We have an open PhD position (fully funded, four years) in correlative light-electron microscopy at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) in collaboration with the Center for Multiscale Electron Microscopy and the Nanoscopy for Nanomedicine group. This position is funded by the Dutch Research Council Gravitation Program Interactive Polymer Materials grant, a large consortium aiming to design the next generation of polymeric materials.
Correlative imaging is an innovative imaging method that combines multiple imaging modalities and its potential for (bio)materials imaging is not yet harvested. You will focus on establishing correlative light-electron microscopy for polymer materials at TU/e and use it to study a variety of materials available in the consortium. This will include: i) correlating electron microscopy with fluorescence and super resolution microscopy; ii) correlating fluorescence microscopy and high-resolution structures by electron microscopy for cryogenic samples and iii) study dynamic materials combining fluorescence microscopy and liquid cell EM.
The goal of the project is to develop of a toolbox of correlative approaches that exploit the strengths of each individual technique, ultimately leading to a comprehensive '5D' picture (in three spatial dimensions (x, y, z), in time (t) and in function) of interactive and dynamic polymer materials through time-resolved, multiscale in-situ analysis.
This position will be embedded within the
Laboratory of Physical Chemistry at the Department of
Chemical Engineering & Chemistry of Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) and supervised by dr.
Heiner Friedrich (heading the Center for Multiscale Electron Microscopy) and dr.
Lorenzo Albertazzi (
Nanoscopy for Nanomedicine group, Biomedical Engineering department). The groups are also closely connected to the
Institute for Complex Molecular Systems.
The Laboratory of Physical Chemistry at Eindhoven University of TechnologyThe research of the Laboratory of Physical Chemistry group, led by prof. Remco Tuinier, is positioned at the intersection of theoretical and experimental physical chemistry and the fields of polymer and colloid science. We focus on gaining a fundamental understanding of the physical and chemical properties and processes relevant to the behaviour of polymers, colloids, and their mixtures in bulk and at interfaces. We study the mentioned physical-chemical properties and processes by combining experiments [synthesis & assembly of polymers and (bioinspired) colloids, (cryo, in situ, electron, light) microscopy, (X-ray, neutron, light) scattering, interfacial methods, rheology, (3D) printing], theory (mean-field computations on bulk phase behaviour and interfacial properties, colloidal interactions) and computer simulations. Of particular interest are designing molecules, particles, and interfaces to perform a specific function, and to develop novel technologies for producing ingredients and making products and related processes sustainable.
This PhD thesis researcher position is part of the Center for Multiscale Electron Microscopy, the Nanoscopy for Nanomedicine group and the Institute for Complex Molecular Systems with full access to all available infrastructure including TEM (Titan Themis), Cryo-TEM (Glacios), Confocal microscopy (Nikon, Leica), STED and SMLM super-resolution microscopy (Nikon, ONI, Aberrior) setups.
TU/e offers academic education that is driven by fundamental and applied research. We combine scientific curiosity with a hands-on mentality. Our educational philosophy is based on personal attention and room for individual ambitions and talents. Our research meets the highest international standards of quality. We push the limits of science, which puts us at the forefront of rapidly emerging areas of research.