PhD Position: Control Capacity of Active Matter Using Activity Landscapes

About the project

About the Project The 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 limits Comparing 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 Do Design and run experiments with light-driven Janus microswimmers, shaping activity landscapes in real time with a spatial light modulator Fabricate microfluidic chips and measure the energy that drives the particles Track hundreds of interacting particles with machine-learning methods and test fundamental thermodynamic bounds on control Work closely with the Tel Aviv team through monthly joint meetings Present findings at international conferences and co-author publications in high-impact journals Qualifications Master's degree in Physics or Physical Chemistry with excellent academic standing Solid background in soft matter, statistical or non-equilibrium physics, and a keen interest in connecting experiment with theory Hands-on experience in optics, video microscopy, particle tracking and/or microfluidics Programming experience for data analysis and experiment automation (Python preferred; machine-learning experience is a plus) Excellent English and enjoyment of interdisciplinary teamwork What We Offer State-of-the-art laser and microscopy setups for real-time, light-driven control of active particles Research stays in the Roichman lab in Tel Aviv and a binational team working on shared protocols and joint publications The chance to help shape a new research direction at the interface of active matter, stochastic thermodynamics and control Support for international conference travel Professional development opportunities including teaching experience and transferable skills training Vibrant research community in a culturally rich and affordable European city Application Process Please 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 goals CV/resume including any publications or conference presentations Academic transcripts (bachelor’s and master’s degrees) Names and contact information of at least two academic references About Leipzig University Founded 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.

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