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Doctoral Student in Polymer Physics

Thin films from charged polymers

12.08.2024, Wissenschaftliches Personal

A position for a doctoral student in the field of experimental polymer physics is open at the TUM School of Natural Sciences. Aim of the project is to investigate the charge-dependent nanostructures in thin films from responsive block copolymers.

Group: The Soft Matter Physics Group at Technical University of Munich investigates complex polymer systems, e.g. nanostructured polymer films, responsive polymers, polymer gels and polymers for medical applications. For studies of the structure, dynamics and kinetics of these systems, we mainly use scattering methods and do experiments at large facilities. Time-resolved scattering experiments at large-scale facilities allow us to investigate rapid structural changes. These experiments are complemented by laboratory methods, such as atomic force microscopy and light scattering.

Topic: The research project addresses the possibilities to control the morphologies formed by complex block copolymers that have pH-responsive and thus electrically charged blocks. Altering the polymer architecture and the degree of charge gives unprecedented possibilities to tune the nanostructures in the film. Additional opportunities arise when the films are post-treated by solvent vapors.

Planned project: You are going to learn the film preparation and to investigate the film morphologies using in-house methods as well as large-scale facilitiy methods. These comprise optical microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X-ray reflectometry and grazing-incidence small-angle X-ray scattering (GISAXS) at the synchrotron. Time-resolved, in situ experiments will be carried out during solvent vapor treatment. You are going to establish structural models to understand the reflectometry and GISAXS patterns using existing software. The unique combination of complex polymers, advanced in situ methods for structural investigations and quantitative modeling will provide comprehensive in-sight into the behavior of multiblock polymers with charged blocks and the possibilities for structuring thin films.

Requirements: M. Sc. in physics, chemistry or chemical engineering with experience in polymer science or solid state physics, fluent English, understanding of German, ability to travel to the U.S. and commitment to work in a highly diverse and multicultural research group. Applications from underrepresented groups and women are strongly encouraged. 

The position is suitable for disabled persons. Disabled applicants will be given preference in case of generally equivalent suitability, aptitude and professional performance.

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Kontakt: papadakis@tum.de

More Information

https://www.ph.nat.tum.de/en/softmatter/