The Soft Condensed Matter & Nanomaterials group of the High Field Magnet Laboratory (HFML) uses strong magnetic fields to manipulate seemingly non-magnetic materials. The focus of our work is the investigation of the physical properties of organic nanostructures, such as supramolecular self-assemblies, polymeric nanostructures and biomaterials, using magnetic levitation and magnetic alignment forces. Our research is embedded in the Institute for Molecules and Materials at Radboud University in Nijmegen and is well-resourced through external funding.
Job description
In supramolecular chemistry, relatively weak non-covalent interactions (Van der Waals forces, electrostatic interactions) are responsible for the self-assembly of tailor-made molecular building blocks into larger nanostructures (wires, bilayers and capsules). Examples are often inspired by structures that exist in nature (biopolymers, membranes and cells).
These materials are diamagnetic, which implies that they experience magnetic forces, but only in intense magnetic fields. In this project, we plan to use strong magnetic levitation and alignment forces to investigate the relationship between the structure of organic nanosystems and their properties (chirality, elasticity and permeability). While experiments have been performed on ensembles, they have never been done on individual nano-objects. To overcome ensemble averaging we aim to develop an in-situ optical microscope that is able to detect the magnetic-field induced changes on a single organic nanostructure. The student will also be involved in helping external users carry out related experiments in high magnetic fields here at the HFML.
Location
The HFML is an international facility jointly located in the Netherlands and run by Radboud University Nijmegen and FOM. Its mission is to use and develop high magnetic fields to carry out pioneering research by both in-house and external users.
Requirements
We seek highly talented, enthusiastic, and exceptionally motivated candidates with an MSc degree in Physics, Physical Chemistry or Material Science. Experience in optical spectroscopy and multidisciplinary research is highly desirable, but not essential. The candidate must have strong communication skills, including fluency in written and spoken English.
Conditions of employment
When fulfilling a PhD position at the FOM Foundation, you will get the status of junior scientist.
You will have an employee status and can participate in all the employee benefits FOM offers. You will get a contract for four years. Your salary will be up to a maximum of 2,718 euro gross per month.The salary is supplemented with a holiday allowance of eight percent and an end-of-year bonus of 8.33 percent.
You are supposed to have a thesis finished at the end of your four year term with FOM.
A training programme is part of the agreement. You and your supervisor will make up a plan for the additional education and supervising that you specifically need. This plan also defines which teaching activities you will be responsible (up to a maximum of ten percent of your time). The conditions of employment of the FOM Foundation are laid down in the Collective Labour Agreement for Research Centres (Cao-Onderzoekinstellingen), more exclusive information is available at this website under Personeelsinformatie (in Dutch) or under Personnel (in English).
General information about working at FOM can be found in the English part of this website under Personnel. The ‘FOM job interview code’ applies to this position.
Contact
For more detailed information, please contact Prof.dr. P.C.M. Christianen or Dr. H. Engelkamp.
Website
Applications
You can only respond to this vacancy online via the button below.
Please quote vacancy number 62.60.14.
Closing time
The position will be open until a suitable candidate is identified. An interview and a scientific presentation will be part of the selection process.
Please use the online form for applications.
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