Doctoral researcher in Microfluidics & LCE 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 ERC SyG project ALCEMIST, coordinated by Prof. Jan Lagerwall at University of Luxembourg and carried out in collaboration with the teams of Prof. Maria Helena Godinho (NOVA University Lisbon, Portugal) and Prof. Eugene Terentjev (Cambridge University, UK) seeks applicants for a position as Doctoral Researcher in experimental soft matter physics.

Specifically, the candidate will set up microfluidic triple-phase flows with a liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) precursor as middle phase which is flown either as a continuous tube of maximum 10 micrometer diameter or as discrete shells with two internal isotropic phase droplets, and then photopolymerized into an LCE tube or into LCE shells. The candidate will then explore the actuation of the two types of actuators, triggered by heating or UV light exposure, and finally explore their use as micropumps for supporting waste disposal and nutrient injection during organoid growth. In the case of shell actuator this also requires a good engineering mindset as additional components will need to be designed and constructed, e.g., using 3D printing, and incorporated into the LCE shells.

This is an interdisciplinary Ph.D. research project with the heart in soft matter physics and with strong components of chemistry, engineering and even biotechnology. While the project poses significant challenges, you will be supported by an expert team of multiple Ph.D. candidates, post-docs, senior research scientists and professors, all contributing with their respective expertise.

Your profile

Required:

• M.Sc. in Physics is ideal but also M.Sc. in Materials Science, Chemistry and Engineering may be appropriate
• A key requirement is a truly open mindset, curiosity, and ability to discuss high-level science, in depth, with physicists, chemists as well as biologists. This in turn requires complete honesty and ease in revealing which fields the candidate is not an expert in, such that other team members can teach and support them

Desirable:

• Having taken courses on soft matter physics and/or chemistry with good scores
• Experience in research on liquid crystals, elastomers and/or microfluidics
• Having taken courses on continuum/fluid mechanics with good scores
• Experience in simulating fluid mechanics problems using, e.g., COMSOL
• Experience in interdisciplinary research
• Experience in designing and building hardware solutions, e.g. using Arduino, Raspberry Pi, 3D-printing, CAD and CNC machining and/or laser cutting

Language Requirements: Excellent command of English (C1), both orally and in writing

We offer

• A modern, dynamic university with a personal and inclusive atmosphere. Multilingual and international character. Staff coming from more than 90 countries. Member of The Guild of European Research Intensive Universities
• An exceptional research environment, supported by skilled staff and high-quality equipment. Strong links to professional sectors and the Luxembourg labour market. A unique urban campus with excellent infrastructure
• A partner for society and industry. Cooperation with European institutions, innovative companies, the Financial Centre and a wide range of non-academic partners including ministries, local governments, associations, and NGOs

How to apply

Applications should include:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover letter presenting your motivation for this doctoral thesis topic, and explaining how your qualifications and aspirations align with its academic focus
• Transcript of all modules and results from university-level courses taken

Additional requirements: A 1-page essay on one of the following two topics. Please complement the 1-page essay by a brief summary of how you may have used AI in producing this document:

1. What do you believe are the key challenges in establishing a microfluidic tubular three-phase flow with approximately 10 micron outer and 5 micron inner diameter for the middle phase ?
2. How would you design and construct a micropump functioning like a fish heart (two chambers) using a two-chamber LCE shell as your active material ?

Early application is highly encouraged, as the applications will be processed upon reception. Please apply 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 36 Month
• Work Hours: Full Time 40.0 Hours per Week
• Location: Limpertsberg Campus
• Internal Title: Doctoral Researcher
• Job Reference: UOL08388

The yearly gross salary for every Doctoral researcher at the UL is EUR 44531 (full time).