SoftComp

15 Post-doc positions within the GNeuS project!
2021-11-18 08:00 - 2022-01-15 17:00 (Europe/Berlin)
Research with neutrons, with its interdisciplinary approach, is indispensable for modern science. Taking into consideration tremendous changes in the European neutron landscape and assuming responsibility for sustainability, the neutron community is nowadays facing an important task to ensure long-term perspectives, that essentially depend on its ability to create a new generation of innovative highly-skilled researchers. To tackle this challenge, Forschungszentrum Jülich (FZJ), Technical University Munich (TUM) and Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon (Hereon), partners at the Heinz-Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum (MLZ), are running the Marie-Skłodowska Curie Acton (MSCA) COFUND project “Global Neutron Scientists” (GNeuS) to train young neutron scientists through the establishment of a well-structured postdoctoral research program with a strong interdisciplinary and intersectoral approach and global outreach. Within GNeuS, postdoc grants are offered to solving the grand challenges facing mankind in areas such as environment, energy, key technologies, soft matter and life science as well as improving the existing instrumentation and the ancillary equipments and developing new sources or optimizing the existing ones. During the five year project lifetime and three calls, the three MLZ Partners offer a total of 45 fellowships each with a duration of 24 months.
The GNeuS call N. 1 started on 01.11.2021 and the application submission deadline is on 15.01.2022, and will assign 15 grants.
The call N. 2 and n. 3 will start one and two years later, respectively, and will assign 15 grants each as well.
Please find the links below for detailed information
– The GNeuS portal https://gneus.eu
– Guidelines for applicants https://gneus.eu/guidelines-for-applicants
Application shall be submitted through the GNeuS Online Application System available at https://my.gneus.eu
Contact: GNeuS Management Office email: gneus@mlz-garching.de
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie grant agreement No 101034266.

Two postdoc positions in Paris on microfluidics
2021-11-07 08:00 - 2022-04-07 17:00
Dear Softcomp users
We are advertising two postdoc positions in Paris. The first one deals with hydrogels and microfluidics and is located at ESPCI and the second one deals with proteins, interfaces and microfluidics and will be shared between ESPCI and Ecole Normale Supérieure. These positions will start early 2022.
Best regards
Cécile Monteux
CNRS and ESPCI Paris

PostDoc Postion on finite element modelling @FZJ
2021-10-12 08:00 - 2021-11-30 17:00
Dear Colleagues,

We at Jülich recently got funding for an exciting project on Folding of Elastomeres. The groups of Gerhard Gompper and Stefan Förster are starting a new collaboration to create controlled wrinkling patterns. I presented the basics of that project during the last annual meeting. While the position is currently for one year only, extension prospects are looking promising for much more.

For further details go to Forschungszentrum Jülich – Stellenangebote – Postdoc in Folding of Surfaces of Elastic Gels with Finite-Element Models (fz-juelich.de)
or https://www.fz-juelich.de/SharedDocs/Stellenangebote/_common/dna/2021-390-EN-IBI-5.html

Applications preferentially by email to the PI: j.elgeti@fz-juelich.de
Best Regards
Jens Elgeti

Post-doc position in Montpellier (polymer physics/Hutchinson)
2021-04-15 08:00 - 2021-06-30 17:00
Dear all,

In collaboration with the Hutchinson-company, we have an open post-doc position in our group in Montpellier in scattering methods applied to polymer nanocomposites, starting after summer. Details can be found here:

https://cloud.coulomb.umontpellier.fr/index.php/s/S8sFKdFEgte2nmE

Please forward to anyone who might be interested.

Thanks and best regards,
Caroline & Julian

Postdoctoral position: Microfluidic flow of vesicle prototissues as a model for embryonic tissues (U.Montpellier, France)
2021-04-15 08:00 - 2021-06-01 17:00
The Soft Matter team of the Laboratoire Charles Coulomb (Montpellier) offers a post-doctoral research contract, funded by the Labex-Numev, for a period of one year (with possibility of renewal) starting on September 1st, 2021. The postdoc will be supervised by Laura Casanellas.
Project description
The goal of the project is to characterize the microfluidic flow of biomimetic tissues as a model system for Xenopus embryos. Specifically, we aim at unveiling the role of cell-cell adhesion on the flow of the tissue. In our team we have recently synthesized a prototissue based on the self-assembly of giant unilamellar vesicles (GUV), which displays tuneable GUV adhesion, size and morphology. This model prototissue represents an ideal tool to uncouple adhesion from other physical and biological cell properties (which is extremely challenging in living systems) and to probe its role on the tissue rheology.
Postdoc objectives
The successful candidate will focus on the implementation of microfluidic flow experiments of vesicle prototissues, using different flow geometries. The candidate will first develop the necessary imaging tools necessary to provide a quantitative description of the flow at the tissue and cell levels. Next, the impact of individual GUV properties (adhesion and elasticity) on tissue rheology will be probed in microfluidic confinement. The results will enable to validate the theoretical constitutive equation describing the flow behavior of the biomimetic tissue.
Postdoc Candidate
We are looking for a highly motivated candidate to join our team, willing to carry on experimental research in a multi-disciplinary framework. Candidates should hold a PhD in Biophysics, Physics, Fluid Mechanics or Chemistry. Expertise on microfluidics, microscopy, and image analysis will be highly appreciated. Good communication skills and a basic knowledge on programming are required.
Application: Applicants should send as soon as possible their CV, together with a cover letter and one/two references to L. Casanellas (laura.casanellas-vilageliu@umontpellier.fr)
Please, feel free to contact me for any further information.

Funded PhD studentship at Durham University (UK)
2021-02-26 08:00 - 2021-04-20 17:00
A fully funded PhD studentship is available in the group of Mark Miller in the Chemistry Department of Durham University (UK) to start in October 2021. The deadline for applications is 19 March.
The project is entitled “Predictive simulations of molecules in membranes” and will focus on developing quantitative coarse-grained models that work over a broad chemical space. One of the key aims is to predict partitioning of and interaction between molecules in lipid bilayers, taking into account the dependence of these properties on the composition of the bilayer itself.
The studentship is for four years and is funded by an Industrial CASE award from Unilever and EPSRC (the UK’s Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council).
Candidates should have (or be about to obtain) a strong degree in chemistry, chemical physics, or closely related discipline. Experience of molecular dynamics simulation and of programming is highly desirable.
Durham University has particular strengths in computational chemistry and in soft matter. We have an interdepartmental Centre for Soft Matter and host the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Soft Matter for Formulation and Industrial Innovation (SOFI2) with the Universities of Leeds and Edinburgh. Durham itself is a picturesque medieval city in the northeast of England, centred on a World Heritage Site.
For full details of the studentship and how to apply, please see https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/predictive-simulations-of-molecules-in-membranes/?p130265

Fully funded PhD on Machine Learning for Analysis of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectra at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice in collaboration with Zurich University of Applied Sciences ZHAW
2021-02-14 08:00 - 2021-03-15 17:00
Title: Machine Learning for Analysis of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectra

The PhD in Science and Technology of Bio and Nanomaterials, will be awarded by Ca’ Foscari University of Venice.
https://www.unive.it/pag/33115/

We offer a four year position: The PhD student will spend three years in Venice and one year at Zurich University of Applied Sciences (in Winterthur, close to Zurich). For the year in Switzerland a significant higher compensation is offered due to the higher cost of living in the Zurich area.

Your responsibilities:

Develop machine learning tools for the analysis of NMR spectra
Become an expert in the field of machine learning for NMR technology, with a track record of published own research results and successful technology transfer
Apply for the PhD Program at Università Ca’ Foscari Venice.

The successful candidate has finished a Master’s degree in physics, physical chemistry, or computer science at a research university or a university of applied sciences within the last two years. He or she must have reliable experience in neural networks (e.g., done coursework and own experimentation, ideally proven by successful projects or publications). We expect a good command as well as a passion for programming, ideally in python. Good communication skills in English are also crucial for the work in multidisciplinary teams. The ideal candidate has sound knowledge of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and is interested in understanding the underlying quantum mechanics. The PhD candidate will be part of an interdisciplinary team of researchers at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice and ZHAW. Particular emphasis is given to developing prototypes, experimenting hands-on with data, and scientific evaluation and publication of results.
Please address further enquiring to Prof. Achille Giacometti (achille.giacometti@unive.it).

Zurich University of Applied Sciences ZHAW is one of Switzerland’s largest multidisciplinary universities of applied sciences, with over 13,000 students and 3,000 faculty and staff.

As one of the leading Engineering Faculties in Switzerland, the ZHAW School of Engineering (SoE) emphasises topics which will be relevant in the future. Our 13 institutes and centres guarantee superior-quality education, research and development with a focus on the areas of energy, mobility, information and health.

Since 2013 the Institute of Applied Mathematics and Physics (IAMP) has teamed up with five other institutes from three departments to establish one of the first interdisciplinary Data Science Centres in Europe – the ZHAW Datalab (www.zhaw.ch/datalab). It runs a focus area on deep learning methodology, spanning several research groups, with several multi-year research projects on the applicability of reinforcement learning to areas from home automation to applications in medical technology.

Within the Research Group Applied Complex Systems Sciences of the Institute of Applied Mathematics and Physics (www.zhaw.ch/iamp ), we are looking for a highly motivated and excellent candidate as:

Two professorships in chemistry at Durham University, UK
2021-01-20 08:00 - 2021-03-16 17:00
Dear colleagues,
Durham University (UK) is seeking to appoint two talented individuals to the role of Professor of Chemistry with research and teaching interests in the broad fields of:
Post 1. Organic or bio-organic functional materials chemistry (including synthetic chemical biology or biological chemistry, catalysis, polymers)
Post 2. Experimental soft matter (including surfaces and interfaces) or polymer chemistry (including biopolymers and extended functional organic molecules).
We are particularly eager to hear from applicants with strengths in synthetic chemistry.
Further details about the posts and how to apply can be found here:
https://durham.taleo.net/careersection/du_ext/jobdetail.ftl?job=20000932&tz=GMT%2B00%3A00&tzname=Europe%2FLondon
Should you wish to be considered for both positions, there is no need to apply twice, but please indicate as much in your application cover letter.
Durham Chemistry is one of the very best UK chemistry departments with an outstanding reputation for excellence in teaching, research and employability of our students. The Department was ranked 1st for research impact and 5th overall in REF2014 (the most recent national research assessment in the UK) in terms of grade point average. It routinely features high in national league tables and is 2nd in the Guardian University League Table 2021 and 4th in the Complete University Guide 2021. An overview of the Department of Chemistry can be found at: https://www.dur.ac.uk/chemistry/
If you have any questions about these positions, please contact Prof. Lian Hutchings (l.r.hutchings@durham.ac.uk)
With kindest regards,
Lian Hutchings
Mark Miller

Postdoc position in experimental soft matter physics @ Laboratoire Charles Coulomb, Montpellier
2020-11-20 08:00 - 2020-12-05 17:00
We are seeking for a highly motivated postdoc to join the Soft Matter team at Laboratoire Charles Coulomb, Montpellier (France). Ideally, the start date would be February 2021. The project is funded through the French National Research Agency grant “THELECTRA” (Thermoresponsive electroadsorption).
The postdoc will investigate how the electrostatic adsorption of charged polyelectrolytes (PEs) affects the stability, the rheology, and the dynamics at the microscopic scale of suspensions of thermoresponsive ionic microgels with a charge opposite in sign to that of the PEs. She / he will explore the state diagram of PEs-microgel complexes in terms of rheology as a function of different parameters, such as temperature, concentration of PEs and microgels or their deformability. She / he will use a set of complementary experimental techniques, which include an original set-up coupling light scattering and rheological measurements, to determine the microscopic dynamics of PE-microgel complexes formed at high concentrations, both at rest and under large shear strains. A quantitative comparison between the microscopic dynamics and the macroscopic mechanical properties of PE-microgel suspensions will be performed to reveal the origin of phenomena such as yielding, aging and possibly thixotropy.
Such a fundamental understanding will be used to obtain a proof of concept for the design of a gray water treatment cell. This cell will use ionic microgels to physically adsorb a large class of ionic waste, removing them from the water to be purified.
The position is for 24 months. For further details, and to apply online, please visit https://emploi.cnrs.fr/Offres/CDD/UMR5221-DOMTRU-001/Default.aspx?lang=EN.
Interested individuals can also contact me via email (domenico.truzzolillo@umontpellier.fr) or via my website (https://domenicotruzzolillo.jimdofree.com/contacts/)
The closing date for the application is december 1st.
Please feel free to disseminate to anybody that might be interested.
Domenico Truzzolillo

International Conference “Motile Active Matter”
2020-10-26 10:30 - 2020-10-29 19:00 | Online event
The international conference “Motile Active Matter”, organized by the DFG Priority Programme 1726 “Microswimmers”, brings together scientists from the various disciplines involved in research on active matter, disseminating recent progresses and highlighting future challenges. Topics include:
• Cells and Microorganisms
• Artificial and Biological Microswimmers
• Collective Behavior
• Steering and Navigation
• Confinement and External Fields
• Statistical Mechanics of Active Matter
Participation is free of charge and only possible after registration via the conference website. You will receive a link to the conference site by email.

PhD position F/M in materials chemistry/polymer science: mineral-organic composites for enhanced ion transport
2020-10-16 08:00 - 2020-12-31 17:00
Ionic conductivity is a key property for emerging energy technologies like fuel cells and batteries.
In a joint project between the ‘Laboratoire Charles Coulomb’ (L2C) and the ‘Institut Charles
Gerhardt de Montpellier’ (ICGM), we will explore how ionic transport processes in poly(ionic
liquids) (PILs) can be simultaneously enhanced by incorporating ionic liquids (IL) while controlling
mechanical strength (and contributing to conductivity) through embedding of a second solid,
ionically conducting network of ionosilica. For this purpose, we will investigate the chemical and
physical properties of various ionic materials (ionic liquids, ionosilicas, poly(ionic liquids)) and
nanostructured composites.
The synthesis of the ionic phases will be carried out at ICGM, and the ion conducting properties
will be studied at L2C. Both project partners have strong scientific background in their respective
fields: L2C (A.C. Genix, J. Oberdisse) have deep expertise in structural and dynamical studies at
the nanoscale in complex polymer systems and nanocomposites. ICGM (P. Hesemann, J. Alauzun,
S. Clément, S. Devautour) is specialized in the synthesis of (nano)materials and PILs as well as
electrical measurements to characterize ionic dynamics of porous solids. As both consortium
partners are localized in Montpellier, the project will benefit from intense and regular scientific
exchange.
As a part of this project, the candidate will be in charge of the synthesis and characterization of
the ionic silica fillers, poly(ionic liquids) as well as nanocomposite formulation. She/He should
have a strong background in materials or polymer chemistry, as well as spectroscopic
characterization methods. Good communication skills, notably in English (oral and written), are
mandatory.
Application deadline: November 15, 2020
Starting date: January 1st, 2021
Contact: Dr. Peter Hesemann
Institut Charles Gerhardt, équipe CMOS
Place E. Bataillon
34090 Montpellier
peter.hesemann@umontpellier.fr

24th JCNS Laboratory Course Neutron Scattering
2020-08-31 08:00 - 2020-09-11 17:00 | Forschungszentrum Jülich, Leo Brandt Straße, Jülich, Germany
Juelich Centre for Neutron Science (JCNS) is happy to announce that
application is open for the 24th Laboratory Course Neutron Scattering
taking place August 31 – September 11, 2020 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 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
www.neutronlab.de
Deadline for application is May 10, 2020.
We are looking forward to welcoming you in Juelich and Garching!

Marie-Curie Post-doc in Soft Matter at the Institut Laue-Langevin
2020-06-09 08:00 - 2020-09-09 17:00
Dear Colleagues,

the Partnership of Soft Condensed Matter, located on the EPN Campus in Grenoble, is looking for young researchers, holding a doctoral degree in the domain of soft condensed matter, not having worked in France for more than 12 months in the last three years, and is willing to apply for the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Individual Fellowships (MSCA-IF). The deadline for application to the MSCA program is September 9th and the guide for applicants can be downloaded here.

The EPN campus hosts the Institut Laue-Langevin, the European Synchrotron radiation facility, in addition to partner institutes such as the Institute of Structural Biology. The Partnership of Soft Condensed Matter is a laboratory run by the ILL and the ESRF and provides a broad suite of preparation and characterization techniques in the domain of soft matter (http://www.epn-campus.eu/users/partnership-for-soft-condensed-matter-pscm/).

If you are interested in applying for a MSCA grant, with a focus on fundamental research in the domain of soft matter, please send me a very one-page description of the project and your cv. If the project fits in the research activities of the PSCM, we will be happy to support your application. Do not hesitate to contact me for any further information. I apologize if you received this email more than once.

Looking forward to hearing from you,
Leonardo Chiappisi

Dr. Leonardo CHIAPPISI
Scientific Coordinator of the PSCM
Institut Max von Laue – Paul Langevin (ILL)
71, avenue des Martyrs – CS 20156
38042 Grenoble cedex 9 – France
+33 (0)4 76 20 79 53
chiappisil@ill.eu

PhD Studentship (Grenoble & Leeds) – Physics vs. Chemistry of Cell Capture at the Blood Vessel Wall
2020-06-07 08:00 - 2020-07-03 17:00
In this interdisciplinary project, the PhD student will use in vitro systems to study how the glycan-rich layer on the endothelial cells lining blood vessels helps regulating the selective capture of cells from the circulation into tissues using biomechanical and biochemical signals.

Cell capture under flow at the wall of blood vessels is a critical physiological process: red blood cell adhesion should be avoided to prevent blood clots, and immune and stem cell adhesion is tightly regulated for proper immune/inflammatory responses, and for tissue repair. How the selective capture of cells is controlled is not well understood. It is clear though that this involves biomechanical and biochemical cues, and knowing how these signals are coupled would help to devise new ways to control immune cell recruitment and homing of stem cells, or to interfere with pathogen invasion and tumour metastasis.
The first and critical step of cell capture is mediated by the endothelial glycocalyx, a soft and glycan-rich coat on the blood vessel wall. To elucidate how biomechanical and biochemical cues in the glycocalyx are coupled to regulate cell capture, biomimetic surfaces will be developed that present selected components of the blood vessel wall in a tunable way, building on our extended experience on simpler glycocalyx models. Combined with laminar flow assays, these surfaces will enable quantitative cellular and cell-mimetic studies in a well-defined environment, and subsequent analysis with theories from soft matter and biological physics.
The PhD student will be exposed to and work with state-of-the-art surface biofunctionalization and physico-chemical characterization, microfluidics and advanced optical microscopy methods, cell culture as well as soft matter and biological physics concepts. Training on all these methods will be provided as required.
Location and practical aspects
Grenoble is a pleasant city located in the French Alps. It is one of the most renowned scientific areas in France, providing a vibrant and collaborative scientific environment.
This project is part of an ongoing collaboration between the University Grenoble Alpes (UGA) and the University of Leeds (UoL). The successful applicant will be hosted by the Laboratory of Interdisciplinary Physics (LIPhy) at UGA, in the research group Mechanics of Cells in Complex Media (MC2). He/she will work under the supervision of Dr. Delphine Débarre (UGA) and Dr. Ralf Richter (UoL). The project will comprise extended secondments to the Richter Lab at UoL.
The studentship is for 3 years, and can be started between September 2020 and January 2021. The working language is English. The gross salary will be 1787 €/month, equivalent to a net salary of 1414 €/month.
Qualifications of the applicant
We are looking for an enthusiastic and rigorous experimentalist with a background in biochemistry, physical chemistry, biophysics, bioengineering, soft matter physics, or a closely related field, and keen interest in multidisciplinary work. Experience with biosurface science or cell culture, and affinity for data modelling, are an advantage.
Applications
Interested candidates should write Delphine Débarre (delphine.debarre@univ-grenoblealpes.fr) and Ralf Richter (r.richter@leeds.ac.uk) with their motivation letter, CV, transcript of university record, and contact information of two referees (indicate “PhD studentship – Glycocalyx” as e-mail subject). Application deadline: 03/07/2020.

1 Postdoc and 1 PhD position in "Topological Fluid Mechanics" at the University of Luxembourg
2020-05-22 08:00 - 2020-07-31 17:00
Luxembourg is a dynamic, multicultural country in the heart of Europe with a strong research and development base supported by important financial and organisational resources. It offers state-of-the-art facilities and an excellent training environment for cross pollination of research ideas across faculties of engineering and natural sciences.
Within Luxembourg, innovative research in the area of biophysics is carried out at the University of Luxembourg’s Physics and Materials Science Research Unit (PHYMS-RU) and the Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB). Close synergies with the Life Sciences Research Unit (LS-RU), Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), the Luxembourg National Health Laboratory (LNS), and the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) make Luxembourg a thriving hub for cutting edge cross-disciplinary research in the physics of living systems.
Application is now open for a:
Postdoctoral researcher position in Topological Fluid Mechanics
Details and application procedure can be found here: http://emea3.mrted.ly/2gyie

Ref: RCREQ0004042
Initial 12 months fixed-term contract, renewable for up to 24 months (depending on interim evaluation after first 6 months)
Full time position (40 hrs/week)
Starting date: September 2020 or the earliest possible date

Your Profile
We are seeking excellent and highly motivated candidates holding a PhD degree in a field related to the topic of the program (PhD or equivalent in Natural Sciences or Engineering Sciences). Experimental and theoretical background in soft and/or active matter physics and fluid mechanics is essential. Experience/knowledge of quantitative imaging, analysis and pattern recognition techniques will be given preference. Fluency in English is mandatory. Willingness to work in an inter-cultural and international environment, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team, are desired.

PhD position in Topological Fluid Mechanics
Details and application procedure can be found here: http://emea3.mrted.ly/2gyi7

Ref: RCREQ0004041
Initial 36 months fixed-term contract, renewable for up to 48 months (depending on thesis progress evaluation)
Full time position (40 hrs/week)
Starting date: September 2020 or the earliest possible date
Employee and student status

Your Profile
We are seeking excellent and highly motivated candidates holding a Master’s degree in a field related to the topic of the program (MSc or equivalent in Natural Sciences or Engineering Sciences). Background in soft matter physics, fluid mechanics and experience/knowledge of quantitative imaging and analysis will be beneficial. Fluency in English is mandatory. Willingness to work in an inter-cultural and international environment, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team, are desired.

Selection process:
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview in Luxembourg or interviewed remotely by phone or other audio-visual modes. Positions will remain open until filled. Please apply ONLINE.
For further information, please contact Prof. Anupam Sengupta (anupam.sengupta@uni.lu) or visit the research page for further information on the project and its scope.

International Conference 2020: “Motile Active Matter”
2020-03-30 - 2020-04-02 | Forschungszentrum caesar, Ludwig-Erhard-Allee 2, Bonn, 53175
Dear Colleague,
We are very happy to announce the International Conference
“Motile Active Matter”,
organized by the DFG Priority Program on “Microswimmers – From Single Particle Motion to Collective Behavior”
to take place on March 30 – April 02, 2020 at Forschungszentrum caesar in Bonn, Germany.
The motility of cells and microorganisms is a cornerstone of the existence of life and an outstanding achievement of evolution. From a physics perspective, active matter is a novel class of nonequilibrium materials composed of a large number of agents, which consume energy and generate directed motion. Length and time scales range from nanomotors and microswimmers and single cells up to fish, birds and humans. Unraveling, predicting, and controlling the behavior of active matter is a truly interdisciplinary endeavor, and involves scientists from biology, chemistry, ecology, engineering, mathematics, and physics.
The conference will bring together scientists from the various disciplines involved in research on active matter, disseminating recent progresses and highlighting future challenges. Topics include:

Cells and Microorganisms
• Artificial and Biological Microswimmers
• Collective Behavior
• Sensing and Navigation
• Confinement and External Fields
• Statistical Mechanics of Active Matter

The conference will include invited and contributed talks as well as posters.
You can find more information on the conference website:
https://www.fz-juelich.de/ics/ics-2/EN/Leistungen/SPP1726/International-Conference-2020/_node.html
Best regards,
Gerhard Gompper

[On behalf of the organizers: Gerhard Gompper, Clemens Bechinger, Stephan Herminghaus, U. Benjamin Kaupp, Hartmut Löwen, Holger Stark, Roland G. Winkler]

PhD position at the Institut Laue-Langevin on Foam Characterization
2020-03-27 08:00 - 2020-08-31 17:00
Foams structures are ubiquitous and of high technical relevance. Their understanding and control of their properties is a fundamental aspect of very diverse areas of research: from separation chemistry (foam flotation), to detergency, firefighting, to the production of multi-scaled materials (solid foams for catalysis or thermal and sound insulation). The properties of foams are intimately linked to their structure and physico-chemical properties. Bubble size and bubble size distribution, viscosity of the liquid within the foam, as well as the presence of nanostructure in the liquid film have a profound impact on the foam properties. Thus, the characterization of the interactions at the liquid/gas interface and between facing interface at a molecular and macroscopic scale is of outermost importance for the understanding of foams and for their subsequent application in the different domains.
Research Project The project consists of two phases. In the first one, the commercial Foamscan apparatus will be adapted to be employed at small-angle neutron scattering beamlines. This step, in cooperation with the producer, Teclis-Scientific, will allow the simultaneous determination of the macroscopic foam properties (bubble size, bubble size distribution) and the investigation of its structure at the nanometer scale. The second part will be dedicated to the investigation of foams based on PolyOxoMetalates, a class of very large ions, which may serve simultaneously as foam stabilizers and complexating agents for the recovery of valuable metal ions, such as lanthanides and others transition metals (Mo, V, W, Ta …).
The project results from a cooperation of the Institut Laue-Langevin and the Institut de Chimie Separative de Marcoule (ICSM), a joint research unit involving the CEA, the CNRS, the University of Montpellier and the National Graduate School in Chemistry of Montpellier (www.icsm.fr) and TECLIS Scientific (www.teclis-scientific.com), french industrial company specialises in measuring instruments for interface science. The position will be located at the Institut Laue-Langevin, Grenoble. However the project foresees some working periods of few months at ICSM in Avignon area, few weeks at Teclis-Scientific in Lyon. The student will be employed under generous conditions by the ILL, with a gross salary of approximately 2400 €/month in addition to numerous benefits (see employment conditions) at ). We are seeking for motivated candidates with a very good MSc/diploma in physical chemistry and physics (or a related field) and ideally some previous expertise in foam characterization or colloid/polymer science. As data analysis represents an important aspect of the project, previous knowledge or willingness to learn programming languages such as Python or C are a strong asset.
For more information please contact Dr. Olivier Diat (olivier.diat@cea.fr,) or Dr. Leonardo Chiappisi (chiappisil@ill.eu). Applications including a motivation letter should be sent by email with the reference “PhD project201_23” in the subject.

Summer School on Thermodynamics and energetics of soft matter systems
2020-03-27 08:00 - 17:00 | 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. An open exchange session is foreseen where speakers and students meet for informal discussions in small groups.

We have a limited amount of places, application including a short description of research activity and a CV should be sent to softmatter2020@ill.fr before 10 April 2020.
The organising committee will examine your application and inform you in May 2020.

Postdoc (2 yrs) Soft Matter Simulation in Tübingen, Germany
2020-03-06 08:00 - 2020-05-05 17:00
We announce an open postdoc position in the field of computational soft matter
modelling, associated to the group of Computational Nanoscience / Colloid Physics
(Prof. Oettel, PD Schöpe).
The successful candidate is expected to conduct independent research in broad relation
to the experimental activities in nanoscience in Tübingen (Interdisciplinary nanoBCP Lab).
Possible working areas include phase behavior and dynamic transistions in systems of
designed colloids (Schöpe group), collective
behavior of proteins (Schreiber/Zhang group), or coarse-grained modelling of motor proteins
(E. Schäffer group).
Qualifications and experience:
* PhD in physics, biophysics or physical chemistry with a focus on theory and modeling.
* Strong background in theoretical soft matter and associated simulation methods.
* Knowledge of standard methods (Molecular Dynamics and Monte Carlo).
The position is for 2 years, salary according to the collective agreement in public service
(TV-L 13, initial stage depending on experience). Applications from women and persons with
disabilities are particularly encouraged.
Starting date is flexible (ideally between May 2020 and September 2020).
Further information can be obtained by contacting Prof. Martin Oettel
(martin.oettel@uni-tuebingen.de). Please submit your application
(CV, motivation + one-page research statement, names of 2 referees) in one .pdf file
to martin.oettel@uni-tuebingen.de. Deadline is March 30, 2020, applications thereafter
will be considered until the position is filled.

PhD position in Grenoble, France - dynamics of antibody solutions
2020-02-26 08:00 - 2020-03-20 17:00
We are looking for a highly motivated student to join our PhD project at the Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL) in Grenoble, France, a renowned international and interdisciplinary research facility.
The project proposed aims at investigating the dynamic properties of viscous antibody solution using an interdisciplinary approach, thus featuring an immediate relevance for industrial applications. Notably, the project is a collaboration between the University of Tübingen (Germany), the ILL as well as the industry partner Lonza AG (Basel, Switzerland).
You can find a detailed description here:
https://esrf.gestmax.eu/1406/1/phd-position-microscopic-dynamic-properties-of-antibody-solutions/en_US
and obtain more information by contacting the project supervisors via the e-mail addresses or phone numbers indicated in the link.
Note that knowledge of French is *not* required!

2 experimental postdoc positions in Tübingen (colloid chemistry/physics)
2020-01-31 08:00 - 2020-03-15 17:00
The group „Computational Soft Matter/Nanoscience and Experimental Colloidal Physics“ at the University of Tübingen addresses challenging questions in fundamental as well as in applied research. In the experimental soft matter physics division of the group, new experimental techniques are being developed to analyse soft matter in both direct and reciprocal space, which frequently contain complementary information. We apply these techniques to answer fundamental questions in the field of non-equilibrium physics. We are highly interested in studying phenomena that occur in equilibrium and non-equilibrium systems and in transits between those. Research topics include the structure and dynamics of complex liquids, phase transitions, and transport processes in bulk, confined geometry and at interfaces.
We offer a

PostDoc position in experimental colloidal chemistry (TV-L 13)

PostDoc position in experimental colloidal physics (TV-L 13)

In colloidal chemistry we are interested in synthesizing new colloidal model system with tunable, preferably anisotropic interaction, with particles tailored for optical experiments. For sure, the planned work involves the synthesis and characterization of these systems, but also requires to study the structure and dynamics of these systems out of equilibrium using state of the art microscopy and scattering techniques. An ideal candidate is experienced in colloidal chemistry (particle synthesis and characterization) and applied optics and has excellent experimental, technical and communication skills.
In the colloidal physics project we want to investigate different phase transition scenarios with new colloidal model systems. The planned work will focus in identifying the microscopic mechanisms on the one hand and studying the kinetics and dynamics of the respective phase transition depending on the experimental control parameters on the other. Although a wide range of state of the art experiments is available for these investigation further experimental development in microscopy and/or light scattering is needed. An ideal candidate is experienced in colloidal physics, non-equilibrium physics and applied optics and has excellent experimental, programming, technical and communication skills.
For more information, please contact PD Hans Joachim Schöpe (hans-joachim.schoepe@uni-tuebingen.de) or Prof. Martin Oettel (martin.oettel@uni-tuebingen.de).
Employment, salary and benefits are governed by the collective agreement for civil service in the state Baden-Würtemberg. Candidates are expected to contribute to teaching (4 hours per week during lecture periods). The positions are limited to two years.
Candidates with disabilities will be preferred in case of equal qualification. Tübingen University is particularly interested in applications from female candidates for this position and therefore strongly encourages women to apply.
Please send email applications with the usual documents (letter of motivation, CV, graduation certificates in one .pdf) and arrange for two letters of reference, all to PD Hans Joachim Schöpe and Prof. Martin Oettel. Deadline for applications is March 1, 2020, later applications will be considered until the positions are filled.

PhD position in Experimental Soft Matter Physics Group, Uni Luxembourg
2020-01-19 08:00 - 2020-02-29 17:00
We have an opening for a Ph.D. student position in the Experimental Soft Matter Physics group (www.lcsoftmatter.com ) at the University of Luxembourg, to be filled as soon as possible. The position is part of a joint project between the ESMP group and the Developmental & Cellular Biology group (https://wwwfr.uni.lu/lcsb/research/developmental_and_cellular_biology ) of Prof. Jens Schwamborn at the Luxembourg Center for Systems Biomedicine. You will, on the one hand, be using microfluidic technology to produce liquid crystal elastomer tubes and evaluate their function as soft actuators, on the other hand, you will do research on the growth of ‘organoids’, miniaturized versions of biological organs growing in culture medium. The research will thus transcend the boundaries of physics, chemistry and biology. For this position, the main focus is on the physics and chemistry of liquid crystal elastomers in curved geometries, hence a solid foundation in physics or chemistry is the ideal. But an interest in all three areas will in all cases be needed. The Ph.D. topic will be physics or chemistry.
Please find the full position announcement here: http://emea3.mrted.ly/2d3v5 We are looking forward to your application! Please write to Prof. Jan Lagerwall (jan.lagerwall@uni.lu) if you have further questions.

PhD position in Tübingen: Machine Learning and Soft Matter Theory
2020-01-15 08:00 - 2020-03-15 17:00
The Cluster of Excellence “Machine Learning – New Perspectives for Science” at the University of Tuebingen
invites applications for a
PhD position (TV-L E13, 65%)
to be filled as soon as possible (deadline Feb 10, 2020, later applications will be considered until the
position is filled). The position is limited to three years.
The call is aimed at young scientists with a very good university degree
in computer science, physics or mathematics and an interest in an interdisciplinary research project.
In the project, equation learning networks shall be developed for applications in statistical physics
(classical density functionals for fluids with directional interactions).
Principal investigators are Georg Martius (autonomous learning) and Martin Oettel (soft matter theory).
Applications with the usual documents (letter of motivation, curriculum vitae, copies of certificates,
publication list) should be sent in electronic form (as a single PDF, at most 5 MB) to
martin.oettel@uni-tuebingen.de. Enquiries can be sent to
martin.oettel@uni-tuebingen.de and georg.martius@tuebingen.mpg.de.
The University aims to increase the proportion of women in research and teaching and therefore urges
suitably qualified women scientists to apply. Qualified international researchers are expressly invited to
apply. Severely disabled persons with equal aptitude will be given preferential consideration.

PhD position in Microbial Active Matter at Univ. Luxembourg
2020-01-12 08:00 - 2020-03-11 17:00
Application is now open for PhD position in Microbial Active Matter in the Physics of Living Matter Group, Department of Physics and Materials Science, University of Luxembourg. The Physics of Living Matter Group is a core member of the COMPLEX LIVING SYSTEMS initiative of Luxembourg.
Selection process:
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview in Luxembourg or interviewed by phone. Position will be filled immediately, but will remain open until filled.
Please apply ONLINE under the following link: http://emea3.mrted.ly/2d6n2

Réf : 50012390
Initial 14 months fixed-term contract, renewable for up to 48 months (depending on thesis progress evaluation)
Full time position (40hrs/week)
Starting date : January 2020 or the earliest possible date
Employee and student status

The PhD project is embedded within the PRIDE Doctoral Training Unit, MICROH (https://microh.uni.lu/) with ample collaborative opportunities with other members of the consortium. The selected PhD candidate will conduct her/his research in the Physics of Living Matter Group headed by Prof. Anupam Sengupta (PHYMS-RU), with ample collaborative opportunities with the Luxembourg Center for Systems Biomedicine and the Luxembourg Institute of Health. The PhD candidate will be enrolled in the Doctoral School in Science and Engineering at the University of Luxembourg. The PhD program includes training in transferable skills, support for career development, lectures and teaching by international experts and annual PhD symposia. An overview of the research activities in the Sengupta Lab is available here:
https://sites.google.com/site/anupamsengupta/life-luxembourg
During the PhD research, the candidate will develop experiments to understand how active processes mediate microbial behaviour and physiology, with specific focus on the role of physical gradients within mucus layers in regulating the molecular transport of gut-associated microbes. By combining microfluidics and microscale imaging, the candidate will analyze how transport processes determine and maintain a healthy microbiome-human interface.
We are seeking excellent and highly motivated candidates holding a Master’s degree in a field related to the topic of the program (MSc or equivalent in Natural Sciences or Engineering Sciences). Background in soft matter physics, fluid mechanics and experience/knowledge of quantitative imaging and analysis will be beneficial. Fluency in English is mandatory – English is the working language. Willingness to work in an inter-cultural and international environment, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team, are desired.
We offer:
• A dynamic and well-equipped research environment with competitive salaries
• Intensive training in scientific and transferable skills, participation in schools, conferences and workshops
• Three-year (fixed term) employee contract at UL, extensible to four years
• Enrolment as a PhD student in the Doctoral School of Science and Engineering at UL
Gender policy:
UL and LCSB strive to increase the share of female PhD students. Therefore, we explicitly encourage women to apply.
Application submission:
Before proceeding with the submission of your application, please prepare the following documents in English
• Curriculum vitae
• Motivation letter justifying your interest in the research project
• Publication list (if applicable)
• Coordinates of two persons willing to send a letter of recommendation
• Copies of diplomas, transcripts with grades, with English translation
All documents should be uploaded in pdf format. Please note that incomplete applications or applications without project priorities will not be considered.
Early submission is encouraged ; applications will be processed upon arrival. Applications sent by e-mail will not be considered.
For further information, please contact Prof. Anupam Sengupta (anupam.sengupta@uni.lu) or visit the research page for further information on the project and its scope.
About the University of Luxembourg:
The University of Luxembourg is a multilingual, international research University. Luxembourg is a dynamic, multicultural country in the heart of Europe with a strong research and development base supported by important financial and organisational resources. It offers state-of-the-art facilities and an excellent training environment for cross pollination of research ideas across faculties of engineering and natural sciences.
Within Luxembourg, innovative research in the area of biophysics is carried out at the University of Luxembourg’s Physics and Materials Science Research Unit (PHYMS-RU) and the Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB). Close synergies with the Life Sciences Research Unit (LS-RU), Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), the Luxembourg National Health Laboratory (LNS), and the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) make Luxembourg a thriving hub for cutting edge cross-disciplinary research in the physics of living systems.

International Conference “Motile Active Matter”
2019-11-20 08:00 - 17:00 | Forschungszentrum caesar Bonn
The motility of cells and microorganisms is a cornerstone of the existence of life and an outstanding achievement of evolution. From a physics perspective, active matter is a novel class of nonequilibrium materials composed of a large number of agents, which consume energy and generate directed motion. Length and time scales range from nanomotors and microswimmers and single cells up to fish, birds and humans. Unraveling, predicting, and controlling the behavior of active matter is a truly interdisciplinary endeavor, and involves scientists from biology, chemistry, ecology, engineering, mathematics, and physics. Recent progress in experimental and simulation methods, and theoretical advances, now allows for a detailed study of such systems, and to gain new insight into their behavior. This should ultimately lead to the design of novel synthetic active agents.
Interest in this fascinating multidisciplinary field is increasing, and progress in understanding and designing microswimmers is rapidly advancing. The international conference “Motile Active Matter”, organized by the DFG Priority Programme 1726 “Microswimmers”, brings together scientists from the various disciplines involved in research on active matter, disseminating recent progresses and highlighting future challenges. Topics include: cells & microorganisms, artificial and biological microswimmers, collective behavior, sensing and navigation, confinement and external fields, statistical mechanics of active matter

XXIV International School of Pure and Applied Biophysics, 27-31 January 2020, Venice, Italy
2019-11-12 08:00 - 2020-01-31 17:00
The XXIV International School of Pure and Applied Biophysics, jointly organized by the Italian Society for Pure and Applied Biophysics (SIBPA) and the Venetian Institute of Sciences Letters and Arts (IVSLA), will focus on Applications of X-rays and Neutron Scattering in Biology and will be held at the magnificent Venetian Institute of Sciences Letters and Arts (IVSLA), 27-31 January 2020, Venice, Italy.
Coordinators: Paolo Mariani, Maria Grazia Ortore, Francesco Spinozzi
All info at https://tiny.cc/BiophysicSchool-2020 for program, registration and updates
Scattering techniques based on X-rays and neutrons have proven to be two of the most powerful techniques for studying biological structures. At the interface between Biology, Physics and Chemistry, the school will survey recent advances of X-rays and neutrons techniques to probe the properties of biological structures, from both static and dynamic view-point. Combining theoretical and application lectures, the school will introduce the following topics: The physics of scattering, Neutron production and neutron facilities, X-ray production and X-ray facilities, Reflectometry, Small-angle Scattering, Crystal and powder diffraction, Inelastic scattering, X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS), Imaging, XFEL in biology. Of note, in addition to lectures, a visit to the ELETTRA synchrotron in Triest will allow students to perform practical activities in state-of-art instruments.
An amazing blend of top level lecturers ready for lessons, seminars and student interactions in the unique scenario offered by Venice in Winter.
Invited teachers:
Heinz Amenitsch (Graz, Austria)
Fabio Bruni (Rome, Italy)
Trevor Forsyth (Keele, United Kingdom)
Giovanna Fragneto (Grenoble, France)
Achille Giacometti (Venice, Italy)
Irene Margiolaki (Patras, Greece)
Paolo Mariani (Ancona, Italy)
Claudio Masciovecchio (Triest, Italy)
Silvia Morante (Rome, Italy)
Maria Grazia Ortore (Ancona, Italy)
Alessandro Paciaroni (Perugia, Italy)
Valeria Rondelli (Milan, Italy)
Daniela Russo (Grenoble, France)
Giorgio Schirò (Grenoble, France)
Francesco Spinozzi (Ancona, Italy)
Francesco Stellato (Rome, Italy)
Giuliana Tromba (Triest, Italy)
Beatrice Vallone (Rome, Italy)
Martin Weik (Grenoble, France)
Joseph Zaccai (Grenoble, France)
Lessons will be held in the magnificent Palazzo Franchetti,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Lwff6AX5wE
See you in Venice in January
Paolo Mariani, Maria Grazia Ortore, Francesco Spinozzi

Call for postdoctoral positions (2 years) at Materials Physics Center, San Sebastian, Spain.
2019-10-10 08:00 - 2019-11-04 17:00
Call for postdoctoral positions (2 years) at Materials Physics Center, San Sebastian, Spain.
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: 4th NOVEMBER 2019, at 12:00 CEST
Two projects on polymer physics are offered.

Project P6. Computer simulations of transport of soft nanoparticles in nanocomposites and polymeric networks.
Contact person: Angel J. Moreno, angeljose.moreno@ehu.eus
The candidate should have a PhD in physics, chemistry, or related topics, a solid background in polymer physics and experience in computer simulations

Project P10. Polymer structure and dynamics: comparing 3D polymer networks obtained from polymer chains of different topologies.
Contact person: Angel Alegria, angel.alegria@ehu.eus
The candidate should have a PhD in physics, chemistry, or related topics, and experience in the basic experimental techniques for polymer investigation, and particularly on relaxation and scattering methods.

For further information see: https://cfm.ehu.es/about-cfm/job-offers
Please note that the candidates need letters of support from the project supervisors and they should contact them before making the application.

Feel free to bring this email to the attention of potential excellent candidates.
Best regards,
Angel Moreno
CENTRO DE FISICA DE MATERIALES, CSIC-UPV/EHU
PASEO MANUEL DE LARDIZABAL 5
E-20018 SAN SEBASTIAN (SPAIN)
E-mail: angeljose.moreno@ehu.eus
http://www.sc.ehu.es/sqwpolim/PSMG/Web-AngelMoreno/Angel_Moreno.html

full-time research professorship
2019-10-01 08:00 - 2019-11-04 17:00
Dear Colleague,
The Division Soft Matter, Rheology and Technology (SMaRT), within the Department of Chemical Engineering (Engineering and Technology Group, Faculty of Engineering Science, Science) at KU Leuven, announces a full-time research professorship (BOFZAP) in the field of Engineering of Soft Matter with (bio)polymers. We are looking for internationally oriented candidates with an excellent research record and with educational competence within the field of chemical engineering and its applications for product development. The appointment is expected to start on October 1, 2020, with the application deadline September 20, 2019.
The candidate should develop a fundamental, interdisciplinary and internationally oriented research programme concerning the rheology and structure development in Soft Matter containing (bio)polymers, with a scientific output that matches the highest international standards. The candidate should possess a broad knowledge in the field of chemical engineering in general and specific knowledge concerning the rheology of liquids, techniques for structural analysis and the physical chemistry of materials in particular. Expertise with (bio)polymeric materials such as polymeric melts or solutions, blends, emulsions, gels, etc. is a plus. The candidate also expected to fulfil all the duties of a KU Leuven research professor including teaching, and service.
More information about this position may be found at https://www.kuleuven.be/onderzoek/gedocumenteerd/index_en.html#details/b36019cbea122dff7be587de7700a98726f138da
and https://www.kuleuven.be/personeel/jobsite/jobs/55191887?lang=en
or via direct email contact.

23rd JCNS Laboratory Course Neutron Scattering
2019-09-02 - 2019-09-13 | Forschungszentrum Jülich, Leo Brandt Straße, Jülich, Germany
The 23rd Laboratory Course Neutron Scattering will take place September 2-13, 2019 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 of physics, chemistry, material 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
www.neutronlab.de
Deadline for application is May 12, 2019.

Polymers in fast flows – a SoftComp Topical Workshop
2019-07-28 19:00 - 2019-07-31 16:30 | Capri, Italy
We are organizing in July 2019 (28th-31st) in Capri (Italy) a SoftComp Topical workshop whose aim is to discuss recent advances on our understanding of fast flows of unentangled and entangled polymers, for which a comprehensive molecular theory does not yet exist.
The format will include invited oral presentations, a poster session, and ample time for formal and informal discussion.
All information can be found at www.dodynet.eu/workshop-july-2019
