Postdoc Researcher (m/f/d): Hydration-Governed Colloidal Stability for Sustainable Nanocellulose

Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces; Deutschland; Vor Ort; EUR 50.000 - 65.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

A leading research institute in Germany is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher focusing on cellulose-water interface research and eco-efficient production of nanomaterials. Candidates should possess a PhD in chemistry or materials science, with relevant research experience. This full-time position offers a stimulating work environment and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration. An understanding of colloids and surface characterization techniques is advantageous.

Leistungen

Access to cutting-edge infrastructure

Conditions of public sector employment

Canteen with diverse meal options

Qualifikationen

• PhD in relevant field required.
• Experience with soft matter and surface science preferred.
• Strong quantitative analysis skills necessary.

Aufgaben

• Conduct innovative research on cellulose nanoparticles.
• Develop surface modifications for stability improvements.
• Design surface measurement strategies for interactions.
• Elucidate cellulose-water interfacial dynamics.

Kenntnisse

Colloids expertise

Data analysis

Scientific writing

Interdisciplinary teamwork

Ausbildung

PhD in Chemistry or Materials Science

Tools

SAXS/WAXS

XPS

AFM

QCM-D

Jobbeschreibung

Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces

Organisation/Company Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces Department Sustainable and Bio-inspired Materials Research Field Chemistry » Physical chemistry Chemistry » Organic chemistry Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Positions Postdoc Positions Country Germany Application Deadline 12 Dec 2025 - 23:59 (Europe/Berlin) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 39 Offer Starting Date 1 Jan 2026 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 Department of Sustainable and Bioinspired Materials (Director Prof. Dr. Silvia Vignolini, ( https://www.mpikg.mpg.de/sbm ) at the Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces (MPICI) in Potsdam Science Park, Germany, is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Researcher to drive an ambitious project on the cellulose-water interface and eco-efficient production of cellulosic nanomaterials. Your research will bridge sustainable processing with fundamental colloid science to further enhance the sustainability of bio-based material building blocks.

This project is embedded in the broader mission of our institute and part of the Max Planck Society’s Sustainability Network “SusMax” ( https://www.susmax.org/ ), which aims to push the boundaries of renewable materials through cutting-edge fundamental insight into colloidal science, precision interfacial engineering, and deep mechanistic understanding.

What we offer

• a full-time position (initially one year with possible extension) in a world-class research environment
• a stimulating, interdisciplinary environment within the vibrant scientific community of the Max Planck Institute
• access to cutting-edge infrastructure, including various surface and material characterization approaches
• remuneration according to TVöD-Bund up to pay group E13
• conditions and social benefits of the public sector
• compatibility of family and career (company Kindergarten)
• subsidy for the job ticket
• canteen, with an offer of meat, vegetarian and vegan dishes
• outdoor sports facilities on campus

The Max Planck Society strives for gender equality and diversity. We welcome applications from all backgrounds. The Max-Planck Society is committed to increasing the number of individuals with disabilities in its workforce and therefore encourages applications from such qualified individuals. Furthermore, the Max Planck Society seeks to increase the number of women in those areas where they are underrepresented and therefore explicitly encourages women to apply.

The position is available starting from 01.01.2026 for a period of 12 months with possible extension. The accepted candidate will work in the group led by Dr. Wenyang Xu at the Department of Sustainable and Bio-inspired Materials, with strong collaboration with the Max Planck Institute of Polymer Research.

Please submit your application using the online-application-management-tool, with attached PDF versions of your CV, including a publication list, and a short motivation letter containing your skills and experiences related to the position (Max. 2 pages), a brief on your potential thoughts and contribution to the project (Max. 1 page), and two references.

We are looking for a highly motivated researcher with a PhD in chemistry or materials science and with a research background in soft matter, surface and interface science, materials characterization, or physical chemistry. You enjoy combining careful experimentation with quantitative analysis and collaborating across disciplines.

The successful candidate stands high chance to have proven experience with colloids/soft matter and surface/interfacial characterization; several of hands‑on skills with several of the following: scattering techniques such as SAXS/WAXS or neutron methods, spectroscopic or optical methodologies, surface and interface characterizations such as XPS, AFM (incl. force mapping), QCM-D, or ITC; strong data analysis and scientific writing skills; ability to work independently and in teams in an interdisciplinary setting; research experience with nanocellulose is advantageous but not required.

Specific Requirements

• Conduct innovative research to understand the colloidal stability of cellulose nanoparticles across different dimensions, connecting interparticle forces, hydration, and dispersion behavior.
• Develop and evaluate physicochemical surface modifications (selective adsorption, polymer grafting/brushes, small‑molecule or polysaccharide motifs) and quantify their impact on stability, assembly, and performance.
• Design and apply surface/interfacial measurement strategies to probe polymer‑nanoparticle interactions (QCM‑D/AFM/ITC/ellipsometry/scattering and spectroscopies), and translate these insights into processing rules.
• Elucidate cellulose‑water interfacial structure and dynamics, linking surface hydration and specific binding to macroscopic dispersion, self‑assembly, and material properties.
• Ability for both independent and teamwork
• Strong interest in interdisciplinary research
• Language skills in English in speech and writing

Languages: English, level good.

Additional Information

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces Country Germany Geofield