PhD Position: Control Capacity of Active Matter Using Activity Landscapes
Investigate the control limits of light-driven active matter and microswimmers bridging stochastic thermodynamics and control theory.
Best for:Best for physics Master's graduates with strong optics, microscopy, and Python programming experience interested in active matter.
Overview
The Molecular Nanophotonics Group at Leipzig University invites applications for a doctoral researcher position within a joint ISF-DFG collaborative project alongside Tel Aviv University. The successful candidate will build quantitative frameworks for controlling active matter using light, combining self-thermophoretic Janus microswimmers and programmable robotic arenas. Responsibilities include designing and executing optical experiments, fabricating microfluidic chips, tracking particle ensembles via machine learning, and co-authoring scientific publications. Applicants should hold a Master's degree in Physics or a related discipline, with demonstrated strengths in experimental optics, statistical physics, and programming.
What you'll do
- Design and execute experiments involving light-driven Janus microswimmers and real-time activity landscapes shaped by spatial light modulators
- Fabricate microfluidic devices and quantify the energetic driving forces acting on suspended particles
- Implement machine learning methods to track hundreds of interacting particles and evaluate fundamental thermodynamic control boundaries
- Collaborate actively with the partner team at Tel Aviv University through monthly joint research meetings
- Disseminate research outcomes at international academic conferences and contribute to high-impact journal publications
Requirements
Degree required: Master's degree in Physics or Physical Chemistry
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; excellent proficiency required
Instruction: English
- Solid background in soft matter, statistical physics, or non-equilibrium physics
- Hands-on experience in experimental optics, video microscopy, particle tracking, or microfluidics
- Programming proficiency for data analysis and experiment automation using Python
- Strong interest in bridging experimental work with theoretical frameworks
- Excellent communication skills in English and aptitude for interdisciplinary teamwork
- Must hold a recognized Master's degree in Physics, Physical Chemistry, or a closely related field
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-16 (Europe/Berlin)
Prepare all required application documents including a cover letter, CV, academic transcripts, and reference contact information into a single submission, and email them directly to the specified contact address before the deadline.
- Cover letter
- CV
- BSc + MSc transcripts
- Reference contacts
Contact
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