Postdoc for TR-QENS and TR-SANS in soft matter

Postdoc for TR-QENS and TR-SANS in soft matter Datum: 20 oktober, 2025 Tid: 11:59 Placering: ESS Mer information The European Spallation Source (ESS) Spectroscopy Division is currently looking for a post-doctoral fellow (3 years) in Time-Resolved Neutron Scattering on Silk-Based Materials, working at the intersection of biomaterials science, soft matter physics, and neutron scattering methodology. PROJECT DESCRIPTION Evolution of structure and dynamics during assembly pathways of silk-based materials Silk-based materials are renowned for their unique mechanical, biocompatible, and stimuli-responsive properties. Yet, a detailed mechanistic understanding of the natural spinning and assembly processes remains elusive, preventing us from fully reproduce these properties in biomaterials. This project aims at uncovering the structural and dynamical evolution of silk assembly pathways—including the nature of transient intermediate structures-using time-resolved small-angle neutron scattering (TR-SANS) and time-resolved quasielastic neutron scattering (TR-QENS). The investigation will focus on both native silk (e.g. from silkworms) and technical-grade silk, and it will extend to silk-based composites used in cultural heritage conservation, in partnership with the University of Florence and Research Center for Colloid and Surface Science (CSGI Florence). The project is situated at the intersection of materials science, biophysics, and instrumental method development, and will directly contribute to establishing advanced time-resolved capabilities at ESS instruments including CSPEC, and MIRACLES. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to world-class scientific methodology development and engage in impactful research with interdisciplinary applications, from biomaterials design to cultural heritage preservation, collaborating with highly experienced researchers in a dynamic and stimulating environment.