PhD position - Quantum Sensing of Radical Chemistry in Biomimetic Thin Films

Adolphe Merkle Institute; Schweiz; On-site; CHF 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Adolphe Merkle Institute in Switzerland invites applications for a fully funded PhD position on “Quantum Sensing of Radical Chemistry in Biomimetic Thin Films.” The project focuses on growth and reactivity of nanoscale coatings using diamond-based quantum sensors, with opportunities to publish and present at international conferences.

The successful candidate will optimize film growth, characterize materials, and explore radical processes under controlled flow, using NV-centre magnetometry and

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, or related field.
• Experience with nanoscale thin films or coatings is desirable.
• Proficiency in English and excellent communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Optimize growth of polydopamine and related nanoscale films.
• Characterize films using surface and materials analysis methods.
• Map radical spin populations using NV-center magnetometry.
• Present results at conferences and publish in leading journals.
• Mentor Master’s projects.

Skills

Growth and coatings

NV-center magnetometry

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy

Education

Master Degree or equivalent

Job description

Organisation/Company Adolphe Merkle Institute Department Communications Research Field Chemistry » Physical chemistry Physics » Chemical physics Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions PhD Positions Application Deadline 22 Nov 2026 - 12:00 (Europe/Zurich) Country Switzerland Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 42 Offer Starting Date 1 Mar 2027 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

The Adolphe Merkle Institute’sQuantum 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.

Requirements

Research Field Chemistry Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

Research Field Physics Education Level Master Degree or equivalent

Skills/Qualifications

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)

Languages ENGLISH Level Good

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Adolphe Merkle Institute, University of Fribourg Country Switzerland State/Province Fribourg City Fribourg Postal Code 1700 Street Chemin des Verdiers 4 Geofield