We offer a PhD position in the research group of Dr. Frederik Kotz-Helmer, which is embedded within the NeptunLab led by Prof. Bastian E. Rapp at the Department of Microsystems Engineering (IMTEK), University of Freiburg. NeptunLab is a highly interdisciplinary research environment focusing on the development of novel materials, manufacturing technologies, and processes for industrial applications. Research from the NeptunLab has been published in leading international journals, including Lab on a Chip, Advanced Materials, Angewandte Chemie, and Nature, and has received attention from national and international media outlets such as the BBC, The New York Times, and the Discovery Channel.
Glass is one of the most important materials for optics, photonics, and advanced manufacturing. Within this PhD project, novel multi-component silicate glasses will be developed using a unique combination of nanoparticle synthesis, colloidal nanocomposites, and the Glassomer technology. The project aims to fabricate complex multi-component glass systems, and to process them into transparent glass components using advanced manufacturing technologies including 3D printing, replication, and injection molding.
The successful candidate will join an interdisciplinary research environment at the interface of materials science, glass science, chemistry, and additive manufacturing. The project offers the opportunity to contribute to the development of next-generation optical materials and microstructured glass components for applications in optics and photonics.
Synthesizing multicomponent oxide nanoparticles
Characterizing nanoparticles using techniques such as SEM, TEM, XRD, BET, DLS, ICP-OES, XPS, and thermal analysis.
Formulating highly filled photocurable and thermoplastic nanocomposites.
Investigating particle dispersion, rheological behavior, and optical properties of nanocomposites.
Processing nanocomposites using additive manufacturing and replication technologies, including:

Two-photon polymerization (2PP)
Injection molding


Developing debinding and sintering processes for transparent glass fabrication.
Characterizing optical, structural, and thermal properties of the resulting glasses.
Studying phase formation, crystallization behavior, and densification mechanisms during sintering.
Establishing composition-structure-property relationships in multi-component glass systems.
Presenting research results at international conferences and publishing findings in peer-reviewed journals.

Master’s degree/Bachelor’s degree/Studies in Chemistry, Material Science or related subjects
Profound knowledge of organic and inorganic chemistry is required
Knowledge of glass science, ceramic processing or additive manufacturing are/is beneficial.
Excellent academic track record
Excellent English skills in reading and writing
You should be a team player with ambitions who can conduct research projects independently
You should be able to structure and document your work properly
You should be a creative mind without causing excessive chaos around you

An interdisciplinary work environment with a team of motivated scientists that strive to develop clever solutions for scientific as well as industrial problems
Well-funded projects with access to excellent state-of-the art infrastructure, generous lab space and scientific equipment
An aspiring young team with great emphasis on publications and publicity
A lab structure that promotes the development of the individual members and fosters open-minded scientific discussions
A strong focus on the career development of the candidate including submitting to and attending the most relevant international conferences and summer schools
An environment that supports start-up mentality - if your research is industrially applicable and promising, we will move towards commercialization of your solution
Payment of TV-L 13 75% (full time)
Depending on the performance of the candidate the PhD d...