Post-Doc Position is avalaible in Bio-Mimetic Adhesive Interfaces

A Post-Doc Position is avalaible in Bio-Mimetic Adhesive Interfaces (EbioAdI) at the University of Mons-Hanaut, Belgium

Supervisor: Prof. Pascal Damman, PhD
University of Mons-Hainaut
Interfaces & Complex Fluids Lab (InFluX)
European Collaborative Research Project (ESF-Eurocores)
Duration : 1 – 3 years
Deadline: 1 September 20088

In short:

Several natural systems as geckos, spiders, flies and, at a smaller scale, cells have developed over the years different but very effective strategies to control adhesion and friction. This usually involves a complex interplay between molecular-scale interactions and bulk structural properties. The main objective of the Collaborative Research Project EBioAdI will be the development of an integrated framework for the engineering of bio-mimetic surface with superior adhesive and friction performances through (i) the development of predictive theoretical models (heterogeneous multiscale models), (ii) the design of artificial bio-mimetic prototypes and (iii) the testing of natural systems as well as artificial bio-mimetic prototypes against their friction and adhesive performances. These surfaces can have applications in different fields spanning from the automotive to the biomedical industry, from micro/nano-technology to robotics and print industry.

Description of the Research Consortium:

The present CRP will involve partners with different scientific backgrounds spanning from biology to applied and theoretical physics, from biomedical to mechanical engineering, with specific research expertise in friction and adhesion.
Dr. S. Gorb at the Max Planck Institute for Metals Research – Stuttgart (Germany)
Dr. B. Persson at the Forschungszentrum Julich (Germany);
Dr. P. Decuzzi at the Center of Bio/-Nanotechnolgy and /- Engineering for Medicine (Italy)
Dr. O. Gulseren at the Department of Physics - Bilkent University (Turkey)
Dr. E. Arzt at the Leibniz Institute for New Materials (Germany)
Dr. P. Damman at the Laboratoire Interfaces & Fluides Complexes (Belgium)
Dr. C. Creton at the Laboratoire de PhysicoChimie des Polymères et Milieux Dispersés (France)
Dr. R. Spolenak at the ETH Zurich (Switzerland)

What is EUROCORES ?

The EUROCORES Scheme enshrines ESF’s goals of enhancing synergy at a pan-European level by providing a framework to bring together national research funding organisations and supporting interdisciplinary research in non-traditional areas, thereby opening new horizons in science. EUROCORES programmes are broad and complex in nature, with topics selected through an open call for themes. Uniquely, EUROCORES networking activities bring together researchers who will eventually conduct their research at the bench together.
(seehttp://www.esf.org/activities/eurocores.html)

PhD in Physics or Chemical Physics required

Please to contact: Prof. Pascal Damman

Email:pascal.damman@umh.ac.be