Molecular-Scale Structure and Dynamics of Electrolytes in Nanoconfinement - Postdoctoral Researcher

Molecular-Scale Structure and Dynamics of Electrolytes in Nanoconfinement - Postdoctoral Researcher

Job Offer from March 19, 2026

We invite applications for a Postdoctoral 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 and transport measurements.

It is well established that the behavior of liquids and ions changes significantly when they are confined within nanometer-scale environments. Under such conditions, classical continuum descriptions of fluid transport often become inadequate, and the system transitions toward sub-continuum or discrete regimes. In these regimes, interfacial effects—including surface forces, electrostatic interactions, solvation structures, and surface chemistry—play a dominant role in governing transport processes. Under extreme confinement, ions may exhibit phenomena such as layering, structural ordering, selective adsorption, modified mobility, and unexpected selectivity. These behaviors are strongly influenced by several interfacial properties, including surface charge density, atomic-scale interactions, wettability, chemical functionality, and the mechanical properties of the confining 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:

• a cover letter outlining your research interests
• your CV
• contact information for references
• key publications list

You can send to or