Postdoc position: Confocal Raman study (in) organic matter on solid-electrolyte-interfaces

The candidate will study the adsorption of organic molecules from oil and water mixtures to model heterogeneous surfaces mimicking real rock surfaces using confocal Raman microscopy in combination with a microfluidic device. The ultimate goal of this project is to emulate the oil recovery process in an artificial Rock-on-a-Chip device.

The task will be to develop a setup consisting of a combination of a confocal Raman microscope, an Atomic Force Microscope and a suitable microfluidic device that enables investigation of the (co-) adsorption of organic molecules such as fatty acids, amines, and small aromatic molecules to model mineral surfaces. The goal is to understand the binding mechanism, preferred binding sites, the adhesion strength of the organic molecules and their role for the efficiency of oil recovery emulated in a microfluidic environment. The project is part of a larger consortium of academic as well as industrial partners. It will be executed at the Physics of Complex Fluids group (Prof. Frieder Mugele) in close collaboration with the MCBP group (Dr. Cees Otto).
Candidates are expected to have a degree in (Applied) Physics or a related field.