1. PhD Position – Reversible Photopolymerization in Polymer Melts (PHOTOMELT)

 

The Calvino Group has one open PhD position in the field of polymer chemistry, photochemistry, and functional polymer materials.

 

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

The Calvino Group develops materials in which function is encoded through controlled chemical reactivity. Our research focuses on translating molecular responsiveness into macroscopic material behavior, enabling materials that can sense, report, adapt, repair, or disassemble in response to external stimuli.

This PhD project aims to explore polymer melts as a new environment for reversible photopolymerization. By exploiting the molecular mobility of polymers in the melt, the project seeks to establish whether light-controlled polymerization and depolymerization can be achieved directly in bulk materials.

The research will combine photochemistry, polymer synthesis, and materials characterization to investigate reversible bond formation and cleavage under melt conditions. Ultimately, the project aims to establish the conditions required to produce high-molecular-weight polymers with measurable mechanical properties and to identify the potential of melt-state photochemistry for developing new polymer materials.

 

 

REQUISITES FOR APPLICANTS:

The applicant must have a master’s degree in chemistry, polymer science, materials science, or a related discipline. The candidate should demonstrate a willingness to pursue interdisciplinary research involving polymer synthesis, photochemistry, polymer processing, and the characterization of responsive materials. Research experience in organic and/or polymer synthesis and standard characterization techniques (NMR, IR, UV-Vis, and fluorescence) is expected.

Experience in photochemistry, polymer thermal and mechanical characterization, rheology, or polymer processing will be considered an advantage but is not required.

Excellent communication skills in English (written and oral), as well as a team-oriented and collaborative spirit, are essential requirements.

Finally, the successful applicant is expected to enroll in a full-time PhD program.

This research program provides the successful applicant with the opportunity to join the Calvino Group at the University of Freiburg and develop a broad scientific skill set at the interface of polymer chemistry, photochemistry, and materials science.

The project is funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG) for 36 months. As part of the livMatS (Living, Adaptive and Energy-autonomous Materials Systems) research environment, the Calvino Group offers opportunities for interdisciplinary scientific exchange and collaboration in the field of adaptive and functional materials.

Finally, the University of Freiburg offers competitive working conditions and access to state-of-the-art equipment for molecular synthesis, photochemical investigations, spectroscopy, thermal analysis, and polymer characterization.

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Application deadline: November 15, 2026.

Interviews are expected to take place shortly after the application deadline.

The position is expected to start on March 1, 2027.

 

Please hand in:

• Letter of intent detailing why you are interested in this specific project and how your previous research qualifies you for the project (2 pages max)

• Curriculum Vitae with list of publications (if applicable)

• Certified copies of your university degree(s) with grades (BA and MA certificate / Diploma certificate and transcript)

• Short summary of your master’s thesis (up to 1,000 words)

• Work sample (chapter from recent thesis or journal article, up to 5,000 words)

• Two recommendation letters with contact details of the referees

Please send your documents in one PDF file only with the subject title:“ PhD Position PHOTOMELT_YOURNAME”

 

 

E-mail address for applications:              calvinoresearchgroup@gmail.com

 

 

Applications with incomplete files will not be considered. Submitted documents will not be returned.

Due to the anticipated number of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not receive a response within six weeks of the application deadline, please consider your application unsuccessful. Individual feedback on applications will not be provided.