Open Positions

1.Position as research assistant (TV-L E13) with the possibility of a doctorate: Multidimensional particle characterization by artificial intelligence

Particles play a major role in various fields of industry application. In this context, measurement techniques for the determination of multidimensional particle property distributions are indispensable. In particular, the simultaneous determination of hydrodynamic and optical properties of (nano-) particles through sedimentation analysis is considered the gold standard in particle technology due to its high resolution and accuracy. The measurement data provides information on the particles’ size, shape and density and the respective distributions. For the comprehensive interpretation of the measurement data, the optical properties of the single particles must be mathematically described and numerically approximated. The application of particle characterizations techniques in industry is highly promising when supported by an automatized and intelligent system for the evaluation of the experimental data.

The research project focuses on the development and validation of comprehensive methods for forward simulations of sedimentation data as an example for multidimensional measurement data. One central step is the simulation of optical and hydrodynamic particle properties for single particles with known three-dimensional structure. Collaboration partners will utilize the synthesized data for deep learning methods in order to develop expert systems. Furthermore, this project aims for an assessment of the quality of synthesized data with respect to deep learning methods and artificial intelligence.

Please send your application to Prof. Dr.-Ing. Wolfgang Peukert (Institute of Particle Technology; wolfgang.peukert@fau.de) or Dr. Lukas Pflug (Central institute for scientific computing; lukas.pflug@fau.de).

We are looking forward to your application!

Necessary requirements

• Successful degree in physics, computational engineering, applied mathematics, chemical engineering or comparable subject area
• Very good English skills, both written and spoken
• Independent work as part of an interdisciplinary team
• Positive setting towards of learning and finding creative solutions

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2.Open Doctoral Researcher Position in Collaborative Research Centre (Sonderforschungsbereich, SFB) 1411 “Design of Particulate Products”, Project B02

We are looking for an excellent doctoral researcher to join our interdisciplinary team at the Institute of Particle Technology (LFG). As a doctoral researcher, you will be integral part of CRC 1411, funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG). It considers, through 20 participating projects, the predictive model based design and practical process realization of particulate products. These range from single nanoparticles with controlled shape and composition, through hierarchically organized assemblies of particles, up to particle packings as stationary phases for chromatographic separation.

The objective of project B02 is the development of a new scalable technology for continuous production of stationary phase materials for use in particle chromatography from suspensions by “spray printing”, i.e. layer-by-layer build-up of functional, porous substrates by individual droplet placement and drying. We will design and implement a new device for layer-by-layer build up. We will perform experiments on solids formation from drying free and sessile droplets and derive dynamic models that will allow describing predictively layer morphology and spatial heterogeneity of the porous substrates.

As a doctoral researcher, you will be expected to actively participate in the integrated Research Training Group of the CRC (iRTG-ParSciTech). This provides a framework for the supervision of individual projects, usually by two principal investigators of the CRC. It also nurtures a collaborative network between all CRC projects through regular meetings and retreats.

Your qualifications:

• You hold or expect to soon obtain a very good university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Chemical Engineering, or a closely related field.
• You have a demonstrable ability to work both with a high level of independence and diligence but also you can present your ideas and results to an interdisciplinary team.
• You are proficient in the English language; knowledge of the German language is welcome but not essential.

Applications should include the following documents:

• A motivation letter describing your research interests, your qualifications and why you would be a suitable candidate
• A detailed CV
• Academic transcripts from your Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees
• Email addresses of at least two references

Interested applicants should send the necessary documents via email to: andreas.bueck@fau.de (Prof. Dr.-Ing. A. Bück; PI)

The FAU is a member of “The Family in Higher Education Institutions” best practice club and aims to increase the number of women in scientific positions. Female candidates are therefore particularly encouraged to apply. In case of equal qualifications, candidates with disabilities will take precedence.

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3.Open Doctoral Researcher Position: Development of Multiwavelength Emission Detection in Analytical Ultracentrifugation

Knowledge about the size, shape and optical properties of macromolecules and nanoparticles is of utmost importance for many applications in life sciences and particle technology because physiological and product properties are directly influenced by these parameters. Combined analysis of mass, size and shape or the determination of size and shape dependent optical properties is a major challenge and requires strong and versatile methods.

In our research, we take advantage of the powerful and versatile analytical ultracentrifugation (AUC) platform. The temporal and spatial distribution of macromolecules and nanoparticles can be measured in solution in the presence of centrifugal accelerations reaching up to 290,000 g. This allows studying the sedimentation and diffusion properties of very small analytes having just a few hundred Daltons. These transport properties can be linked to the analyte’s disperse properties such as size, shape and interactions.

Recent developments in the field of AUC comprise a novel integrated multiwavelength emission detector, which permits the determination of dispersity-dependent (e.g. size, shape, density) emission properties. The new method is applicable for quantum dots, new 2D materials and proteins and their aggregates.

In order to drive these highly promising developments forward and to strengthen our Advanced Liquid Phase Characterization subgroup at the Institute of Particle Technology, FAU, we are looking for a talented young researcher with specific interests in experimental physics. We offer a diverse, multidisciplinary and stimulating working environment with excellent possibilities for professional and personal growth. In particular, we provide hands on experience in state-of-the-art AUC technology and particle science.

The applicant should hold a very good diploma or Master’s degree in physics, chemistry or related fields. Remuneration will be experience-dependent according to TVL-E 13 (100%).

Interested applicants should send the necessary documents via email to: wolfgang.peukert@fau.de.

We look forward to meeting you.

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4. Nonlinear Optical Spectroscopy of Interfaces-PhD research assistant.

Surface science studies are of great importance to advance our knowledge of self-assembled monolayers, foams, catalysis and in nanotechnology. Accessing buried interfaces is, however, particularly challenging since most techniques are not interfacial specific or cannot be applied under technical relevant conditions. In our institute we have established inherently surface specific methods such as optical second-harmonic generation (SHG), sum-frequency generation (SFG) and hyper-Rayleigh scattering (HRS) with ultra-short laser pulses to address the interfacial properties of advanced materials.

In order to strengthen our nonlinear optics subgroup, we are looking for a talented young researcher with interests in interface science and/or laser spectroscopy. We offer a diverse, multidisciplinary and stimulating working environment with excellent possibilities for professional and personal growth. We provide hands on experience in state-of-the-art femtosecond lasers and particle technology.

The applicant should hold a diploma or master degree in physics, chemistry or related fields. Remuneration will be experience-dependent according to TVL-E 13 (100%).

We look forward to meeting you.

Please send your application to

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For more open positions at FAU see UnivIS and the university careers portal