Doctoral Research Associate (Wissenschaftliche*r Mitarbeiter*in, salary level E 13 TV-L)

Creating knowledge. Making a difference. Shaping the future. This is what the University of Münster stands for as one of the strongest research-oriented universities in Germany and one of the largest employers in the region. Every day, over 7,000 employees devote themselves to cutting-edge research and excellent teaching. We share more than a workplace. We share the desire to make a real impact – regionally and internationally. Our day-to-day work is distinguished by diversity, openness and space to pursue one’s ideas. Become a part of our team – in academia, a technical or manual trade, or administration.

The Institute of Physical Chemistry in the Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy at the University of Münster, Germany, is seeking to fill the position in the research group of Prof Marcel Rey of a

for an externally funded project on the topic of „Shapemorphing colloidal particles„. The position is available as soon as possible. We are offering a fixed-term part-time position (67%) for 3 years.

Your tasks:

• Construction of a custom inverted optical microscope with integrated laser illumination for the simultaneous deformation and imaging of shapemorphing particles
• ntegration and control of laser illumination, polarisation, and spatially structured illumination for the controlled manipulation of particle shape.
• Investigation of light-controlled self-assembly and phase behaviour of shapemorphing colloids at liquid interfaces using optical microscopy.
• Quantitative analysis of ordering transitions, defect dynamics, and shape-dependent structural changes using particle tracking and image analysis
• Quantification of shape-dependent particle interactions at liquid interfaces using optical tweezers
• Documentation and presentation of results at scientific conferences.
• Publication of results in scientific journals
• The position is tied to working towards a doctorate.

Our expectations:

• A university degree (Master’s/Diploma) in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, or a related field is required.
• We are looking for a committed, motivated, and team-oriented individual who is characterized by an independent working style
• Proficiency in English, both spoken and written.
• Experience with project-related topics is desirable but can also be acquired during the PhD. These include
• Experience in optics, laser optics, and microscopy.
• Experience in the construction and alignment of optical systems.
• Experience with optical manipulation and/or optical tweezers.
• Experience in image analysis and particle tracking.
• Experience with colloidal systems or soft matter.

Advantages for you:

The University of Münster strongly supports equal opportunity and diversity. We welcome all applicants regardless of sex, nationality, ethnic or social background, religion or worldview, disability, age, sexual orientation or gender identity. We are committed to creating family-friendly working conditions.
We actively encourage applications by women. Women with equivalent qualifications and academic achievements will be preferentially considered unless these are outweighed by reasons which necessitate the selection of another candidate.

For the application task, please read the following paper:

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-67739-9

As part of the PhD project, we aim to investigate and control the light-induced deformation and self-assembly of photoresponsive colloids in situ at liquid interfaces using spatially structured illumination.

Propose an optical microscopy setup and sample cell that enable simultaneous imaging and controlled deformation of the particles using polarised light.

Briefly describe and justify your proposed setup. A schematic of the optical setup is encouraged. Relevant literature may be cited.

Have we sparked your interest? If so, we look forward to receiving your application via the online application tool BITE by 2026-09-30.

Please submit the following documents:

• CV
• Certificates
• Application Task – Optical Microscopy (approximately 1 page)

Please submit all documents electronically in PDF format. Other file formats cannot be considered.

Universität Münster
Institut für Physikalische Chemie
Prof. Dr. Marcel Rey
Corrensstraße 28/30
48149 Münster
mrey@uni-muenster.de

Reference number: 2026_08_22

Online application