Postdoctoral and PhD Openings in Polymer Mechano-Raman Imaging, Quantum Sensing, Light Localisation, and Polymer Mechanochemistry Adolphe Merkle Institute, Université de Fribourg in Switzerland

Adolphe Merkle Institute (Université de Fribourg) is advertising multiple research openings in nanoscience, polymer chemistry, materials science, physics, and related interdisciplinary areas.

Postdoctoral position: Vibrational Mapping of Mechanical Deformation in Polymers — The Mechanoresponsive Materials Group (Prof. Jessica Clough) seeks a postdoctoral researcher to develop a novel mechano-Raman imaging platform. The project combines vibrational force probe design, Raman microscopy, molecular design, materials preparation, and characterization to study how polymers respond to stress at the molecular level and to reveal early-stage damage in functional materials. The work is carried out in collaboration with Prof. Andreas Zumbusch (University of Konstanz), with access to advanced Raman imaging capabilities. Applicants should hold a PhD in organic chemistry, polymer chemistry, materials science, or a related field, and have experience in organic/polymer synthesis; microscopy or spectroscopy experience is an advantage. The position is available immediately for 1 year, with possible extension to 2 years, at 90–100% employment.

PhD position: Quantum Sensing of Chiral-Induced Spin Selectivity — The Quantum Sensing & Spin Chemistry Group (Assistant Prof. John Abendroth) invites applications for an ERC-funded PhD project on chiral-induced spin selectivity (CISS). The project uses diamond-based quantum sensors, fluorescent NV centers, confocal microscopy, optically detected magnetic resonance, and spin dynamics simulations to probe radical pairs in chiral molecules at the single-molecule level. Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in Physics, Physical Chemistry, Electrical Engineering, or a related field; experience in quantum engineering or NMR/EPR is beneficial, and optics, high-frequency electronics, and programming skills are highly valued.

Two PhD positions: Strong Localisation of Light through the Controlled Assembly of Amorphous Patchy Colloid Networks — The Soft Matter Physics Group (Prof. Ullrich Steiner) is recruiting two PhD students to study strong light scattering and the interplay of order and disorder in colloidal networks. One project focuses on colloid synthesis and assembly; the other on replication into high-refractive-index materials such as silicon or titania. The students will also use molecular dynamics and optical simulations. Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in Chemistry, Materials Science, or Physics; experience in polymer or colloid science and some optics knowledge are desirable.

Two PhD positions: Polymer Mechanochemistry — The Polymer Chemistry and Materials Group (Prof. Christoph Weder) is seeking two PhD students to work on supramolecular mechanophores, their incorporation into polymeric materials, and their mechanoresponsive behavior. The project is highly collaborative and interdisciplinary. Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in Chemistry, Polymer, or Materials Science, with experience in organic and polymer synthesis and strong English communication skills.

Applications are submitted by email as a single PDF, with a CV, motivation/research statement, and references, using the project-specific subject line. The postdoctoral deadline is 2026-04-26; the PhD positions are available immediately or as soon as possible.