As a PhD Candidate you will work on the project for Hyperpolarized and 1H Fast MAS NMR Spectroscopy. The main goal of the project is the development of hyperpolarized and 1H ultrafast MAS NMR spectroscopy for the study of performance polymers, in particular focusing on their surface functionalization. We will capitalize on two important methodological developments that can remedy shortcomings of NMR for studying complex polymer systems. We will develop Ultrafast (greater than 100 kHz) magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR combined with sophisticated rf pulse schemes for high resolution NMR of protons in the solid-state. Furthermore, we aim to optimize and extend Dynamic Nuclear Polarization (DNP) methodology for the study of low gamma nuclei in polymeric systems and finishes.

• You have a MSc in Chemistry or Physics or a related discipline.
• You are an enthusiastic candidate with a solid background in NMR spectroscopy and an affinity for ‘out of the box’ methodology development focusing on potential applications in polymer science.

Fixed-term contract: your performance will be evaluated after 18 months. If the evaluation is positive, the contract will be extended.

• Employment: 32 - 40 hours per week.
• A maximum gross monthly salary of € 2,972 based on a 38-hour working week (salary scale P).
• the starting salary is €2,325 per month on a full-time basis, the salary will increase to €2,972 per month in the fourth year (P scale)
• In addition to the salary: an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
• Duration of the contract: your performance will be evaluated after 18 months. If the evaluation is positive, the contract will be extended.
• You will be able to make use of our Dual Career Service: our Dual Career Officer will assist with family-related support, such as child care, and help your partner prepare for the local labour market and with finding an occupation.
• Are you interested in our excellent employment conditions?

Radboud University

We want to get the best out of science, others and ourselves. Why? Because this is what the world around us desperately needs. Leading research and education make an indispensable contribution to a healthy, free world with equal opportunities for all. This is what unites the more than 22,000 students and 5,000 employees at Radboud University. And this requires even more talent and collaboration. You have a part to play!

Faculteit der Natuurwetenschappen, Wiskunde & Informatica

The research will be part of the research program of the Institute for Molecules and Materials (IMM). The IMM’s goal is to provide world-leading research and training in the area of functional molecules and materials. For further information on the IMM see: www.ru.nl/imm. The Magnetic Resonance Research Center of IMM offers a dynamic international research environment. The group specializes in the development and application of NMR methodology necessary in materials science and hosts the “solid-state NMR facility for advanced materials science”. It has a range of state of the art spectrometers at its disposal, including 300, 400, 600 MHz and 850 MHz solid state NMR spectrometers, equipped with various fast (1.6 mm, 1.2mm, 0.7mm greater than 100 kHz) MAS probes, an ideal combination for high resolution proton NMR of polymeric systems. We are also well-equipped for DNP experiments, at present a Gyrotron mm-wave source operating at 395 GHz is available, coupled to the 600 MHz NMR spectrometer and a 263 GHz klystron (EIO) coupled to a 400 MHz NMR spectrometer. These setups will be developed further in this project, particularly in terms of probe technology and NMR approach. Dedicated technicians provide the necessary technical support and drive the in-house development of probe technology which has enabled the Solid State NMR group such as micro MAS probes for nanoliter sample volumes and thin films. The group is well embedded in the Dutch NMR landscape and will have access to the uNMR-NL 1.2 GHz spectrometer. The advertised position has been made possible by the Dutch Polymer Institute. DPI is an industry-driven international collaboration platform for pre-competitive research in the field of polymers (see www.polymers.nl).