PhD Position “Thermofluidic Manipulation of Functionalized Nanoparticles at Chromatographic Int[...]

Faculty of Physics and Earth Sciences, Peter Debnye Institute for Soft Matter Physics

Organisation/Company: Universität Leipzig Department Faculty of Physics and Earth Sciences, Peter Debnye Institute for Soft Matter Physics

Research Field: Physics

Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)

Positions: PhD Positions

Country: Germany

Application Deadline: 15 Apr 2025 – 23:59 (Europe/Berlin)

Type of Contract: Temporary

Job Status: Part-time

Hours Per Week: 40

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The Molecular Nanophotonics Group at the Faculty of Physics and Earth System Sciences at Leipzig University is currently offering a doctoral researcher position under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Frank Cichos. The position is part of an NSF-DFG Mission collaborative project between Leipzig University, Princeton University, and the University of Illinois at Chicago on

“Heterogeneous Nanoparticle Dynamics at Chromatographic Interfaces”

We seek to fill the above position as soon as possible (June 1, 2025).

The collaborative project combines the expertise of the Yang group at Princeton University on nanoparticle DNA functionalization, the Snee group at University of Chicago on quantum dot synthesis, and the Cichos group at Leipzig University on thermofluidic manipulation of single molecules.

The objective of this project is to integrate these three areas of expertise to elucidate the fundamental principles governing liquid chromatography and molecular interactions at chromatographic interfaces through precisely controlled experiments.

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate with an excellent master’s degree in physics and excellent English proficiency. A strong background in optical microscopy and particular single molecule detection is of advantage.

The successful candidate will conduct cutting-edge thermofluidic manipulation experiments utilizing plasmonic substrates, functionalized quantum dots, and single-molecule fluorescence microscopy. The candidate will also contribute to the development of novel microfluidic techniques.

The ideal candidate should demonstrate a strong commitment to collaborative and interdisciplinary teamwork across the three collaborating groups. Excellent oral and written communication skills are essential for this role. The experimental work will provide the successful candidate with the opportunity to acquire expert skills and knowledge of innovative single-molecule manipulation methods applied to a highly relevant topic of molecular separation.

Salaries will be according to DFG standards.

Applications including:

1. a letter of interest (max. 1 page), clearly stating the specific motivation of the candidate to join the group, work on this project, career goals, etc.,
2. a CV,
3. grade transcripts or equivalent record of excellent academic performance, clearly indicating courses taken and grades in each course (for MS and BS),
4. the names of at least two consenting referees

should be sent to . The application deadline is April 15, 2025 .

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