The Paul Scherrer Institute PSI is the largest research institute for natural and engineering sciences within Switzerland. We perform cutting-edge research in the fields of future technologies, energy and climate, health innovation and fundamentals of nature. By performing fundamental and applied research, we work on sustainable solutions for major challenges facing society, science and economy. PSI is committed to the training of future generations. Therefore, about one quarter of our staff are post-docs, post-graduates or apprentices. Altogether, PSI employs 2300 people.
Are you excited about soft matter, flow, and cutting-edge neutron techniques?
The Soft Matter Group at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow to contribute to the development of small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) methods for the investigation of soft matter systems under high shear conditions.
This position is part of a broader international collaboration involving PSI (Switzerland), NIST (USA), ISIS (UK), and ILL (France). The successful candidate will work within this network to design and implement a high-shear capillary rheometer, enabling advanced studies of materials ranging from classical colloids to biologically relevant systems.
For the Soft Matter Group, in the Laboratory of Neutron Scattering and Imaging (LNS) at SINQ, we are looking for a
Your tasks
- Develop a high shear rate rheometer in collaboration with PSI’s engineering and sample environment teams
- Collaborate with partner institutions on experimental design, commissioning and the development of measurement procedures
- Conduct neutron scattering experiments to investigate soft matter systems under shear
- Publish scientific results in peer-reviewed journals and present findings at international conferences
- Propose and pursue a personal research direction aligned with the project’s scope (high shear rheology)
- Support the broader development of novel experimental strategies at SINQ
Your profile
- PhD degree in physics, physical chemistry, materials science, or a related discipline
- Strong programming skills, particularly in Python, with an affinity for data analysis and statistics
- Hands on experience in instrumentation is an advantage
- Demonstrated interest in soft matter physics, rheology, or flow-based characterization techniques
- Practical experience with neutron or X-ray scattering is an advantage
- Willingness to travel and participate in international beamtime campaigns
- Strong communication skills in English (spoken and written)
- Independent, solution-oriented working style and interest in experimental research
We offer
Our institution is based on an interdisciplinary, innovative and dynamic collaboration. You will profit from a systematic training on the job, in addition to personal development possibilities and our pronounced vocational training culture. If you wish to optimally combine work and family life or other personal interests, we are able to support you with our modern employment conditions and the on-site infrastructure.
Your employment contract is limited to 2 years.
For further information, please contact Dr. Viviane Lutz Bueno, phone +41 56 310 29 97, email Viviane.lutz.bueno@psi.ch.
Please submit your application online by 31 August 2025 (including a cover letter, the addresses of 3 referees and a 1-page research proposal) for the position as a Postdoctoral Fellow (index no. 3303-01).
Paul Scherrer Institute, Human Resources Management, Serdal Varol, 5232 Villigen PSI, Switzerland