Missions

Study of the conformational properties of polyelectrolyte brushes under the action of external fields using numerical simulations (Brownian dynamics, self-coherent field)
The candidate will carry out numerical simulations of the behaviour of polyelectrolyte and polyampholyte brushes of increasingly complex architecture and composition under the action of an applied external electric field with the aim of providing theoretical guidelines and formulating rational design principles for intelligent surfaces capable of electro-stimulated reversible nano-patterning. Simulation results will be systematically compared with predictions from analytical scaling theory, which will ultimately enable us to establish systematic relationships between the architecture of homo- or hetero-polyelectrolyte brushes and their electro-reactive behaviour.

Activités

- Writing of computer codes for simulations by the Scheutjens-Fleer self-consistent method
- Writing computer codes for simulation by Brownian dynamics method
- Running simulations for varied set of external conditions (electrical voltage, ionic strength, pH)
- Graphical presentation of obtained results
- Systematic comparison of the simulation results to predictions of analytical theory
- Confronting simulation results to experimental data
- Presentation of the results in the form of seminar in partner laboratory and in scientific meetings
- Preparing publications in the form of research articles

Compétences

- Doctorate in physics or physical chemistry of polymers or colloids
- Good knowledge of physics and physical chemistry of macromolecules
- Master Scheutjens-Fleer self-consistent field and Brownian dynamics computer modelling techniques
- Capability to operate with large amount of data and present it as 3D heatmaps
- Basic knowledge of experimental methods employed to study electrorseponsive interfaces
- Fluent speaking and scientific writing in English
- Good communicative skills and capability to work in cooperation with colleagues-experimentalists

Contexte de travail

The position is at IPREM - Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-Chimie pour l'Environnement et les Matériaux, a multidisciplinary research institute affiliated to the CNRS (UMR 5254) and the University of Pau, located in Pau, France. The candidate will be supervised by Dr Oleg Borisov, Director of Research at the CNRS. He/she will be employed within the ANR project "Soft-Membrane Interferometric Stress Sensor" ( SOFTER ) in collaboration with Centre de Recherche Paul Pascale (CRPP), UMR 5031 CNRS. He/she will work under the supervision of Dr Oleg BORISOV and in close collaboration with Dr Carlos DRUMMOND (CRPP).

Contraintes et risques

No risks