Postdoc in Experimental Soft Matter Physics at ULB, Brussels

Updated: 3 months ago
Deadline: 2025-06-30T00:00:00Z

Join our dynamic team as a Postdoctoral Researcher to unravel the fascinating dynamics of the slow Arrhenius process (SAP) and its fundamental impact on equilibration mechanisms. 


Discovered by our lab (http://dynamics.ulb.be) in 2022 and recently underpinned by a thermodynamically inspired theoretical framework, the SAP is a key microscopic mechanism in polymers, liquid crystals, and other small organic molecules, efficiently facilitating macroscopic relaxation phenomena such as adsorption, physical aging, dewetting, and crystallization. A selection of publications from the host laboratory related to the project themes can be found here:


https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.abm7154

https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acs.jpclett.4c00902

https://journals.aps.org/prl/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevLett.132.248101

https://journals.aps.org/prl/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevLett.134.098203 


This exciting collaborative project, involving partners at ULB and internationally, aims to leverage the SAP to develop high-performance materials for greener electronics. The successful candidate will be at the forefront of this experimental research.


We invite applications from individuals holding a PhD in physics, chemical physics (physical chemistry), materials science, or chemical/materials engineering, with a strong passion for experimental physics and a background in soft matter (chemical) physics. Proficiency in programming languages such as Matlab and Python, along with experience in dielectric spectroscopy, ellipsometry, and calorimetry, is highly valued. Prior involvement with nanoconfined systems and nonequilibrium experimental physics will be a significant advantage. 


Great English communication skills, both written and oral, are a prerequisite. Initial funding is secured for a one-year term, with the possibility of extension for an additional year. The salary will be determined based on qualifications and in accordance with the established ULB pay scale (minimum €3100 net monthly).


Start date: as soon as possible


Similar Positions