In the framework of an ERC Consolidator Grant, we seek a talented and ambitious PhD researcher for a challenging research project that spans the fields of molecular machines, catalysis, and mechano-chemistry.

The aim of this project is to develop a new generation of catalysts that transduce light energy into controlled catalytic activity. The design of these catalytic species involves the covalent or supramolecular integration of artificial molecular machines (motors or switches) in an organometallic structure. The light-driven operation of these molecular machines will modify the geometry of the coordination polyhedron around the catalytic center, by mechanical action over the atoms of the first coordination sphere. As a result we expect to develop a tunable catalytic system that operates out of equilibrium, and in which we can modulate the catalytic activity and the stereoselectivity reversibly, by using light.

Catalytic processes that are essential to life occur in living cells –typically, ATP synthesis and gene transcription. These processes are performed by mechano-catalysts that operate continuously, and modulate their reactivity as a response to mechanical processes. Building rudimentary synthetic analogues of these superb bio-machineries will constitute an important step towards a new generation of smart catalysts and ultimately, we expect that it will contribute to a better understanding of how molecular motion is connected to chemical conversion in living systems.

Recent publications on related topics:

1. T. Orlova, F. Lancia, C. Loussert, S. Iamsaard, N. Katsonis, E. Brasselet, Nature Nanotechnology 2018, DOI: 10.1038/s41565-017-0059-x
2. S. Iamsaard, S. J. Aβhoff, B. Matt, T. Kudernac, J. J. L. M. Cornelissen, S. P. Fletcher, N. Katsonis, Nature Chemistry 2014, 6, 229 - 235.
3. T. Kudernac, N. Ruangsupapichat, M. Parschau, B. Maciá, N. Katsonis, S. R. Harutyunyan, K-H. Ernst, B. L. Feringa, Nature 2011, 479, 208-211.

We are looking for a chemist who has extensive experimental experience with synthetic organic chemistry and/or supramolecular inorganic chemistry. Experimental skills should be evidenced by publications (or papers in press) in high quality peer reviewed journals or an MSc Thesis on a relevant topic. We work in an internationally oriented environment, thus fluency in both written and spoken English is a strict requirement. We specifically encourage the application of students who are creative, motivated to work on challenging projects, and with an affinity for disruptive research

The position is available starting from October 2018 and has a duration of 4 years. We provide an inspiring and collaborative team atmosphere, cutting-edge infrastructure, close interaction between supervisor/student, and you will also benefit from the excellent research environment that is available for supramolecular chemistry and catalysis in The Netherlands. Salary and conditions will be in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement (CAO) of the Dutch Universities.

Information and application

For more information about this position, please contact Prof. Nathalie Katsonis, e-mail: n.h.katsonis@utwente.nl, or visit our website www.katsonis.eu. To apply, please upload a complete CV, reference letters or names of references, and a letter of application through the application below. Please mention the title of the project in the subject of the e-mail.

The University of Twente. We stand for life sciences and technology. High tech and human touch. Education and research that matter. New technology which leads change, innovation and progress in society. The University of Twente is the only campus university of the Netherlands; divided over five faculties we provide more than fifty educational programmes. We have a strong focus on personal development and talented researchers are given scope for carrying out groundbreaking research.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability status. Because of our diversity values we do particularly support women to apply.

Within the TNW Faculty (Faculty of Science & Technology) of the University of Twente some 700 staff members and 2000 students are involved in training and research on the interface of chemical technology, applied physics and biomedical technology. Fields of application include sustainable energy, process technology and materials science, nanotechnology and technical medicine. Research, which enjoys a high profile both at home and internationally, has been accommodated in the multidisciplinary research institutes MESA+ and MIRA. The faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders.