PhD Position in Quantum Sensing of Radical Chemistry

The Adolphe Merkle Institute at the University of Fribourg invites applications for a fully funded PhD position focusing on the quantum sensing of radical chemistry in biomimetic thin films. Under the supervision of Assistant Professor John Abendroth, the successful candidate will optimize the growth of polydopamine coatings and use fluorescent nitrogen-vacancy center magnetometry to map radical spin populations. The project combines nanoscale materials characterization, interfacial chemistry, and advanced optical instrumentation within an interdisciplinary international team. The candidate is expected to independently advance experimental tasks, analyze quantitative datasets, present findings at international conferences, and mentor Master's students.

• Optimize the growth and formation protocols of polydopamine and related nanoscale catechol-derived thin films.
• Characterize surface morphology and materials properties using complementary analytical techniques.
• Monitor real-time chemical reactions under controlled flow conditions.
• Employ fluorescent nitrogen-vacancy center ensembles in diamond to map stable radical spin populations.
• Investigate film modifications induced by oxidation, light exposure, and metal binding.
• Collaborate with researchers developing quantum sensing instrumentation and microfluidic flow-cell platforms.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed scientific journals and present results at international conferences.
• Contribute to the supervision and mentoring of Master's-level student research projects.