As a PhD student your primary task will be to develop yourself into an independent and productive researcher. You will start by learning the theory and software that we use in the group, after which you will modify and extend these to tackle the problems targeted in your project. Important is that you are able to communicate your results to the outside world, presenting them at conferences and in scientific papers. During the PhD you will attend summer and winter schools and also learn how to teach yourself by assisting in courses and in guiding bachelor and master students.

• The key point: proven algorithm and software development skills, combined with a thorough knowledge of physics, chemistry and electronic structure methods.
• Being able to quickly grasp complex mathematical ideas in scientific publications, improve upon them, and implement them into source code.
• MSc degree in Theoretical Physics or Theoretical Chemistry.
• Good written and verbal communication skills in the English language.

Fixed-term contract: 1 year.

A challenging position in a hotspot for theoretical chemistry in the vibrant city of Amsterdam. The salary will be in accordance with university regulations for academic personnel and amounts €2,541 per month during the first year and increases to €3,247 per month during the fourth year, based on a full-time employment. The job profile: is based on the university job ranking system and is vacant for at least 0.8 FTE.

The appointment will initially be for 1 year. After a satisfactory evaluation of the initial appointment, the contract will be extended for a duration of 4 years.
Additionally, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers excellent fringe benefits and various schemes and regulations to promote a good work/life balance, such as:

• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus,
• a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge, contribution to commuting expenses,
• optional model for designing a personalized benefits package,
• space for personal development

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

The ambition of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is clear: to contribute to a better world through outstanding education and ground-breaking research. We strive to be a university where personal development and commitment to society play a leading role. A university where people from different disciplines and backgrounds collaborate to achieve innovations and to generate new knowledge. Our teaching and research encompass the entire spectrum of academic endeavor - from the humanities, the social sciences and the natural sciences through to the life sciences and the medical sciences.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is home to more than 30,000 students. We employ over 5,500 individuals. The VU campus is easily accessible and located in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas district, a truly inspiring environment for teaching and research.

Diversity
We are an inclusive university community. Diversity is one of our most important values. We believe that engaging in international activities and welcoming students and staff from a wide variety of backgrounds enhances the quality of our education and research. We are always looking for people who can enrich our world with their own unique perspectives and experiences.

The Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science inspires researchers and students to find sustainable solutions for complex societal issues. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to medicines and from molecules to the moon: our teaching and research programmes cover the full spectrum of the natural sciences. We share knowledge and experience with leading research institutes and industries, both here in the Netherlands and abroad.

Working at the Faculty of Science means working with students, PhD candidates and researchers, all with a clear focus on their field and a broad view of the world. We employ more than 1,250 staff members, and we are home to more than 11,000 students.