PhD position in Quantum Sensing of Radical Chemistry in Biomimetic Thin Films Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg in Switzerland

The Adolphe Merkle Institute at the University of Fribourg is offering a fully funded PhD position in the Quantum Sensing & Spin Chemistry Group led by Assistant Professor John Abendroth.

This project, titled Quantum Sensing of Radical Chemistry in Biomimetic Thin Films, explores the growth and chemical reactivity of nanoscale biomimetic coatings such as polydopamine and related catechol-derived materials. These coatings are scientifically important because they have potential applications in biomedicine, environmental technologies, and functional interfaces, yet the radical processes involved in their formation and reactivity remain poorly understood.

The successful candidate will optimize the growth of polydopamine and related nanoscale films, then characterize them using complementary surface and materials analysis methods. The research will further investigate chemical reactions under controlled flow conditions and use ensembles of fluorescent nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers to map stable radical spin populations within the films. The experiments will study film growth in real time and examine changes triggered by oxidation, light exposure, and metal binding.

The project combines nanoscale film growth and characterization, interfacial chemistry, and magnetic resonance measurements using wide-field NV microscopy. The PhD researcher will work closely with researchers developing the quantum sensing instrumentation and flow-cell platform. There will also be opportunities to present at international conferences, publish in leading journals, and mentor Master’s-level projects.

Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field. Experience in thin-film growth/characterization, NV-center magnetometry or diamond quantum sensing, or magnetic resonance spectroscopy/imaging is strongly desired. Good English proficiency, independent experimental ability, teamwork, and strong communication skills are essential. Backgrounds in surface characterization, optical microscopy, and quantitative data analysis are valued.

The position is based at the Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg, Switzerland, with an anticipated start date of March 2027. Applications are accepted until 2026-11-22. This is a full-time, temporary PhD appointment with attractive employment conditions in a highly collaborative and well-equipped research environment.

To apply, send one PDF containing a CV, motivation letter, and contact information for two references by email to [email protected] with the subject line “PhD Quantum Sensing”.