Bereich: Adolphe Merkle Institute
The Adolphe Merkle Institute’s Quantum Sensing & Spin Chemistry Group (Assistant Prof. John Abendroth) invites applications for a fully funded PhD position on “Quantum Sensing of Radical Chemistry in Biomimetic Thin Films.”
Project: The project focuses on understanding the growth and chemical reactivity of nanoscale biomimetic coatings using diamond-based quantum sensors. Polydopamine and related catechol-derived materials form versatile coatings with applications in biomedicine, environmental technologies, and functional interfaces. However, the radical processes that govern their formation and reactivity remain poorly understood.
The successful candidate will first optimize the growth of polydopamine and related nanoscale films and characterize them using complementary surface and materials analysis methods. The candidate will subsequently monitor chemical reactions under controlled flow and use ensembles of fluorescent nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers to map stable radical spin populations within the films. Experiments will investigate film growth in real time and probe changes induced by oxidation, light exposure, and metal binding.
The project combines nanoscale film growth and characterization, interfacial chemistry, and magnetic resonance measurements using wide-field NV microscopy. The candidate will work closely with researchers developing the quantum sensing instrumentation and flow-cell platform. The project includes opportunities to present results at international conferences, publish in leading journals, and mentor Master’s-level projects.
Requirements: Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field and wish to pursue interdisciplinary research in a fast-moving international environment. The ability to advance a complex experimental project independently and as part of a team, excellent communication skills, and proficiency in English are essential.
Candidates should have experience in at least one of the following areas:
- Growth and characterization of nanoscale thin films or coatings
- NV-center magnetometry / diamond quantum sensing
- Magnetic resonance spectroscopy or imaging (EPR/NMR)
Applicants with background in one area must be enthusiastic about developing expertise in the others. A background in surface characterization, optical microscopy, or quantitative data analysis is also valued.
We offer: AMI offers attractive employment conditions, a highly collaborative research environment, and outstanding infrastructure in a state-of-the-art research facility. The institute is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect, and provides equal opportunities for all its members. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates.
The anticipated start date is March 2027 and the position will be filled as soon as possible. Please send your CV, motivation letter, and contact information of two references as one PDF file via E-mail to ami.applications@unifr.ch with the subject title “PhD Quantum Sensing”.
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