H2020 ITN PHYMOT – Physics of Microbial Motility
FOCUS
From the largest animals to the smallest single-cell organisms, motility is a fundamental characteristic of
life. Cell swimming, in particular, underpins a wide range of fundamental biological phenomena, including
microbial grazing that fuels the base of the food web, inter-microbial communication, animal reproduction,
and parasitic infection. Furthermore, the swarming behavior of motile microorganisms bears similarities
with larger creatures, such as insects, ants, worms, fish, and birds.

Summer school on soft matter and food science - Cargese, Corsica, France - July 23 - Aug 2, 2024
2024-07-23 - 2024-08-02 | Cargese, Corsica, France
Dear all,
We are delighted to announce a summer school on soft matter and food science to be held in the summer of 2024 from July 23rd to August 2nd at the Institut des Etudes Scientifiques (IES) in Cargèse, Corsica (France).

The school will offer a series of introductory lectures on Soft Matter covering the key building blocks, i.e., polymers and colloids, which can be used to formulate dispersions, gels, composites, and soft glassy materials. Thanks to contributions from leading experts in the field, the summer school will provide the basics of structural & mechanical characterization, and multiscale modeling, from MD simulations, to continuum mechanics.
Moreover, the school will also include a series of more advanced classes focusing on food-related topics, e.g., products composed of proteins, polysaccharides and fat, and tackle textural attributes of food as well as related industrial processes.

The school is supported by SoftComp.

Practical information, including the list of speakers, registration fees, lodging info can be found on the following website : https://softfood.sciencesconf.org/
Registration are opened to all, but limited to 76 participants, so do not wait, sign up and join us!
Looking forward to seeing you in Cargèse,
The organizing Committee
Emanuela Del Gado (Georgetown Univ.)
Thibaut Divoux (CNRS, ENS de Lyon)
Gareth H. McKinley (MIT)
Laurence Ramos (CNRS, L2C Montpellier)

26th JCNS Laboratory Course Neutron Scattering
2024-09-02 - 2024-09-13
The Juelich Centre for Neutron Science (JCNS) is happy to announce that application is open for the 26th Laboratory Course Neutron Scattering taking place September 2 – 13, 2024 in Juelich and Garching/Munich, Germany.
The course will consist of one week of lectures and exercises and one week of practical training at the neutron scattering facilities of Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum MLZ. It is the aim of the course to give a realistic insight into the experimental technique and its scientific power.
Students and early-carrier postdocs 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 and to apply for participation please visit our website
https://neutronlab.de
Deadline for application is May 21, 2024.
Click here for additional information.
We are looking forward to welcoming you in Juelich and Garching!
Best regards
Margarita Kruteva, Reiner Zorn

Celebrating Tom McLeish
2024-09-02 08:00 - 2024-09-04 17:00
This three-day workshop will celebrate the academic work of Tom McLeish (1962-2023). Tom played an important role in the initial establishment of SoftComp Consortium. He also worked in many different fields, crossing disciplinary boundaries, and encouraging us to engage with one another. This meeting in his honour will cover several of his main fields of study:
Monday 2 Sept.: Polymer Physics and Rheology
Tuesday 3 Sept.: Physics of Life
Wednesday 4 Sept.: The Science-Humanities Interface
The meeting will start mid-morning on Monday and finish early afternoon on Wednesday. There will be a dinner on the Tuesday evening, which we hope will lead many to random interdisciplinary encounters of just the kind that Tom loved.
Further details and registration are now available at:
https://www.dur.ac.uk/research/institutes-and-centres/biophysical-sciences-institute/events/celebrating-tom–mcleish-/
Registration is £135 for the three days, covering the conference dinner, lunch and refreshments. Various accommodation options are available, including limited college accommodation that can be booked when registering.
A provisional list of invited speakers is as follows:
Polymer Physics and Rheology: Jaap den Doelder, Ron Larson, Denise Li, Tim Lodge, Scott Milner, Peter Olmsted, Charley Shaefer, Lynn Walker.
Physics of Life: Sarah Harris, Rhoda Hawkins, Rivka Isaacson, Bhavin Khatri, Philip Nelson, Tannie Liverpool, Sheena Radford, Hannah Smithson.
The Science-Humanities Interface: Alister McGrath, Amanda Rees and Giles Gasper, with further speakers to be confirmed.
Additionally, Wilson Poon will speak last thing on the Tuesday afternoon, on any or all of the above topics!
It promises to be a special meeting, and we hope that many of you will be able to attend.
Best wishes
Daniel Read, Mike Cates, Mark Leake, Colin Bain, David Wilkinson, Giles Gasper
PS: This meeting is not to be confused with the Edwards Symposium taking place in Cambridge from 11th-13th September!
