The projection is part of a collaborative effort between Profs. Ben Feringa and Ryan Chiechi to investigate the properties of molecular materials and systems that are out of equilibrium. This project focuses on the materials aspect and seeks to leverage chemo- and light-responsive functional groups and molecular switches that can held in a dissipative, out-of-equilibrium state by constant irradiation and or exposure to chemical stimuli.

The successful candidate will perform the following tasks:

- designing and synthesizing small functional molecules (and polymers) bearing responsive functional groups, e.g., as pendant groups on conjugated and non-conjugated polymers
- fully characterize and measure the responsive properties of the new compounds synthesized
- via collaboration, incorporate these materials and molecules into thin-films to determine their ionic and electronic conductivity.

● a master degree in chemistry or a related field
● experience in organic synthesis
● a willingness to help build a new project from the ground up
● the ability to work in a collaborative environment and across disciplinary boundaries.

An ideal candidate will also have:

● experience synthesizing and characterizing organic materials
● knowledge of polymer chemistry
● experience working with organic materials in the solid state (e.g., thin films).

Fixed-term contract: 48 months.

We offer you in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities:

• a salary of € 2,325 gross per month in the first year, up to a maximum of € 2,972 gross per month in the fourth and final year, based on a full-time position (1.0 FTE)
• a holiday allowance of 8% gross annual income
• an 8.3% year-end bonus
• a position for four years; you will get a temporary position of one year with the option of renewal for another three years; prolongation of the contract is contingent on sufficient progress in the first year to indicate that a successful completion of the PhD thesis within the next three years is to be expected.
• a PhD training programme is part of the agreement and the successful candidate will be enrolled in the Graduate School of Science and Engineering.

Faculty of Science and Engineering

Founded in 1614, the University of Groningen enjoys an international reputation as a dynamic and innovative institution of higher education offering high-quality teaching and research. Flexible study programmes and academic career opportunities in a wide variety of disciplines encourage the 31,000 students and researchers alike to develop their own individual talents. As one of the best research universities in Europe, the University of Groningen has joined forces with other top universities and networks worldwide to become a truly global centre of knowledge.

Within the Faculty of Science and Engineering, a 4-years PhD position is available at the Stratingh Institute for Chemistry of the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, with the aim of synthesizing and studying responsive polymers as part of a larger collaboration on out-of-equilibrium systems and materials.