A PhD candidate in experimental surface science for characterising surfaces decorated with soft-landed few-atom metal clusters interacting with simple molecules using ultrafast laser spectroscopy. You will develop novel experiments based on Sum-Frequency Generation (SFG), combining the FELIX free-electron laser with table-top femtosecond laser sources. You will benchmark the technique using idealised model systems, and will continue to study CO2 adsorption on deposited clusters employing samples produced in our European partner laboratories. The results will contribute to a fundamental understanding of surface reactions relevant to the catalytic CO2 hydrogenation.

The position involves three periods of 1-2 months of mobility (secondments at our EU partners).
Candidates must be, at the time of recruitment by the host organisation, in the first four years (full-time equivalent) of their research careers and have not yet been awarded a doctoral degree. This is measured from the date when they obtained the Master's degree which would formally entitle them to embark on a doctorate within Catchy.

Please note that the EU Mobility Rule will be applied: PhD candidates must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the Netherlands for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately before the recruitment date. Compulsory national service, short stays such as holidays, and time spent as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention, are not taken into account.

• An MSc degree in Physics or Physical Chemistry.
• A background in (ultrafast) laser physics, mass spectrometry, and high-vacuum technology is a plus.
• Additional experience with particle trajectory simulations, Python (or equivalent) coding skills and basic knowledge of electronics are also advantageous.
• Enthusiasm for experimental research.
• The ability to work in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Excellent communication skills in spoken and written English are essential.

Fixed-term contract: you will be appointed for an initial period of 18 months, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, the contract will be extended by 2.5 years (4 year contract).

• Employment:  1.0 FTE.
• The gross starting salary amounts to €2,395 per month based on a 38-hour working week, and will increase to €3,061 in the fourth year (salary scale P).
• In addition to the salary: an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
• Duration of the contract: you will be appointed for an initial period of 18 months, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, the contract will be extended by 2.5 years.
• The intended start date is 1 July 2021.
• Your teaching load may be up to 10% of your appointment.
• You will be able to use our Dual Career and Family Care Services. Our Dual Career and Family Care Officer can assist you with family-related support, help your partner or spouse prepare for the local labour market, provide customized support in their search for employment  and help your family settle in Nijmegen.
• Have a look at our excellent employment conditions. They include a good work-life balance (among other things because of the excellent leave arrangements), opportunities for development and a great pension scheme.

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, collaboration and lifelong learning. You have a part to play!

Faculty of Science

HFML-FELIX is a large-scale research infrastructure and its in-house research programmes are centred in chemistry and physics, fostering interdisciplinary research. HFML-FELIX's mission is to develop and operate the world's highest magnetic fields and intense infrared and terahertz radiation, enabling both external and in-house user groups to carry out pioneering scientific research. HFML-FELIX currently comprises six research groups covering a broad research portfolio ranging from condensed matter science to biomolecular chemistry. In addition, HFML-FELIX has a strong programme in magnet technology and free-electron laser technology. HFML-FELIX is run jointly by Radboud University (RU) and the Netherlands Foundation of Scientific Research Institutes (NWO-I). Its research programme is embedded in the Faculty of Science of RU and is carried out in close collaboration with the faculty's Institute for Molecules and Materials (IMM).