In the Van ‘t Hoff Laboratory for Physical and Colloid Chemistry at Utrecht University, the focus of our teaching and research is on the physical chemistry of objects with sizes between several nanometers and micrometers, the so-called ‘colloidal scale’. Understanding the behaviour of matter at colloidal scale, i.e. in between the sizes of (simple) molecules and macroscopic objects, is important for many scientific disciplines including biology, geosciences, physics, and engineering.

In our group, we work on a broad range of topics. We create new model systems, perform experiments with state-of-the-art techniques, and develop new theory. There are ongoing national and international collaborations with academic groups as well as with industry. Knowledge of the interactions and structure formation of matter at the colloidal scale has facilitated important technologies such as electronic displays, microprocessors, and artificial drug and gene delivery vehicles.

We are looking for a driven and collaborative candidate at Assistant Professor level with a track record in experimental physical chemistry of matter at the colloidal scale. You will teach physical chemistry ((statistical) thermodynamics, liquids, (bio) polymers, interfaces) at undergraduate and graduate level. As the successful candidate, you will be encouraged to develop a strong new research line, preferentially within the focus area of the Debye Institute. In particular, we seek candidates with a focus on (self-assembly of) sustainable or ‘smart’ materials, bio-inspired materials, or biophysics. Outstanding candidates with other expertise, and/or on a more senior level (Associate or Full Professor) will also be considered.

Our ideal candidate will complement our group on a professional as well as personal level. In addition, you:

• have a PhD degree in the field of soft matter or biophysics;
• have an analytical mindset and a record of complementing experimental findings with quantitative models;
• have excellent communication, networking, and organizational skills;
• have an outstanding record of academic research, as reflected in high-quality scientific publications;
• are willing and motivated to actively obtain research grants within, for example, the talent programmes of the Dutch Research Organization (NWO) and the European Research Council (ERC) and actively develop new research lines;
• have obtained a basic teaching qualification, or will obtain the qualification within 3 years.

You are expected to have an excellent level of English, both written and oral. At the point of a tenure decision, Dutch language skills should be at the level of practical communication.

The Faculty of Science has adopted an active policy to increase the number of female scientists across all disciplines. Therefore, female candidates are especially encouraged to apply.

• a full-time tenure track position for five years, which will be subject to a mid-term evaluation after approximately 2.5 years and an end-term evaluation. In case of a positive evaluation, the position will become permanent after five years. In principle, further development to the level of Full Professor is possible;
• a full-time gross salary ranging from €3,746 to €5,826 in scale 11/12 at Assistant Professor level;
• benefits including an 8% holiday bonus and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus;
• a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave, and flexible employment conditions based on the Collective Labor Agreement (cao) Dutch Universities.

You will become part of the team of the Van ‘t Hoff Laboratory for Physical and Colloid Chemistry at Utrecht University which is part of the Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science.

At the Faculty of Science, there are 6 departments to make a fundamental connection with: Biology, Chemistry, Information and Computing Sciences, Mathematics, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Physics. Each of these is made up of distinct institutes that work together to focus on answering some of humanity’s most pressing problems. More fundamental still are the individual research groups – the building blocks of our ambitious scientific projects.

Utrecht University is a friendly and ambitious university at the heart of an ancient city. We love to welcome new scientists to our city – a thriving cultural hub that is consistently rated as one of the world’s happiest cities. We are renowned for our innovative interdisciplinary research and our emphasis on inspirational research and excellent education. We are equally well-known for our familiar atmosphere and the can-do attitude of our people. This fundamental connection attracts Researchers, Professors and PhD candidates from all over the globe, making both the university and the Faculty of Science a vibrant international and wonderfully diverse community.