PhD Position: Control Capacity of Active Matter Using Activity Landscapes
Source: DAAD official PhDGermany RSS feed. About the ProjectThe Molecular Nanophotonics Group at Leipzig University, led by Prof. Dr. Frank Cichos, invites applications for a doctoral researcher position in a joint ISF-DFG project with the group of Prof. Dr. Yael Roichman at Tel Aviv University. Our group pioneered “photon nudging”, the feedback control of light-driven microswimmers, and has since combined it with reinforcement learning, physical reservoir computing and programmable hydrodynamics.Start Date: January 1, 2027 (or earliest possible date)Research Focus: How many collective degrees of freedom of an active system can we actually control, and at what energetic cost? You will help to build a quantitative framework for controlling active matter with light, bridging stochastic thermodynamics and control theory. The project combines:Self-thermophoretic Janus microswimmers driven by dynamic laser landscapes (Cichos group, Leipzig)Light-powered bristle robots on a programmable LED arena (Roichman group, Tel Aviv University)A shared theoretical framework built on fundamental thermodynamic limitsComparing microswimmers with robots will reveal which limits of control are universal, from single particles to swarms, with applications from microswimmer transport to energy-efficient swarm robotics.What You Will DoDesign and run experiments with light-driven Janus microswimmers, shaping activity landscapes in real time with a spatial light modulatorFabricate microfluidic chips and measure the energy that drives the particlesTrack hundreds of interacting particles with machine-learning methods and test fundamental thermodynamic bounds on controlWork closely with the Tel Aviv team through monthly joint meetingsPresent findings at international conferences and co-author publications in high-impact journalsQualificationsMaster's degree in Physics or Physical Chemistry with excellent academic standingSolid background in soft matter, statistical or non-equilibrium physics, and a keen interest in connecting experiment with theoryHands-on experience in optics, video microscopy, particle tracking and/or microfluidicsProgramming experience for data analysis and experiment automation (Python preferred; machine-learning experience is a plus)Excellent English and enjoyment of interdisciplinary teamworkWhat We OfferState-of-the-art laser and microscopy setups for real-time, light-driven control of active particlesResearch stays in the Roichman lab in Tel Aviv and a binational team working on shared protocols and joint publicationsThe chance to help shape a new research direction at the interface of active matter, stochastic thermodynamics and controlSupport for international conference travelProfessional development opportunities including teaching experience and transferable skills trainingVibrant research community in a culturally rich and affordable European cityApplication ProcessPlease submit the following documents and information to cichos@physik.uni-leipzig.de by 22 October 2026:Cover letter (max. 1 page) outlining your interest in the project, relevant skills and career goalsNames and contact information of at least two academic referencesCV/resume including any publications or conference presentationsAcademic transcripts (bachelor’s and master’s degrees)About Leipzig UniversityFounded in 1409, Leipzig University is one of Germany's leading research institutions with a strong international focus.For more information about our research: https://www.uni-leipzig.de/~mona Partner group in Tel Aviv: https://www.roichmanlab.sites.tau.ac.il/ We are committed to increasing diversity in STEM and strongly encourage applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds.