The Bio-Organic Chemistry and Self-Organizing Soft Matter Groups are located in the Helix and Ceres buildings of the faculty of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry. This modern accommodation has a state-of-the-art infrastructure for molecular science activities. Labs are equipped with the latest fume hoods and other tools for synthetic organic chemistry, catalysis and controlled polymerization experiments. All characterization methods are available to analyze both the molecular structure (NMR, (size exclusion) chromatography, spectroscopy, mass spectrometry) and nanoparticle characteristics (DLS, SAXS, (cryo) TEM and SEM and scanning probe techniques)

A PhD position is open in the field of polymer chemistry and adaptive soft nanomaterials on Polymeric self-adaptive meso-reactors as soft advanced materials. The aim of this project is to design functional self-adaptive polymeric meso-reactors, able to show temporally programmed behaviour in response to flux or efflux of chemical stimuli. This investigation is of great interest from a fundamental scientific and application point-of-view as such reactors can offer superior level of performance and additional features (e.g precise control over catalytic processes) compared to conventional polymersomes. You will design, construct and characterize a series of well-defined polymeric vesicles loaded with catalysts, which can serve as meso-reactors. Using smart chemical strategies and appropriate catalytic processes these meso-reactors will become self-adaptive and able to change their characteristics upon addition or removal of chemical stimuli.

We are looking for a talented and enthusiastic (almost) graduated Master student in Chemistry, preferably with a background in physical chemistry, polymer chemistry and nanoscience. Other requirements are excellent analytic and communicative skills. You are fluent in English and you like to work in a multidisciplinary team.

We offer a challenging job for four years in a highly motivated team at a dynamic and ambitious University. You will work with innovative analytic equipment and you will be part of a highly profiled multidisciplinary collaboration where expertise of a variety of disciplines comes together. The TU/e is located in one of the smartest regions of the world en part of the European technology hotspot 'Brainport Eindhoven'; well-known because of many high-tech industries and start-ups. A place to be for talented scientists! The gross monthly salary in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement of the Dutch Universities (CAO NU), starts with € 2.325,= in the first year to € 2.972,= in the fourth year. Besides this the TU/e has holiday- and end-of the year allowances, an excellent package of attractive benefits for employees and a modern sports complex. Assistance for finding accommodation can be given. Especially for PhD students the TU/e also offers opportunities for personal development. We do this by offering every PhD student a series of courses that are part of the Proof program as an excellent addition to your scientific education.