Open positions

Interested in nanoscience research? Please remember to check this page where we regularly post job offers for PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and senior scientists at the Adolphe Merkle Institute. Chemistry, materials science, analytics, physics, and biophysics are all at the core of our scientific projects. We offer a uniquely stimulating interdisciplinary research environment, state-of-the-art laboratories, excellent working conditions, competitive salaries, and outstanding career prospects. Our alumni regularly take up attractive positions in academia, public research organizations, and industry around the world.

  • PhD Position in the domain of Polymer Mechanochemistry

    AMI’s Polymer Chemistry and Materials Group (Prof. Christoph Weder and Dr. Linlin Deng) invites applications for a PhD Position in the domain of Polymer Mechanochemistry.

    The project focuses on the design and synthesis of supramolecular mechanophores, the investigation of their mechanoresponsive behavior in polymeric materials, and their application in biological environments for force mapping.

    AMI offers attractive employment conditions, a highly collaborative research environment, and outstanding infrastructure in a state-of-the-art research facility. The institute is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect, and provides equal opportunities for all its members. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates.

    The PhD student recruited for this project will join a dynamic, interdisciplinary team working on complementary aspects of the research. Collaboration will be central to the project's success, and students will benefit from shared expertise, joint problem-solving, and regular team meetings to ensure strong integration across all work packages.

    Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in Chemistry, Polymer, or Materials Science, and be motivated to pursue interdisciplinary research within a fast-paced, international team environment. Experience in organic and polymer synthesis, the ability to advance a complex project independently and as part of a team, excellent communication skills, and proficiency in English are key requirements.

    The positions are available immediately. To apply, please send your CV, a motivation letter, and contact details for at least two references as a single PDF file via E-mail to ami.applications@unifr.ch with the subject title “PhD Position Polymer Mechanochemistry”.

  • MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship Opportunity: Quantum Sensing with Nitrogen-Vacancy Centers

    The Quantum Sensing & Spin Chemistry Group is seeking a postdoctoral candidate to apply for the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 call. The selected candidate will develop a fellowship proposal under the supervision of Assistant Professor John Abendroth at the Adolphe Merkle Institute / University of Fribourg.

    We invite expressions of interest from researchers wishing to work at the intersection of quantum sensing and spin chemistry for room-temperature chemical sensing applications. Our group focuses on single- to few-molecule NMR and EPR spectroscopy using individual nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond.

    Relevant research areas for this expression of interest include:

    • stabilization of near-surface NV centers
    • diamond surface chemistry
    • stabilization and sensing of tethered biomolecules
    • simulation of spin dynamics.

    Please check the eligibility requirements for MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship Program here:

    https://marie-sklodowska-curie-actions.ec.europa.eu/actions/postdoctoral-fellowships

    Requirements: Applicants must wish to pursue interdisciplinary research in a fast-moving international environment. Experience in quantum engineering or magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR/EPR techniques) will be of advantage. Experience with optics and/or high-frequency electronics is especially valued. Programming skills for data acquisition and analysis are highly desirable. The ability to advance a complex project independently and as part of a team, excellent communication skills, and proficiency in English are essential.

    We offer: AMI offers attractive employment conditions, a highly collaborative research environment, and outstanding infrastructure in a state-of-the-art research facility. The institute is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect, and provides equal opportunities for all its members. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates.

    Please send: 1) a cover letter (1 page) outlining your motivation, relevant expertise, and research interests; 2) your CV including a complete publications list; 3) a short proposal idea (1/2 page) to Prof. Abendroth via E-mail to ami.applications@unifr.ch with the subject title “MSCA-PF 2026” by July 15.