Postdoc Position – Beginning January 1st, 2023 – Molecule-based Soft Robots

An interdisciplinary 2-year postdoctoral position in Chemistry in the group of Dr. Dominik Lungerich is available at the Center for Nanomedicine (CNM), Institute for Basic Science (IBS) https://ibs.yonsei.ac.kr in Seoul, South Korea. The project is funded by the Young Scientist Fellowship grant ‘Nanoscale Machines’. The successful candidate will join a young and ambitious international research team, which is a part of the Evolutionary Nanomaterials and Nanodevices section at IBS CNM, with full access to state-of-the-art facilities. The position is available from January 1st, 2023, or as soon as possible thereafter. Candidates should send their application materials (letter of motivation, CV, list of publications, contacts of 2 references) directly to: d.lungerich@yonsei.ac.kr with the subject ‘Postdoc – Soft Robots’.

Project: Molecule-based Soft Robots

The project is inspired by nature and located at the interface of synthetic organic chemistry, physical chemistry, and polymer chemistry. In particular, we focus on synthesizing and designing novel (supra)molecular actuators and their implementation as muscles in biocompatible hydrogels. We aim to understand how to control and manipulate the molecular actuation and extend it to the micro/macro scale to design stimuli-responsive soft materials. Externally controlled stimuli, such as light and magnetic fields, and microenvironmental stimuli, such as temperature and pH, are of interest. These concepts will be developed for the design of biologically compatible soft nanorobotics.

Qualifications

The successful candidate should have a Ph.D. in Chemistry with detailed knowledge in Synthesis, Supramolecular, and Physical Chemistry. Experience in setting up chemical reactions (Schlenk techniques), spectroscopic/spectrometric characterizations (UV/Vis, NMR, MS), use of analysis software (e.g., Origin), and chromatography (LC, HPLC) are essential. Knowledge of Polymer Chemistry and Nanoscience is advantageous, including the rheological analysis of soft matter and functionalization of magnetic/plasmonic nanoparticles. Most importantly, the candidate should be highly motivated, able to work independently and collaboratively, and confident in written and spoken English. The applicant should strive towards scientific excellence, be ambitious, and be open to learning new techniques. Only applicants who seek to be among the brightest in their field and conduct science at the highest international level will be considered.

Responsibilities and tasks

The work includes designing, synthesizing, and characterizing (supra)molecular building blocks and assemblies. The analysis of induced dynamic processes by (operando/in situ) optical or electron microscopic and spectroscopic (NMR, UV-Vis, Fluo) techniques to investigate actuation kinetics, self-assembly, etc. The active dissemination of the obtained results in scientific articles and through participation in international conferences is an integral part of the job. The candidate will also be expected to guide and train students in the group, actively participate in (group)meetings/scientific discussions, and perform a limited number of administrative tasks.