PhD on Learning Soft Matter

14.12.2025, Wissenschaftliches Personal

Task

You will implement learning mechanics in soft matter, specifically in biocompatible hydrogels. Your hydrogels will form the walls of a synthetic vein network that can be trained for transport, thus paving the way for robust vein networks in synthetic organs. To learn, your hydrogel will exhibit two mechanical properties: First, flow shear adaptation, where the hydrogel channels dilate and shrink in response to flow shear – just like real veins. Second, training with chemicals: When a chemical flows through the hydrogel channel, it permanently softens the material, imprinting wider channels, thus training specific flow patterns into your vein network. You will embed learning in the mechanical behaviour of matter.

Requirements

As a suitable candidate, you have an outstanding Master's degree or comparable degree in physics, bioengineering or related disciplines. You have knowledge in soft matter or biological physics. You enjoy working in interdisciplinary and international teams and have programming skills. In addition, you are able to express yourself confidently both orally and in writing in English.

What we offer

We offer a three-plus-one-year contract (TV-L E13 75%) with a flexible start date as early as April 2026 in a highly motivated team combining experimental and theoretical research on equal footing. As an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, TUM explicitly encourages applications from women as well as from all others who would bring additional diversity dimensions to the university’s research and teaching strategies.

Application

We are looking forward to receiving your application documents, which include your CV, your list of publications, transcript of record, a motivation of your research interests (max. 1 page) and the contact details for two letters of recommendation in one PDF document. Please send these under the subject "PhD Learning Soft Matter” by e-mail to Prof. Dr. Karen Alim (k.alim@tum.de) by 15.02.2026. She will also be happy to provide you with further information in advance.

Prof. Dr. Karen Alim Technische Universität München Ernst-Otto-Fischer-Str. 8 85748 Garching b. München k.alim@tum.de www.bpm.ph.tum.de

Kontakt: k.alim@tum.de