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Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry
3 days ago
Postdoctoral position: Controlled surface-initiated polymerization and adaptive polymer brushes Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences in Czech Republic
Degree Level
Postdoc
Field of study
Chemistry
Funding
Available
Deadline
Dec 5, 2026
Country
Czech Republic
University
Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry
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About this position
This postdoctoral project at the Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, focuses on the synthesis and physicochemical characterization of functional polymer brushes. The research is centered on understanding how polymerization conditions, surface chemistry, and brush architecture control hydration, interfacial organization, wetting, and adaptation to environmental changes.
The successful candidate will carry out independent research on controlled surface-initiated polymerizations, with special emphasis on SI-ATRP, and on the preparation of binary mixed and copolymer brushes. The project includes developing surface-initiated routes for functional (meth)acrylate and (meth)acrylamide systems, preparing self-assembled initiator monolayers and functional substrates, and building brush architectures with tailored hydrophilic and hydrophobic segments.
Research will examine how composition, grafting density, chain or block length, and surface segregation influence morphology, swelling, accessibility of functional groups, dynamic wetting, restructuring, reversibility, and coating stability. The work also explores switchable surfaces and coatings designed for resistance to nonspecific adsorption and for self-cleaning and anti-icing behavior.
The position is embedded in the Department of Chemistry and Physics of Surfaces and Biointerfaces and combines polymer synthesis with advanced surface analysis. The methods listed include spectroscopic ellipsometry, XPS, FTIR, AFM, contact-angle measurements, and QCM-D, with possible extension to photoinduced and RAFT-based approaches as the project develops.
The advert also references recent departmental publications on grafting-from synthesis of fluorinated acrylamide brushes, wetting of hydrophilic-b-hydrophobic block copolymer brushes, and the influence of surface and substrate chemistry on slide electrification.
Funding details
Available
What's required
A Ph.D. or equivalent in polymer chemistry, organic or physical chemistry, materials science or a related discipline, obtained before the starting date. Demonstrable practical experience in controlled radical polymerization and chemical surface modification, preferably including polymer-brush synthesis by SI-ATRP. Experience investigating thin polymer films using at least some of the listed surface-sensitive techniques, with the ability to interpret structure–property relationships. A publication record appropriate to career stage and a demonstrable scientific contribution to published research. Very good spoken and written English (B2 or higher), an independent and creative approach, and the ability to collaborate effectively within a team. Desirable experience includes binary mixed or block copolymer brushes, hydrophilic and hydrophobic polymer systems, synthesis of monomers or surface initiators, studies of wetting and surface adaptation, RAFT or photoinduced polymerizations, and assessment of resistance to nonspecific protein adsorption.
How to apply
Send your application by e-mail to [email protected]. Use the contact e-mail provided in the advert for applying and for any scientific enquiries. The deadline is 5 Dec 2026 at 12:00 (Europe/Prague).
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Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.