Applications are invited for a funded PhD position in the field of biomimetic materials science in the group of Martin Steinhart (Institute for Chemistry, University of Osnabrueck). The Priority Program 1420 „Biomimetic Materials Research: Functionality by Hierarchical Structuring of Materials“ funded by the German Research Foundation (http://spp1420.mpikg.mpg.de) focuses on the preparation and characterization of artificial systems mimicking biological models with hierarchical architectures. In collaboration with S. Gorb (Dept. of Biology, University of Kiel) the successful candidate will generate artificial anti-adhesive surfaces mimicking the slippery zone of trapping organs of carnivorous plants from the genus Nepenthes. Moreover, nanostructured surfaces for the study of cell adhesion will be developed. The focus of the project is on polymeric materials science with strong links to biology.
Applicants should have a Master degree in chemistry, physics, materials science, polymer science or similar subjects. The position is funded according to the pay scale of the State of Lower Saxony (50 % E13) for three years and can optionally be extended for another six months. There are no tuition fees. The start date is October 15, 2011 or later, depending on the availability of the successful applicant. Further information is available on the group website: http://www.ifc.uni-osnabrueck.de/physikalische-chemie/. For informal enquiries please contact Martin Steinhart (martin.steinhart@uos.de). Please send applications to barbara.gunkel@uos.de. The closing date is September 23, 2011.