Position Description

The Faculty of Science and Medicine of the University of Fribourg, Switzerland, announces the opening of a position of Professor of Data-Driven Materials Discovery.

GENERAL CONDITIONS

The Faculty of Science and Medicine is inviting applications for the position of Professor of Data-Driven Materials Discovery at the Adolphe Merkle Institute (AMI). The AMI is a scientifically independent institute supported by a private foundation and integrated into the Faculty of Science and Medicine of the University of Fribourg. The successful candidate will have an exceptional track record of international research excellence in data-driven materials discovery, appropriate to their career stage. Their research programme should encompass artificial intelligence, machine learning and data-driven discovery methods applied to materials such as polymers, colloids, self-assembled systems, biomaterials and living materials.  The Adolphe Merkle Institute’s research strategy emphasises soft nanomaterials, bioinspiration, and the integration of fundamental and application-oriented research to enable the development of new technologies. Preferred application fields include ‘Health and Food’, ‘Sustainable and Circular Materials’, and ‘Materials with Emerging Functions’.

The successful candidate will be expected to develop an internationally leading research programme and secure substantial external funding. Close collaboration with other members of the Institute and the Faculty of Science and Medicine is expected. The AMI contributes to the faculty's educational mission by delivering graduate-level teaching. The institute offers highly competitive working conditions, outstanding infrastructure, a generous start-up package, and generous discretionary research funds.

This position is one of three open-rank openings. Two are expected to be filled at the assistant professor (tenure-track) level, and one at the associate or full professor (tenured) level. Candidates at all career levels are encouraged to apply.

As a member of the Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA), the University of Fribourg emphasises the qualitative assessment of academic achievements and transparent processes. The university also seeks to promote the equitable representation of women and men. The university strongly encourages applications from women.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Please apply exclusively through the official Faculty of Science and Medicine recruiting tool by clicking on the following link: https://scimed-recruiting.unifr.ch.

The deadline for applications is: May 31, 2026.

The following documents should be uploaded via the above link:

1.       A cover letter mentioning the position for which you are applying (Professor of Data-Driven Materials Discovery), addressed to the Dean, Prof. Michael Walch, President of the Search Committee.

2.       A complete curriculum vitae, including a copy of the diploma of the highest degree obtained, and indication of managerial experience.

3.       A full list of publications, specifically highlighting the five most important contributions.

4.       An electronic version of the five most relevant publications (“name-papers.pdf”).

5.       A detailed record of teaching experience.

6.       A record of past and present funding.

7.       A 5–6-page description of the research that the candidate intends to conduct in Fribourg.

8.       An overview of infrastructure needs.

9.       The names and contact details of three referees.

ACADEMIC ENVIRONMENT

Faculty, Sections and Departments

The Faculty of Science and Medicine comprises a Science Section and a Medicine Section. The Science Section comprises six departments and six institutes, while the Medicine Section comprises five departments and two institutes (see https://www.unifr.ch/scimed/en/units/).

The faculty is presided over by the dean, who is elected by the Faculty Council for a three-year term. Each section is led by a president who is elected by the other professors for a two-year term. Major decisions are made by the Faculty Council and Section Councils, which comprise professors, teaching staff and student representatives.

The future appointee will join the AMI, which is part of the Science Section. The Science Section’s other six departments are:

·       Mathematics

·       Biology

·       Chemistry

·       Geoscience

·       Informatics

·       Physics

The AMI currently comprises five chairs and two non-tenured junior groups, each conducting independent research. The AMI is presided over by a director. Major decisions are made by the AMI executive board, which consists of all professors.

Research focus

The AMI is an interdisciplinary institute in soft matter science.  Its five current chairs focus on the following areas:

• BioNanomaterials
• Polymer Chemistry and Polymeric Materials
• Biophysics
• Physics of Soft Matter
• Food Science and Technology

The research of the two junior groups focuses on:

• Mechanoresponsive Materials
• Quantum Sensing of Chiral-Induced Spin Selectivity

See https://www.ami.swiss/ for details.

The future appointee will establish an independent research group in their area of expertise and will be expected to actively seek external funding to support their research and group.

Teaching and Languages

The Adolphe Merkle Institute teaching differs from that of the other departments within the Faculty of Science and Medicine. While the departments are all responsible for specific courses of study, the AMI does not offer its own. AMI professors mainly teach at the master’s level in the chemistry, physics, medicine, and biology departments. Their teaching load amounts to half that of professors in other departments (i.e., three hours per week).

Teaching at the master’s and PhD level, where the new appointee is expected to teach, classes are usually taught in English. During term time, the appointee is expected to dedicate three hours per week to teaching. Candidates must be able to teach in English. Colloquial skills in French and German would be advantageous.

INFRASTRUCTURE AND FUNDING

Department and location

The AMI is located in three dedicated buildings on the University of Fribourg’s Pérolles campus. The other Faculty of Science and Medicine buildings are within short walking distance. The campus is also home to the School of Engineering and Architecture. The appointee will have access to AMI’s infrastructure, as well as that of the Faculty of Science and Medicine.

Infrastructure

The AMI offers outstanding facilities for soft-matter nanoscience, including scanning and transmission electron microscopy, focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy, small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering, confocal microscopy, well-equipped polymer chemistry laboratories, cell culture facilities, bioprinting and a clean room with lithography equipment. The AMI occupies three buildings, two refurbished and one newly built, dating from 2014.

Financial support

Funding of the successful candidate is highly flexible, with base funding provided by the Adolphe Merkle Foundation and the Canton of Fribourg. The position comes with a substantial start-up package. The appointee is expected to actively seek external funding to support their research and research group.

The salary is determined according to the Canton of Fribourg’s salary grid. Details will be negotiated when the position is offered.

Further information about working at the University of Fribourg can be found at www.unifr.ch/attractive-employer/working-at-the-uni.

CONTACT

Contact for further information

Prof. Ullrich Steiner (ullrich.steiner@unifr.ch)

Adolphe Merkle Institute / University of Fribourg