Molecular-Scale Structure and Dynamics of Electrolytes in Nanoconfinement - PhD student

Molecular-Scale Structure and Dynamics of Electrolytes in Nanoconfinement - PhD student

Job Offer from March 19, 2026

We invite applications for a fully funded PhD position at the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research (MPIP) to investigate the molecular-scale structure, interactions, and transport of electrolytes under confinement. The project aims to develop fundamental insights into ion behavior within nano- and molecular-scale channels with tunable geometries and surface properties, combining advanced interfacial spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy.

It is well known that when liquids and ions are confined to nanometer dimensions, their behavior changes dramatically. Classical continuum theories often break down to sub-continuum or discrete regimes, as surface forces, electrostatic interactions, solvation shell structure, and wall chemistry dominate transport. Under ultra-confinement, ions can exhibit layering, ordering, selective adsorption, altered mobility, and unexpected selectivity, strongly influenced by surface charge, atomic forces, wettability, chemical functionality, and mechanical stiffness of the channel walls.

This project aims to reveal how tunable interfaces, geometrical parameters and wall–ion interactions govern ionic transport in confined electrolytes. Understanding and controlling these effects is essential for next-generation technologies such as energy harvesting/storage devices, nanofluidic sensing, and ionic logic devices.

We welcome applications from highly motivated candidates with backgrounds in soft matter physics, optics and spectroscopy, nanofabrication, or interfacial science, and with strong experimental and quantitative data analysis skills.

How to Apply:

Please submit a single PDF containing: (1) a cover letter outlining your research interests (2) your CV, (3) contact information for references, and (4) a key publication (If applicable) to or