Post-doctoral researcher in experimental soft matter physics

About the FSTM

The University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character.

The Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine (FSTM) at the University of Luxembourg contributes multidisciplinary expertise in the fields of Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, Life Sciences and Medicine.
Through its dual mission of teaching and research, the FSTM seeks to generate and disseminate knowledge and train new generations of responsible citizens in order to better understand, explain and advance society and environment we live in.

Your role

The post-doctoral researcher will construct and use bespoke experimental apparatuses for inducing macroscopically patterned flows, including multiple vortices, of LCE precursors. Specifically, the set-ups should subject liquid crystalline as well as isotropic liquids, which may be highly viscous and require temperature control, to static or oscillatory flow past strategically placed obstacles in a quasi-2D flow cell or induce rotational shear using planar or cylindrical substrates that confine the liquid. In addition to the design and physical assembly of mechanical components, the researcher will be developing control electronics based on Arduino or Raspberry Pi and write the corresponding software, ensuring significant automation and simple user interfaces such that other researchers can easily use the setups. The researcher will use the set-ups to analyze the LCE precursor flow, also comparing with results from simulations and theory, and continuously revise and improve the equipment. The experimental work will be carried out in close collaboration with a Ph.D. candidate whom you will be co-supervising and another post-doc focusing on new LCE chemistry adapted to the procedures that you develop. Both in the practical and simulation work you will be guided and supported by other post-docs and senior researchers, in Luxembourg and from our international network of collaborators. You will be spending time also in Cambridge and Lisbon.

For further information please see the website of the ESMP group, www.lcsoftmatter.com , or contact Prof. Jan Lagerwall,

Your profile

The post-doctoral researcher should have expertise in materials/mechanical/electrical engineering with an excellent understanding of fluid mechanics as well as experience with Arduino/Raspberry Pi programming, 3D printing and Open Hardware solutions in general. An ideal background is a Ph.D. in experimental physics, engineering, computer science or materials science, with interest and adequate understanding of polymer physics and continuum mechanics. We also expect good supervision and teaching skills. Experience with liquid crystals and polymers is a strong plus.

We offer

• Multilingual and international character. Modern institution with a personal atmosphere. Staff coming from 90 countries. Member of the "University of the Greater Region" (UniGR)
• A modern and dynamic university. High-quality equipment. Close ties to the business world and to the Luxembourg labour market. A unique urban site with excellent infrastructure
• A partner for society and industry. Cooperation with European institutions, innovative companies, the Financial Centre and with numerous non-academic partners such as ministries, local governments, associations, NGOs …

How to apply

Applications should include:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover letter - Explain why you wish to work in the Experimental Soft Matter Physics group and how you see that doing a post-doc with us is the right move for your future career ambitions. While AI is useful for language correction, we strongly discourage its use for the actual writing of the cover letter, as this will remove your personality from the document and make you appear less interesting. Note that all applications are read by Prof. Lagerwall, thus you are writing not for an AI-based recruitment system but for a human physicist
• PDF version of your PhD thesis
• Digital copies of diplomas and complete course grade transcripts (Ph.D., M.Sc. (if available) and B.Sc.)
• At least two recommendation letters from previous advisors and/or employers are required.

Early application is highly encouraged, as the applications will be processed upon reception. To ensure full consideration, candidates should apply by 30th of July 2025 ONLINE formally through the HR system. Applications by Email will not be considered.

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. In line with our values, the University of Luxembourg promotes an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and are dedicated to upholding equality and respect for our employees and students.

General information:

• Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract 12 Month
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Location: Campus Limpertsberg
• Internal Title: Postdoctoral researcher
• Job Reference: UOL07507

The yearly gross salary for every Postdoctoral Researcher at the UL is EUR 85176 (full time).