PhD position on Dynamics of Light-triggered Supramolecular Structures (1.0 FTE)

In the origin of life, the transition from small building blocks to complex, organised assemblies set the stage for the emergence of biological systems. These supramolecular structures bridge the gap between simple organic molecules and the complex, organised systems that characterise living systems. By understanding these processes, we gain insights into the fundamental principles that govern the emergence of life on Earth. Within the EU funded cofund programme Evolve, we have a PhD student opening. The PhD student will study the formation dynamics of supramolecular structures and how they adapt to signals from the environment, another hallmark of life. The studied supramolecular structures are stabilised by various non-covalent interactions and the self-assembly process in which they form remains poorly understood.

What are you going to do?

Using High speed-atomic force microscopy (High speed-AFM) the student will image, at the single-particle level, the formation dynamics of supramolecular structures. The ultimate goal is to elucidate in real time the dynamics and mechanisms behind formation and adaptive behaviour at the nanoscale. The adaptive behaviour will be probed by varying enverinmental conditions, in particular providing stimuli based on changes in ionic strength, pH, temperature and light flux. By studying surface based processes we directly asses templated assembly.

In this project, the formation dynamics and adaptive behaviour of various systems will be probed, starting with two distinct types of assemblies, nanopores and nanofibres/nanotubes. By further developing the High Speed-AFM approach to study these systems, the molecular basis of the adaptive behaviour of the assemblies will be scrutinized. The PhD student will work in close cooperation with the lab of Ben Feringa where the structures are synthesised.

• You qualify as a PhD candidate in the Netherlands, meaning that you are in the possession of, or about to obtain, an internationally recognized Master’s degree in the relevant field (equivalent to a Dutch Master’s degree). All European MSc degrees are accepted.
• You have an educational background in (bio)physics, (bio)chemistry, nanoscience or a related field.
• To fulfil the EU cofund eligibility requirements, you must not already be in possession of a doctoral degree.
• To comply with EU funding rules, you will not have resided in the Netherlands for more than 12 months during the 3 years prior to 18 January 2026.
• You are proficient in the English language at an academic level.

To apply, please submit one PDF file containing, in the following order:

• A motivation letter
• A CV
• Copy of MSc certificate (or letter by current supervisor stating expected MSc degree date)
• Abstract of MSc thesis
• Contact information of three academic references.

• 232 vacation hours per year, based on a 38-hour workweek (1.0 FTE). You can also work more or fewer hours in exchange for more or fewer free hours. For example, with a 40-hour workweek, you save 96 extra free hours, and with a 36-hour workweek, you lose 96 hours.
• End-of-year bonus of 8.3% and 8% holiday allowance.
• Extensive opportunities for personal and professional development.

The University of Groningen is a research university, currently in or around the top 100 on several influential ranking lists. The Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) is the largest faculty within the University, offering first-rate education and research in a wide range of science and engineering disciplines.

The mission of the Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials (ZIAM) is the design and scientific study of materials for functionality. The strength of our institute lies in focused, curiosity-driven, symbiotic studies of functional materials involving researchers from physics, chemistry and biology. Our main driving force is the desire to understand how things work at the microscopic/nanoscopic level, also known as the molecular scale. This is the realm of nanoscience and nanotechnology. In this field, the Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials covers the whole chain from synthesizing materials, building devices, characterizing materials and devices, and investigating the theoretical foundation of their properties.

The research in the Roos lab ranges from molecular to systems size levels. In particular, we study the structure and dynamics of supramolecular assemblies of both natural as synthetic origin including their self-assembly, their interaction with the environment and their mechanical properties. We study this dynamic behaviour with various biophysical techniques, including atomic force microscopy, optical tweezers and fluorescence microscopy. We address the different questions with an interdisciplinary team where people with backgrounds in various disciplines of the sciences, including physics, chemistry and biology, combine forces to tackle the challenges that come up while elucidating the fascinating mechanisms that govern life(-inspired) processes.

Do you have any questions or need more information?

Questions about the content of the job?
Wouter Roos (Full Professor): W.H.Roos@rug.nl

Questions about your application process?
Wouter Roos (Full Professor): W.H.Roos@rug.nl