We are seeking a highly motivated PhD researcher with a passion for programmable colloidal assembly and DNA nanotechnology to join our team and use DNA strands and molecular photoswitches as (macro)molecular guides for colloidal assembly. The goal of your project is to develop and use state-of-the-art DNA nanotechnology, oscillatory light patterns, and quantitative confocal microscopy to discover and study out-of-equilibrium material properties and adaptive superstructures.

Key responsibilities:

• Conduct high-quality, curiosity-driven, original, and independent research at the crossroads between colloidal assembly and DNA nanotechnology.
• Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary and international team of researchers.
• Present research findings at conferences and publish in top-tier scientific journals.

About the job

We have an open PhD position (fully funded, four years) on light-modulated out-of-equilibrium assembly of DNA-coated colloids at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) embedded within the Self-Organizing Soft Matter Laboratory and the Institute for Complex Molecular Systems. This position is funded by the Dutch Research Council Gravitation Program Interactive Polymer Materials grant, a large consortium aiming to design the next generation of polymeric materials.

Eindhoven University of Technology

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly complex problems of today and tomorrow.

The TU/e offers academic education that is driven by fundamental and applied research. We combine scientific curiosity with a hands-on mentality. Our educational philosophy is based on personal attention and room for individual ambitions and talents. Our research meets the highest international standards of quality. We push the limits of science, which puts us at the forefront of rapidly emerging areas of research.

The university is located near the central train station of Eindhoven and the Eindhoven city center. It is well connected to Eindhoven airport and Schiphol airport can be easily reached by train.

Job Description

In our lab, we address fundamental questions about self-assembly to create adaptive materials with unique properties and advance insight in the role of self-organization in biological functions, such as directional motion and chemical communication. In this project, you will use state-of-the-art DNA nanotechnology tools and molecular photoswitches as (macro)molecular handles to program the properties and self-organization of DNA-coated microparticles. You will exploit the potential of (patterned and pulsed) light and temperature as external cues to induce oscillatory interactions and distinct self-organization pathways to create and destroy novel colloidal architectures. You will work on this exciting interdisciplinary project within a diverse team of chemists, physicists, and biologists in the Self-Organizing Soft Matter lab with a range of nationalities. Our lab encourages collaborations and teamwork and fosters an inclusive working environment.

• A master's degree (or an equivalent university degree) in Physics, Chemistry, or related discipline
• A background in physical chemistry/soft matter.
• Experience with working in a laboratory.
• A quantitative approach to research.
• Good programming (e.g. Python, Matlab) and data analysis skills for processing and interpreting experimental data.
• Scientific curiosity and motivation to do original, fundamental research.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team of physicist and chemists.
• Independent and goal-oriented researcher. Team player and able to work in a dynamic, interdisciplinary, and international context.
• Fluent in spoken and written English. Excellent written and oral communication skills. There is no Dutch language requirement.

A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university, in an interdisciplinary setting and within an international network. You will work on a beautiful, green campus within walking distance of the central train station. In addition, we offer you:

• Full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after nine months. You will spend 10% of your employment on teaching tasks.
• Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, scale P (min. €2,872 max. €3,670).
• A year-end bonus of 8.3% and annual vacation pay of 8%.
• High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning process.
• An excellent technical infrastructure, on-campus children's day care and sports facilities.
• An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
• A Staff Immigration Team and a tax compensation scheme (the 30% facility) for international candidates.