As part of a large public-private program on Soft Advanced Materials (SAM) we are looking for a PhD candidate to develop and optimize advanced (micro)spectroscopic methods, including Raman spectroscopy, stimulated Raman scattering and 2D infrared. These techniques will be used to study advanced materials developed by partner institutes and possible degradation processes. Part of the work will be carried out at the University of Amsterdam (HIMS).

Your duties

• develop methods and optimize instrumentation for polymer characterization
• minor tasks: follow courses and assist with department teaching

• MSc degree in chemistry, materials science or experimental physics
• hands-on experience with spectroscopic techniques
• interest in or affinity with polymeric materials
• proficiency in written en spoken English

Fixed-term contract: 1 year.

A challenging position in a socially involved organization. The salary will be in accordance with university regulations for academic personnel and amounts €2,325 (PhD) per month during the first year and increases to €2,972 (PhD) 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:

• a maximum of 41 days of annual leave based on full-time employment
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• solid pension scheme (ABP)
• contribution to commuting expenses
• a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge

The ambition of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is clear: to contribute to a better world through outstanding education and ground-breaking research. And to be a university where personal education and societal involvement play a leading role. Where people from different disciplines and backgrounds work together on innovations and on generating new knowledge. Our teaching and research embrace the whole spectrum of science – from the humanities, the social sciences and the pure sciences through to the life sciences and the medical sciences.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is home to more than 24,500 students. We employ more than 4,600 individuals. The VU campus is easily accessible, located in the heart of Amsterdam’s Zuidas district, a truly inspiring environment for teaching and research.

Diversity
Diversity is one of our university’s core values. We are an inclusive community, and we believe that diversity and international activities enhance the quality of education and research. We are always looking for people who can enhance diversity on our campus thanks to their background and experience.

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 around 6,000 students.
 
About the department, institute, project
This concerns a joint project of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (LaserLaB) and the University of Amsterdam (van 't Hoff Institute of Molecular Sciences) and the candidate will be using facilities at both universities. The overall SAM project involves 12 PhD students working at different academic institutions in the Netherlands and is sponsored by NWO and 4 industrial partners.