The Self-Organizing Matter group seeks motivated and talented post doc to join our team working in the field of chirality. The aim of this project is to develop methods for sorting chiral crystals and molecules using polarized light. To reach this ambitious goal, you will work closely together with an international consortium named CHIRALFORCE composed of leading research groups from Spain, Italy, The Netherlands and the United Kingdom that bring together the essential knowledge on light-matter interactions, chirality, device fabrication and theory. As part of this research consortium, your research is focused on the synthesis of chiral crystals and chiral molecules and the characterization of the optical forces that can be exerted on this chiral matter and the development of an optical device that enables sorting of chiral matter. The projects combine chemical synthesis, tailor-made characterization techniques (e.g. chiral HPLC, SEM, polarimetry, CD etc.) with a solid connection to the rich background of theory on this topic. You will work in close connection to other group members, and with the affiliated consortium members. Moreover, you will be involved in all aspects of design, realization, interpretation of experiments.

We seek candidates with a strong background in chemistry, physics, materials science, or engineering with an interest in self-assembly phenomena. Excellent candidates with training in any area of science or engineering will be considered.  Good verbal and written communication skills in English are required. We strongly believe in the benefits of an inclusive and diverse research environment, and welcome applicants with any background.

The position is intended as full-time (40 hours / week, 12 months / year) appointment in the service of the Netherlands Foundation of Scientific Research Institutes (NWO-I) for the duration of 3 years, with a salary in scale 10 (CAO-OI) and a range of employment benefits. AMOLF assists any new foreign Postdoc with housing and visa applications and compensates their transport costs and furnishing expenses.

Self-Organizing Matter

The Self-Organizing Matter group led by prof. Wim Noorduin focuses on the dynamic interplay between chemical reactions and crystallization phenomena to control the emergence of complexity in the solid state. In particular, the group aims to design physical-chemical schemes to self-organize microscale devices and functional molecules.

Our group members work closely together with extensive support from the group leader and AMOLF technical staff. Within the group as well as among the different groups at AMOLF, we have a strong focus on stimulating development of students in all professional aspects, as well as collaborations with other researchers at AMOLF and beyond. Moreover, we work closely together with international groups and companies.  For more information, see https://amolf.nl/research-groups/self-organizing-matter