Open PhD position

PhD position available for the DFG project "From Sponge-Like to Foam-Like Liquid Nanostructures" at the Institute of Physical Chemistry, University of Stuttgart (1.10.2026) (start date: flexible within the next 6 months)

 We are seeking a motivated PhD candidate interested in pursuing a doctorate in physical chemistry. Experience in measuring phase diagrams, viscosities, and/or conductivities, as well as experience with and/or an interest in scattering methods, is advantageous.

We offer a cutting-edge research topic funded by the DFG for a period of three years. The project focuses on further investigating the recently discovered liquid foam-like nanostructure (image on the right). This structure forms within the L₃ channel of a system composed of water, oil, and a surfactant. Previously, the L₃ channel structure was consistently described as a sponge-like nanostructure (image on the left) in which the bilayers swell upon the addition of oil. However, we have demonstrated that adding 3 - 4 wt% oil to the sponge-like nanostructure under specific conditions does not result in bilayer swelling; instead, it leads to the formation of a distinct foam-like nanostructure in which oil constitutes the continuous phase and water the dispersed phase.

The DFG project will be conducted in close collaboration with the research group of Prof. Dr. Hellweg at Bielefeld University. The PhD candidate based there will focus primarily on elucidating the microstructure. The overall goal of the project is to gain a fundamental understanding of the detection, formation, kinetics, dynamics, and physicochemical properties of the foam-like nanostructure. Once we have this understanding, the unique nanostructure will automatically trigger the search for applications such as the synthesis of nanofoams for thermal insulation.

Interested candidates should email their CV with the names of two professional referees to Prof. Dr. Cosima Stubenrauch cosima.stubenrauch@ipc.uni-stuttgart.de