HFML-FELIX at Radboud University in Nijmegen (Netherlands) is looking for a PhD candidate on the project 'Prebiotic Chemistry at Work in Space' funded by the Max Planck - Radboud University Center for Infrared Free-Electron Laser Spectroscopy.

You will study gas-phase ion-molecule reactions with the main goal to gain a fundamental understanding of formation processes of prebiotic molecules such as simple sugars and amino acids in cold astronomical environments. Your work will focus on experimental research, in which you will use a cryogenic ion-trap instrument coupled to the FELIX free-electron lasers to study reaction kinetics at low temperatures and to apply infrared action spectroscopy to obtain precise knowledge of the structure of ionic reactants and products.

You will collaborate closely with a PhD candidate in the group of J. Pérez-Ríos at the Fritz-Haber-Institut in Berlin (Germany), which is conducting theoretical molecular dynamics studies of the same processes in order to derive a full understanding of the principles that govern these reactions.

As part of your PhD training, you will perform duties as a teaching assistant in our Physics and Astronomy educational programme, supervising BSc and MSc students within the context of your project.

• Master's degree in chemistry, physics or a closely related field.
• Expertise and experience in experimental research.
• Background in one or more of the following fields: astrochemistry, physical chemistry, laser spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, ion trapping, or ultrahigh-vacuum technology.
• Excellent communication skills in English.
• In general, enthusiasm for experimental research and collaboration with researchers from abroad.

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) or 3.5 years (5 year contract).

• Employment: 0.8 (5 year contract) -1.0 FTE (4 year contract).
• The gross starting salary amounts to €2,434 per month based on a 38-hour working week, and will increase to €3,111 from the fourth year onwards (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 (4 year contract) or 3.5 years (5 year contract).
• Your education task may be up to 10% of your appointment.
• The intended start date is 1 November 2021.
• 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.

Additional employment conditions
Work and science require good employment practices. This is reflected in Radboud University's primary and secondary employment conditions. You can make arrangements for the best possible work-life balance with flexible working hours, various leave arrangements and working from home. You are also able to compose part of your employment conditions yourself, for example, exchange income for extra leave days and receive a reimbursement for your sports subscription. And of course, we offer a good pension plan. You are given plenty of room and responsibility to develop your talents and realise your ambitions. Therefore, we provide various training and development schemes.

The recently founded Max Planck – Radboud University Center for Infrared Free Electron Laser Spectroscopy is offering joint projects for talented PhD candidates at the Fritz-Haber-Institut (Berlin) of the Max-Planck Society and HFML-FELIX at Radboud University (Nijmegen). Expanding the application portfolio of advanced IR light sources is an important goal of the Center, which will be achieved by the development of novel advanced measurement schemes. The intensive exchange between the two partners will generate novel ideas, projects and insights. Accelerating the synergies, the Max Planck - Radboud University Center will define the state of the art in infrared free electron laser spectroscopy and train PhDs to become familiar with the tools of tomorrow.

The offered position is at HFML-FELIX, Radboud University. HFML-FELIX is a large-scale research infrastructure and its in-house research programmes centred on chemistry and physics, fostering interdisciplinary research. The mission of HFML-FELIX is to develop and use the world's highest magnetic fields and intense infrared and terahertz radiation for pioneering scientific research to be carried out by both external and in-house user groups. 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 RU's Faculty of Science and is executed in close collaboration with the faculty's Institute for Molecules and Materials (IMM).