Postdoctoral Researcher in Active Matter (University of Göttingen Third Institute of Physics)

The Third Institute of Physics at the University of Göttingen invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher on Active Matter (f/m/d) Entgeltgruppe 13 TV-L/100 % The position (full-time, currently 39.8 hours/week) is available from November 1st 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter) and is initially limited to two years. The successful candidate will join the Volkswagen Momentum Project "From Living Cells to Smart Gels". Living cells exhibit remarkable non-equilibrium properties that enable adaptive mechanics, active transport and self-organization far beyond the capabilities of conventional materials. The aim of this project is to identify the physical principles underlying these behaviours and translate them into entirely synthetic active materials. The project establishes a new experimental research direction at the interface of active matter, soft matter physics, biophysics and materials science. The successful candidate will contribute to the experimental development of bio-inspired active materials and non-equilibrium systems. The project combines the development of novel experimental platforms with quantitative physical analysis to uncover the principles governing transport, mechanics, and self-organization in synthetic active materials. Your profile Applicants should hold a PhD (and Master’s degree or equivalent) in Physics, Biophysics, Materials Science, Physical Chemistry, or a closely related discipline. We are looking for highly motivated experimental physicists with demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following areas: • Active matter or soft matter physics • Colloidal physics • Active colloids (e.g. Janus particles or Quincke rollers) • Active droplets • Particle synthesis, microfabrication or 3D printing Applicants should have an excellent publication record relative to their career stage, enthusiasm for developing new experimental methods, strong quantitative and analytical skills, and excellent written and spoken English. We offer • A highly interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment • Excellent experimental infrastructure and the opportunity to develop new experimental systems • Support for applications to competitive individual fellowships The University of Göttingen is an equal opportunities employer and places particular emphasis on fostering career opportunities for women. Qualified women are therefore strongly encouraged to apply in fields in which they are underrepresented. The university has committed itself to being a family-friendly institution and supports their employees in balancing work and family life. The University is particularly committed to the professional participation of severely disabled employees and therefore welcomes applications from severely disabled people. In the case of equal qualifications, applications from people with severe disabilities will be given preference. A disability or equality status is to be included in the application in order to protect the interests of the applicant. Please send your application with the usual documents to this advertisement by E-Mail to: timo.betz@phys.uni-goettingen.de. The closing date for application is 31.08.2026 Please note: With submission of your application, you accept the processing of your applicant data in terms of data-protection law. Further information on the legal basis and data usage is provided in the https://uni-goettingen.de/GDPR Wenn Sie sich auf diese Stelle bewerben, erwähnen Sie bitte dass Sie sie auf Universitoxy gesehen haben.

The Third Institute of Physics at the University of Göttingen invites applications for a

Postdoctoral Researcher on Active Matter (f/m/d)
Entgeltgruppe 13 TV-L/100 %

The position (full-time, currently 39.8 hours/week) is available from November 1st 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter) and is initially limited to two years.

The successful candidate will join the Volkswagen Momentum Project "From Living Cells to Smart Gels".

Living cells exhibit remarkable non-equilibrium properties that enable adaptive mechanics, active transport and self-organization far beyond the capabilities of conventional materials. The aim of this project is to identify the physical principles underlying these behaviours and translate them into entirely synthetic active materials. The project establishes a new experimental research direction at the interface of active matter, soft matter physics, biophysics and materials science.

The successful candidate will contribute to the experimental development of bio-inspired active materials and non-equilibrium systems. The project combines the development of novel experimental platforms with quantitative physical analysis to uncover the principles governing transport, mechanics, and self-organization in synthetic active materials.

Your profile

Applicants should hold a PhD (and Master’s degree or equivalent) in Physics, Biophysics, Materials Science, Physical Chemistry, or a closely related discipline.

We are looking for highly motivated experimental physicists with demonstrated expertise in one or more of the following areas:

•   Active matter or soft matter physics
•   Colloidal physics
•   Active colloids (e.g. Janus particles or Quincke rollers)
•   Active droplets
•   Particle synthesis, microfabrication or 3D printing

Applicants should have an excellent publication record relative to their career stage, enthusiasm for developing new experimental methods, strong quantitative and analytical skills, and excellent written and spoken English.

We offer
•   A highly interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment
•   Excellent experimental infrastructure and the opportunity to develop new experimental systems
•   Support for applications to competitive individual fellowships

The University of Göttingen is an equal opportunities employer and places particular emphasis on fostering career opportunities for women. Qualified women are therefore strongly encouraged to apply in fields in which they are underrepresented. The university has committed itself to being a family-friendly institution and supports their employees in balancing work and family life. The University is particularly committed to the professional participation of severely disabled employees and therefore welcomes applications from severely disabled people. In the case of equal qualifications, applications from people with severe disabilities will be given preference. A disability or equality status is to be included in the application in order to protect the interests of the applicant.

Please send your application with the usual documents to this advertisement by E-Mail to: timo.betz@phys.uni-goettingen.de. The closing date for application is 31.08.2026

Please note:
With submission of your application, you accept the processing of your applicant data in terms of data-protection law. Further information on the legal basis and data usage is provided in the https://uni-goettingen.de/GDPR