The group Self-Organizing Matter explores physical-chemical mechanisms that can sort, arrange and assemble building blocks from the molecular level up to the microscale. We provide a highly collaborative environment, both within the group and the institute, and with our national and international collaborators.
Job description
Over the course of evolution, organisms have developed a gamut of strategies for building the most intricate mineralized architectures that often outperform even the most advanced man-made structures. Understanding the physical-chemical principles that guide the self-assembly processes in such organisms is therefore not only of fundamental scientific interest, but could also provoke a revolution in the manufacturing of nano- and micromaterials.
In the last few years we have explored how the interplay of chemical reactions and crystallization processes can be used to precisely sculpt microstructures. The next step will be to develop self-organization strategies for the fabrication of functional microstructures that can for instance be used to manipulate light. By a combination of top-down and bottom-up approaches, you will research fundamentally new strategies to precisely sculpt microstructures. With this refined level of control, you will then fabricate functional microstructures and characterize how they can be applied to manipulate light or control chemical reactions.
Location
FOM Institute AMOLF performs leading fundamental research on physics of Biomolecular Systems and Nanophotonics; two areas with key potential for technological innovations. The institute contributes to knowledge transfer to industry and society and trains talented young researchers. AMOLF is located at Science Park Amsterdam, The Netherlands, and engages approximately 140 scientists and 70 support staff. See also www.amolf.nl
Requirements
We seek candidates with a strong background in chemistry, physics, materials science or engineering with an interest in self-assembly phenomena. The ideal candidate would have research experience in wet chemical synthesis, crystal growth, electrochemistry and analysis of nanomaterials, but excellent candidates with training in any area of science or engineering will be considered. PhD candidates must meet the requirements for an MSc degree. Good verbal and written communication skills in English are required.
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 8 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 10 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
Dr. Wim Noorduin, Group leader Self-Organizing Matter, +31 20 754 71 00.
Website
Applications
You can respond to this vacancy online via the button below. Please quote vacancy # 1509-1C.
Please send your:
– resume;
– a copy of the grade lists of your bachelor and master studies;
– motivation on why you want to join the group (maximum one page).
Applications without this motivation will not be taken into account. However, with this motivation your application will receive our full attention.
Online screening may be part of the selection.
Commercial response to this ad is not appreciated.
Please use the online form for applications.
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