A fully funded 4-year PhD position is available in the Surface Science group at the Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials.
Graphene is known to possess countless extraordinary properties. However, despite the fact that graphene is considered a miracle material, there are also properties which are not inherently present in graphene: these being an electronic bandgap and magnetic properties. One might wonder why it would be relevant to also introduce these properties to graphene as it exhibits already that many unique properties. But it is exactly all these existing properties which would be highly beneficial in combination with the to-be-introduced electronic bandgap and magnetic properties – especially in view of the future industrial, societal and environmental needs.

The aim of the present PhD project is to modify graphene´s properties by adsorbing specially synthesized molecules on its upper surface, in combination with selecting the substrate which is in contact with its lower surface. By breaking graphene’s sublattice symmetry through charge transfer from adsorbed molecules as well as by exploiting quantum confinement effects through patterning with porous molecular networks the introduction of an electronic bandgap will be investigated. The supramolecular approach will allow precise adjustment of the graphene properties by fine-tuning the interplay of adsorbed molecules and underlying substrate. The necessary characterizations regarding structural and electronic properties will be carried out with scanning probe microscopy/spectroscopy, photoelectron spectroscopy and transport measurements.

We are looking for a motivated candidate with a Master degree in Physics, Material Sciences or Physical Chemistry and preferably, the candidate has some experimental experience in surface science and / or ultrahigh vacuum. In addition, the candidate has a good command of English (oral and written), is enthusiastic and a team player, has a passion for science and possesses excellent communication skills and the ability to write scientific papers and deliver presentations.

Fixed-term contract: 48 months.

The University of Groningen offers a salary of € 2,222 gross per month in the first year to a maximum of € 2,840 gross per month in the final year (salary scale Dutch Universities), based on a full-time position (1.0 FTE) excluding a 8% holiday allowance and a 8.3% end of the year bonus.
The position offered is for four years. Each successful candidate will first be offered a temporary position of one year with the option of renewal for another three years. Prolongation of the contract is contingent on sufficient progress in the first year to indicate that a successful completion of the PhD thesis within the contract period is to be expected. A PhD training programme is part of the agreement and the successful candidate will be enrolled in the Graduate School of the Faculty. The conditions of employment are available at the University of Groningen website under Human Resources: https://www.rug.nl/about-us/work-with-us/

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

The preferred starting date is September 2018.

How to apply
You may apply for this position until 31 May / before 1 June 2018 Dutch local time by means of the application form (click on "Apply" below on the advertisement on the university website).

The application should contain:
- cover letter with background and motivation to apply for this position
- curriculum vitae, including details of bachelor and master degrees and publication list, if applicable
- detailed (1-2 pages) description of previous research experience, such as the bachelor/master research projects
- contact details of 2 people who can provide information on your suitability for the position.

Interviews will be held as soon as possible.

Unsolicited marketing is not appreciated.

Faculty of Science and Engineering

The University of Groningen is a research university with a global outlook, deeply rooted in Groningen, City of Talent. Quality has had top priority for four hundred years, and with success: the University is currently in or around the top 100 on several influential global ranking lists.

The Faculty of Science and Engineering harbours a kaleidoscope of disciplines and research strengths. Our programmes in research and education range from nanomaterials and biomachinery to astronomy, from mathematics to pharmacy, from neurosciences to computer science, and from molecular and evolutionary biology to marine biology.
On top of its track record of research excellence, the Faculty offers a large number of Bachelor’s degree programmes (overseen by our Undergraduate School of Science and Engineering) and Master’s degree programmes (overseen by our Graduate School of Science and Engineering). Nearly all of our Bachelar’s (BSc) and Master’s degree programmes (MSc) are fully English-taught, thus allowing students from all over the world to follow a degree programme with us.