Noticeboard
Postings for employment and research opportunities at soft matter research insitutions around the world.
|
|
|
For more information on individual groups see the Soft Matter World Network or click on an option below for current postings:
To have your posting included on the Noticeboard, please contact the editor. Click here to download a PDF version of the January 2012 Noticeboard Bulletin.
|
 |
Opportunities for high school students
AR (Apprentice Researchers) at UCSB
A program for California High-school students currently enrolled as juniors (11th grade) who have completed two years of high-school science by the end of this school year. At least one of these courses must be chemistry or physics. Students must also be living in Santa Barbara or Ventura counties during the summer with family or guardians.
Opportunities for undergraduates
Science Writer Internships at RSC Publishing
Science Writer Internship
The RSC is looking for a student member to work as a science writer in our editorial office this summer. You will gain experience working for two of our publications: Chemistry World and Education in Chemistry.
Summer Placement – Scientific Publishing
This is a great opportunity to gain experience over an 8-12 week period of working with dynamic journals teams and academics to ensure the RSC publishes leading journals for the chemical science community worldwide.
Summer Internships at Fom Institute Amolf, Amsterdam
Openings for 4th year undergraduate students to work alongside graduate researchers at the Fom Institute Amolf are open for application in the Scheffold group. The research projects are.
- Reversibility and structural memory of collagen networks Using optical tweezers to measure the elasticity of single fibers within biopolymer gels
- Building artificial cells in microfabricated chambers
- Cell-matrix interactions on micropatterned substrates
To apply or read more visit the Fom Institute Amolf website.
Undergraduate Summer Research Opportunities at the University of Fribourg, Frank Scheffold Group
Superresolution Imaging of Nanoparticles Stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STROM) or photoactivated localization microsocopy (PALM) is a statistical approach to nanoparticle imaging where only a subset of fluorophores are switched on at a given time. The aim of this master project is to study hierarchical internal structures of soft colloids. Here we plan to implement Stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STROM) or photoactivated localization microsocopy (PALM) methods which provide the best resolution to date. The experiments shall be carried out using a state of the art microscopy workstation recently acquired by the group. Optical Tweezer and Particle Tracking Recently the Scheffold Group has found evidence that a simple microstructural model, namely a polymer brush-like corona covering a densely crosslinked core, captures the essential physics of interactions in these very interesting nanomaterials. They now plan to measure directly the soft elastic interactions of temperature sensitive microgel particles using two optical tweezers.
National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network (NNIN) REU Program
During the summer of 2012, the National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network will host a Research Experience for Undergraduates Program (NNIN REU) from June through August. They are looking for engineering and science students with broad interests across disciplines focusing on nanotechnology. Minority and female candidates are especially encouraged to apply.
Research Internships in Science and Engineering (RISE)
Science and engineering students acquire research experience in a variety of exciting fields through these internships. Interns meet regularly to share their experiences and report on their progress. Interns often present at conferences such as at the annual Southern California Conference on Undergraduate Research. Application deadline is February 17th, 2012.
2012 Summer Undergraduate Fellowship Program (American Association of Physicists in Medicine)
The American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) Summer Undergraduate Fellowship Program is pleased to announce the availability of its Summer Undergraduate Fellowship Program for 2009. The program is designed to provide opportunities for undergraduate university students to gain experience in medical physics by performing research in a medical physics laboratory or assisting with clinical service at a clinical facility. In this program, the AAPM serves as a clearinghouse to match exceptional students with exceptional medical physicists, many of whom are faculty at leading research centers. Students are selected for the program on a competitive basis to be an AAPM summer fellow. Each summer fellow receives a stipend from the AAPM. Application deadline is February 1st, 2012. The fellowship will be for a period of 10 weeks during the summer academic period (May 1 to September 30), which is mutually suitable to the mentor and fellow.
Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (NIST)
Students and schools are invited to participate in the National Institute of Standards and Technology's Gaithersburg, MD Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program for students majoring in science, mathematics and engineering. Note that applications for participation in the SURF program are only accepted from colleges or universities, and not from individual students.
DAAD Research Internships in Science and Engineering (RISE)
RISE gives students in the fields of biology, chemistry, engineering, geology, and physics the chance to spend a summer working on important research projects. All participants receive stipends from DAAD, and partner universities and research institutions provide housing assistance. DAAD will provide a monthly scholarship of € 615 for a period of 6 weeks to 3 months between June and August 2005. The award also includes health insurance, as well as an accident and personal/private liability insurance. The host institution will support the search for reasonably-priced housing for the duration of the internship.
Opportunities for graduate students
PhD Position in Materials Science at the University of Santiago de Compostela
The position is available in the Soft Matter & Molecular Biophysics group (http://alanine.usc.es) to work in the design of interfacial films. This is a 4 year contract associated to the MICINN Grant MAT2011-25501.
The project would be developed at the Faculty of Physics of the University of Santiago de Compostela, at the Northwest of Spain, 100 km at the North of Portugal, under the supervision of Ángel Piñeiro and Juan M. Ruso. This project involves a number of experimental and computational techniques aimed to the design and characterization of interfacial films based on cyclodextrins. The contract will start in spring 2012.
To read more download a PDF version of the job posting.
PhD positions in Physics: Department of Physics, Wesleyan University
Wesleyan University is currently seeking applicants for the Fall of 2012 for our Physics Ph.D. program. Their department provides educational opportunities for students who are seeking a close working relationship with faculty and fellow students.
Current areas of research include:
- Experimental Condensed Matter and Biophysics
* Quantum Fluids Lab
* Protein Dynamics Lab
* Fluid Dynamics and Soft Condensed Matter Lab - Experimental Atomic and Molecular Physics
* Molecular Photophysics Lab
* Recurrence Spectroscopy Lab
* Molecular Collisions Lab - Theoretical and Computational Physics
* Quantum Computing and Computational Physics
* Soft Matter and Biological Physics
* Wave Transport in Complex Systems
Bio-Polymer/Fiber Bio-Composites Research Scientist
World Centric is a leading manufacturer of compostable food service packaging, based in Palo Alto, CA. There are 2 focus areas - biopolymer formulation from waste/plant based sources and natural/agriculture biopolymer composites. Candidates can apply for either of these focus areas or both. Employer is looking to fill the position immediately. Read more at jobs.org.
PhD in Soft Matter Physics at Wageningen UR (University & Research centre)
Wthin the Laboratory of Physical Chemistry and Colloid Science, a major emerging research theme is the study of mechanical failure in soft and thermal materials. This work is aimed at unravelling the interplay between microstructure, thermally activated processes and external stresses in the stability and failure of materials. This project will expand our work in this area by studying the failure mechanisms underlying adhesion. Inspired by the remarkable adhesive properties of gecko feet and other bio adhesives, it aims at exploring the basic microscopic physics behind the adhesive properties of micro patterned contacts, often and efficiently exploited in nature. Using a combination of high-speed and high-resolution imaging, on a very recently developed set-up, digital image analysis, and soft lithography, for designing and preparation of patterned substrates, you will unravel the effects of substrate patterns (ordered versus disordered), study the manifestation of thermal fluctuations in adhesive failure and explore the use of complex micro patterns for tuning and controlling crack propagation in (soft) solids. This project will become available as of March 1st, 2012 and is in principle available for four years, subject to University regulations. Properly qualified candidates (see below) are kindly invited to apply.
PhD Studentship in Dynamics of colloidal particles and proteins - theory and simulation : Jülich, Germany
Dynamics of colloidal particles and proteins – theory and simulation The Soft Matter group at the Institute of Complex Systems (ICS-3), Research Centre Jülich, is offering a 3 year position for a motivated PhD student. The PhD work will be integrated into the soft matter and biophysics activities of ICS-3. The Research Centre in Jülich provides a highly interdisciplinary environment and excellent infrastructure, including Europe's most powerful supercomputing centre. The accepted candidate will have the opportunity for complementary training within the International Helmholtz Research School "BioSoft" (IHRS BioSoft, www.ihrs-biosoft.de). The school offers PhD positions and a course program at the interfaces between physics, chemistry, and biology, as well as transferable skills courses.
PhD Studentship in the Development of C-type lectin ligands using NMR spectroscopy : Berlin, Germany
The "Structural Glycobiology" group is looking for a motivated and ambitious PhD candidate, holding a Diploma/MSc in Biochemistry or related subjects. We are part of the Department of Biomolecular Systems at the Max-Planck-Institute of Colloids and Interfaces in Berlin-Dahlem. Many members of the C-type lectin family are expressed on defined sets of mammalian tissues and are involved in various aspects of cell biology and physiology. Hence, these proteins resemble interesting targets for the development of specific molecular probes to study their function. Therefore, this project combines our interest in basic research in the field of biophysical characterization of ligand/target interactions and small molecule ligand design as well as applied studies into glycobiology. The candidate will use nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and other biophysical techniques to study the receptor recognition process and to conduct screening towards the development of high affinity ligands for C-type lectins. The ligands will then be used to perform functional in vitro studies to answer important questions in the field of glycobiology and immunology.
Graduate Oppurtunities at RSC Publishing
There's no bigger organisation in Europe involved in the promotion of Chemical Sciences than the RSC. RSC graduate opportunities provide a fantastic way to develop a career in science without working in the lab. They are looking for high calibre graduates who are passionate about advancing the Chemical Sciences and are able to offer opportunities to join different teams in the RSC.
As well as on the job training candidates will join our graduate development programme. Our graduate development programme incorporates core training around areas such as understanding the RSC and their expectations, professionalism, managing performance and business skills. They also offer a number of electives that have been designed to support individual development e.g. networking, project management, assertiveness.
Opportunities for postdoctoral researchers
Postdoctoral Research Scholar in Liquid Crystals
Opening for a postdoctoral research scholar in liquid crystals. Recent emphasis has been on creating chiral environments at inherently achiral interfaces by surface patterning, as well as inducing chirality at the molecular level -- actually, conformational deracemization -- by application of a bulk macroscopic strain.
Our primary goal is to investigate fundamental properties such as chirality, wetting, interactions at the interface, and effects due to nanoparticle dispersions -- these include carbon nanotubes, gold nanoparticles, and ferroelectric nanoparticles. Experience with nanoscopic techniques and liquid crystal interfacial phenomena is not required, but would be desirable.
Candidates should send their resume (including publication list) electronically and arrange for two letters of recommendation to be sent electronically to rosenblatt@case.edu, using the subject line "postdoctoral application".
For further details, please contact Charles Rosenblatt in the Department of Physics at +1-216-368-4125, rosenblatt@case.edu, http://liq-xtal.case.edu.
2 Postdoctoral Scholar positions in soft condensed matter/biophysics theory at University of California Merced
Prof. Ajay Gopinathan's group at UC Merced is seeking two motivated theorists with a soft condensed matter/biophysics background to fill two separate postdoctoral positions. These positions involve theoretical and computational research on biological transport at the molecular, cellular and multicellular scales. Specific projects include motor-driven intracellular transport, gated transport through membrane pores and transport in multicellular communities. The successful candidates will also have the opportunity to work with and be jointly affiliated with the Huang lab in Bioengineering at Stanford University.
The candidate should have a Ph.D. in Physics or a related field (or obtain one by Summer 2011), a good publication record, expertise in soft-matter/statistical mechanics/polymer physics/biophysics theory and be well-versed in numerical simulations. The University of California at Merced is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer with a strong institutional commitment to the achievement of diversity among its faculty, staff, and students.
The University is supportive of dual career couples. The candidate should have a Ph.D. in Physics or a related field (or obtain one by Summer 2011), a good publication record, expertise in soft-matter/statistical mechanics/polymer physics/biophysics theory and be well-versed in numerical simulations.
For more information visit the website or contact Ajay Gopinathan at agopinathan@ucmerced.edu. More information about the research groups involved may be found at Prof. Gopinathan's website and at the Laboratory of Cellular Organization at Stanford.
Biological Science Post-Doc at Sandia National Laboratory
Sandia National Laboratories is the nation's premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation. The Center for Integrated NanoTechnologies (CINT) Science Department is searching for a postdoctoral appointee to perform leading-edge research focusing on designing and synthesizing block copolymers for the development of novel materials. The work will support projects that explore the integration of functional molecules into robust matrices to create complex hierarchical structures. The projects involve chemists, biologists, physicists, and covers both experiment and modeling. Particular emphasis will be placed on the preparation of amphiphilic block copolymers by living polymerization reactions.
To read more download a PDF version of the posting here.
Postdoctoral Research Position: Ab-Initio Dynamics of Condensed Matter : Mainz, Germany
In the Ab-Initio Dynamics of Condensed Matter Group we are aiming to develop novel computational methods to study complex many-body systems such as liquids, biomolecules in solution and solids from first-principles. Along those lines we do have a postdoctoral research positions to offer, which consists of both method development and application. Potential candidates must have a PhD degree in Chemistry, Physics, or related discipline and a strong interest in computer simulations as well as programming. Basic experiences with Linux, numerical methods of theoretical physics/chemistry, electronic structure methods and/or molecular dynamics are required. Consideration of candidates will begin immediately until the position is filled. Questions and applications in electronic form including a cover letter and contact informations of at least two academic references should be directed to kuehne@uni-mainz.de.
Postdoctoral Research in Theoretical Physics : Jülich, Germany
Dynamics in concentrated dispersions of soft and permeable colloidal particles – theory and simulation The Soft Matter group at the Institute of Complex Systems (ICS-3), Research Centre Jülich, is offering a position for a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow. The research work will be integrated into the soft matter activities of ICS-3. The Research Centre in Jülich provides a highly interdisciplinary environment and excellent infrastructure, including Europe's most powerful supercomputing centre. Concentrated dispersions of soft and solvent-permeable particles such as microgels, core-shell particles, and dendrimers, have structural and dynamical properties which are of importance in fundamental research and practical applications. The research project deals with theoretical modeling, and the exploration of diffusion and rheological transport properties, of charged and neutral soft-particle systems. The numerical analysis of these properties will build on state-of-the-art theoretical and computer simulation methods which have been partially developed and advanced in our group. Important aspects include the modeling of the solvent flow inside and outside the particles, and possible electro-kinetic effects by the surrounding microions in the case of charged particles. The work will be carried out in collaboration with experimental groups inside the ICS-3, the RWTH Aachen, and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee
PostDoc position in the department of Department of Materials and Interfaces : Rehovot, Israel
Theoretical research in biological physics and soft matter physics; cell mechanics and dynamics, membranes, colloids. Collaboration with experimental groups. PostDoc position in the department of Department of Materials and Interfaces at Weizmann institute of Science in the group of Samuel Safran for 2 years.
PostDoc position in the department of Department of Materials and Interfaces : Rehovot, Israel
PostDoc position in the Department of Materials and Interfaces at Weizmann institute of Science in the group of Klein Jacob for 3/4 years. Up to 3 p/d Fellowships for up to 4 years each as part of major new grant on interfaces, soft matter, biolubrication and tissue engineering. Read More at Nature.com.
Physicist Postdoctoral Fellow (Coherent X-ray Science)
The Advanced Light Source Division (ALS) at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) is seeking a postdoctoral fellow to conduct x-ray diffractive imaging and x-ray holography of complex oxide and magnetic materials. The new postdoctoral fellow will join a small world-class team conducting coherent x-ray science experiments on a wide variety of condensed matter systems. In addition, the postdoc will have the opportunity to do different magnetic scattering experiments at the ALS and possibly other sources. Read more at jobs.org.
Postdoctoral Research Associate: Expert in microfluidics
The Materials Research Science and Engineering Center at Brandeis University in Waltham, MA, seeks to hire a Postdoctoral Research Associate expert in microfluidics starting as early as April, 2012. The position entails collaborating on various research projects within the MRSEC, such as synchronization in networks of non-linear chemical oscillators and biological active matter. Read more at jobs.org.
Opportunities for faculty
Tenure Track Assistant Professor at Cornell University- Experimental Physics
The Laboratory of Atomic and Solid State Physics (LASSP) at Cornell University expects to make a faculty appointment in experimental physics, to begin July 1, 2012. We encourage applications in cold atom physics, biophysics, hard and soft condensed matter physics, x-ray physics, and related areas that utilize condensed matter tools and techniques. The search will focus at the assistant professor level, although more senior candidates may be considered. The successful candidate will be expected to conduct an outstanding independent research program and be an effective teacher in the undergraduate and graduate instructional program of the Physics Department.
BioPhysics Research Associate at University of Colorado-Liquid Crystal Technology
The University of Colorado - Colorado Springs (UCCS) is seeking a Research Associate for the UCCS Center of the University of Colorado BioFrontiers Institute. BioFrontiers is an interdisciplinary research initiative primarily involving Physics and Biology. We are looking for a research associate with long term research interests in Bio-Physics related to liquid crystal technology. This research will involve research on the borderline between Biophysics and Soft Condensed Matter with the goal of connecting these two broad areas of science. The successful candidate will have a PhD in physics or biophysics and will have extensive experimental skills. The work will involve using the methods of physical science to study biological systems. It will also involve working with materials which deform easily under the influence of external fields such as electric fields, shear or gravity (like liquid crystals, polymers, nanoparticles, or any composites of these materials). The work will be primarily experimental in nature.
Tenure-Track Assistant Professor Computational Biophysics University of Massachusetts
The Physics Department at UMass Boston invites applications and nominations for a Tenure-Track Assistant Professor appointment in computational biophysics beginning September 1, 2012. Theorists in soft condensed-matter physics with demonstrated interest in biological applications and interdisciplinary collaborations are also invited to apply. This position is part of a multi-year rebuilding effort and we seek energetic candidates with independent research programs who will actively contribute to departmental development, attract external funding, and be committed to innovative teaching. UMass Boston has a number of new cross-disciplinary initiatives in areas of the biomedical sciences and the department would expect any new hire to take advantage of these and others in area institutions. Current departmental research includes nonlinear optics and physics, cancer biophysics, quantum control and nanomechanics, complex systems and computational physics, quantum chaos and many-body physics, semiconductor optoelectronics and new materials. A growing cluster-computing environment is also available.
Six Lecturerships at King's College, London
Applications are invited for six Lectureships in Physics, which are part of a significant investment by King's College London to strengthen and expand the Department of Physics. King's College London is one of the top 30 universities in the world (2011/12 QS international) and the fourth oldest in England. The Department of Physics is in the College's Strand Campus in the heart of London. You will have a strong research record and a proposed research programme that strengthens existing research within King's College London. You will be expected to engage in internationally-leading research and contribute to undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and other academic activities. 3 LECTURESHIPS IN MATERIALS & MOLECULAR MODELLING Applications in materials theory and/or molecular modelling that complement existing expertise are encouraged, in particular: biophysics and biomaterials; strongly correlated materials; materials related to energy applications. For an informal discussion please contact the Head of the Materials & Molecular Modelling Group, Professor Mark van Schilfgaarde (mark.van_schilfgaarde@kcl.ac.uk). The closing date for receipt of applications is 9 January 2012. Reference A7/CCP/861/11-JT LECTURESHIP IN EXPERIMENTAL NANOSCIENCE Applications that strengthen and complement existing research are invited, with programmes in nanoscale biophysics, photovoltaic nanomaterials and soft nanolithography, of particular interest. For an informal discussion of the post please contact the Head of the Experimental Biophysics & Nanotechnology Group, Professor Anatoly Zayats (a.zayats@kcl.ac.uk). The closing date for receipt of applications is 9 January 2012. Reference A7/CCP/862/11-JT. LECTURESHIP IN BIOPHOTONICS A Joint Appointment between the Department of Physics and the Randall Division of Cell & Molecular Biophysics in the School of Biomedical Sciences in King's College London. The successful candidate will be based on Guy's Hospital Campus, in space adjacent to the new Nikon Imaging Centre at King's. For an informal discussion of the post please contact Professor David Richards (david.r.richards@kcl.ac.uk). The closing date for receipt of applications is 16 January 2012. Reference A7/CCP/890/11-JT. The appointments will be made, dependent on relevant qualifications and experience, within the Grade 7 scale, currently £40,313 to £47,656, per annum, inclusive of £2,323 London Allowance, per annum. Further information about teaching and research in the department may be found at http://www.kcl.ac.uk/physics. Further details and application packs are available at www.kcl.ac.uk/jobs, or alternatively by emailing Human Resources at strand-recruitment@kcl.ac.uk. All correspondence should clearly state the job title and reference number. Equality of opportunity is College policy
Faculty Position in Soft Condensed Matter : New York, United States
The Physics Department and the Center for Soft Matter Research at New York University solicit applications for a faculty position in the area of soft condensed matter physics, with preferred emphasis on broadly defined biological physics, to begin September 1, 2012, pending administrative and budgetary approval. This position is part of an ongoing multi-year program at NYU to develop an international center for research at the interface between physics, chemistry, biology and engineering. Applications on all levels will be considered. Please apply online at http://physics.as.nyu.edu/object/physics.facultypositions, with a letter describing current and planned research and teaching activities, a curriculum vitae, list of publications, and the names of three references. Applications received by January 31, 2012, will receive first consideration. Earlier submission is strongly encouraged. NYU is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
Principal Beamline Scientist, The Versatile Soft X-ray (VERSOX) Beamline
An experienced scientist is required to develop the specification and lead the design, building, commissioning and operation of the beamline to tight cost, capabilities and timescale targets. Your role will further see you encouraging users from new areas of science and plan future developments of the beamline to ensure it continues to meet scientific requirements. You require a strong track record in synchrotron research and an in depth knowledge of beamline design, with an ability to solve problems quickly, engage others and develop your team.
Research Scientist at The Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL),France
Working within the Time-Of-Flight and High-Resolution (TOF/HR) Group, you will be co-responsible for the Neutron Spin Echo Spectrometer IN11 (http://www.ill.fr/YellowBook/IN11). IN11 uses the highest energy-resolution neutron-scattering technique available, especially well suited for quasi-elastic scattering studies in soft condensed matter, materials and magnetism. In addition to carrying out a personal research programme and establishing scientific collaborations, you will assist ILL's visiting scientists with their experiments on IN11 and other ILL instruments. Furthermore you will participate in the operation of IN11 and the development of the new spectrometer WASP. Qualification and experience: You hold a PhD in physics, chemistry or a similar field. Experience with neutron scattering would be appreciated. Given the relative complexity of the technique, an interest in instrumentation, computing and development is essential, although applications from non-specialists in this field are explicitly encouraged. The post represents an excellent opportunity for postdoctoral scientists to develop expertise, broaden experience and interact with leading scientists from around the world. Applications from more experienced scientists able to obtain a secondment period from their home institution will also be considered.
Junior-Professor (W1) in Atomistic Modelling of Reactive Interfaces between Solids and Liquids
The Ruhr-Universität Bochum (RUB) – Faculty of Chemistry and Biochemistry together with the Interdisciplinary Centre for Advanced Materials Simulation (ICAMS) – is seeking to appoint a Junior-Professor (W1) in "Atomistic modelling of reactive interfaces between solids and liquids" to start in Spring/Summer 2012. The position is for a fixed term of up to 6 years (3 years initially) and includes generous resources for several scientific staff positions, consumables, travel, and computing. Read more at Bright Recruits.
All content © 2007-2009 Soft Matter World. Contact +1 (209) 228-4569
Comments and broken links should be addressed to webmaster@softmatterworld.org