Job Offer from November 06, 2024
A PhD position in the Physics at Interfaces Group under the joined supervision by Prof. Dr. G. Floudas and Prof. Dr. H.-J. Butt, at the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research in Mainz is available effective January 1st, 2025.
Description of the PhD position: Nature employs ions and liquids at small scales in a very efficient way. As an example, human cells employ ionic pumps to set the membrane potential to a specified value. Ion transport through membrane nanopores is also pertinent to desalination and energy harvesting. The transport of ions in the presence of polymer chains is another important area. Here, understanding the way that ions, coupled to macromolecules, penetrate narrow pores is of particular importance with relevance to biology and materials science (sequencing DNA and inkjet printing). Our goal is to obtain a fundamental understanding of the way that different ionic systems penetrate nanopores, and to predict their ion conductivity, aiming at the design of new processes for efficient ion transport. These include ionic liquids, polymerized ionic liquids, and solid polymer electrolytes. Despite recent work in understanding ion transport in confined space and under charged surfaces, this field is still in its infancy. As confining systems we will employ both inorganic and organic materials: (i) self-ordered nanoporous aluminum oxide (abbreviated AAO), and (ii) polycarbonate templates. In addition, we employ nanopores with a broken symmetry, e.g. with a conical shape in addition to surface charge. The latter provides access to ion-current rectification and to a new research field known as IONTRONICS.
The successful candidate will gain significant knowledge in polymer and soft matter dynamics as well as surface characterization techniques. We are seeking a HIGHLY MOTIVATED PhD student with an EXCELLENT CV and with a background in polymer physics/physical chemistry/chemical physics/spectroscopy or closely related fields.
Salary for the appointment will be consistent with the Max Planck Society guidelines for PhD students (65% E13). Working scientific language at the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research is English.
The Max Planck Society is an equal opportunity employer. The Max Planck Society has set itself the goal of employing more severely disabled people. Applications from severely disabled persons are expressly encouraged.
Applications will be considered until the position is filled.
The application should be sent by e-mail to: floudas@mpip-mainz.mpg.de, butt@mpip-mainz.mpg.de and should include:
1) A letter of interest (max. 1 page), clearly stating the specific interest of the candidate to join the group, work on this project, his/her career goals, etc.
2) CV
3) Grade transcripts or equivalent record of excellent academic performance clearly indicating courses taken and grades in each course
4) The names/e-mails of at least two references.