Your role

The ERC Synergy project ALCEMIST (lcsoftmatter.com/alcemist ) challenges the conventional engineering mindset of using motors to drive passive structural components by developing innovative materials that combine the structural features and mobility in a single component. These are liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs), unique responsive materials that reversibly change shape, colour, adhesive or damping properties, in response to stimuli like heat, light, humidity or strain. We follow a radically new approach to make powerful yet low-cost, biocompatible and biodegradable LCEs using polysaccharides as raw materials. Thanks to bond-exchange chemistry our LCEs will be re-processable and re-usable. To dramatically scale up LCEs in size as well as in number, we are developing a ground-breaking new processing approach based on flow patterning to make meter scale LCEs of complex shapes and actuation modes. ALCEMIST builds on a tight synergistic collaboration between the Experimental Soft Matter Physics group at University of Luxembourg, led by Prof. Jan Lagerwall (project coordinator), the Soft and Biofunctional Materials group at NOVA University Lisbon, Portugal, led by Prof. Maria Helena Godinho, and the Biological and Soft Systems group of Prof. Eugene Terentjev at University of Cambridge, UK. In addition to carrying out fundamental soft matter physics and chemistry innovation, we will demonstrate unconventional applications of LCEs, ranging from adhesives that can be reversibly debonded on demand and sun-powered adaptive building elements that save energy and improve indoor atmosphere, to microhearts and peristaltic vasculature that can remove the growth limits of lab-grown organs, or smart threads that give doctors critical feedback on suture tension when conducting robotic surgery.

The PhD candidate will generate and study complex macroscopic flow patterns of LCE precursors, polymerize the precursors into LCEs programmed by the flow patterns, and study the resulting actuation behavior. You will be working practically in the lab using commercial rheometers, mechanical testers, polarizing microscopes etc., in addition to bespoke equipment built for establishing the controlled flow at tunable temperature and photopolymerization of the precursor. The practical work will be complemented by fluid mechanics computer simulations, including solutions employing machine learning, and theoretical analysis using Leslie-Ericksen theory for liquid crystal flow as well as theory for viscoelasticity of polymeric liquids. Both in the practical and simulation/theory work you will be guided and supported by post-docs and senior researchers, in Luxembourg and from our international network of collaborators. You will be spending time also in Cambridge and Lisbon.

For further information please see the website of the ESMP group, www.lcsoftmatter.com, or contact Prof. Jan Lagerwall: jan.lagerwall@uni.lu.

Your profile

The PhD candidate must have a strong physics background, with good understanding of continuum/fluid mechanics as well as polarizing optics. Experience with liquid crystals and polymeric liquids is a strong asset. An M.Sc. in physics is ideal, but also materials science, mechanics or chemistry M.Sc. may be adequate if the candidate shows strong interest and good understanding in physics (short-listed candidates will be tested for this during interviews). We expect strong capacity for critical thinking and excellent research ethics. The person must posses fluent written and verbal communication skills in English.

We offer

• Multilingual and international character. Modern institution with a personal atmosphere. Staff coming from 90 countries. Member of the “University of the Greater Region” (UniGR)
• A modern and dynamic university. High-quality equipment. Close ties to the business world and to the Luxembourg labour market. A unique urban site with excellent infrastructure
• A partner for society and industry. Cooperation with European institutions, innovative companies, the Financial Centre and with numerous non-academic partners such as ministries, local governments, associations, NGOs …

How to apply

Applications should include:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Cover letter - Explain your motivation for pursuing a Ph.D. and why the Experimental Soft Matter Physics group aligns with your career goals. While AI can help with language correction, we discourage using it to write the letter itself, as this may result in a less authentic and personalized application
• PDF version of your full M.Sc. thesis (please compress to max 5MB or provide a link for download)
• At least one recommendation letter, preferably from your M.Sc. thesis advisor

Early application is highly encouraged, as the applications will be processed upon reception. To ensure full consideration, candidates should apply by 30^th of July 2025 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: Campus Limpertsberg
• Internal Title: Doctoral Researcher
• Job Reference: UOL07495

The yearly gross salary for every PhD at the UL is EUR 41976 (full time).