PhD Position in Chemical Physics for MSCA-DN “MS-RADAM”

The position is part of MS-RADAM (“MultiScale phenomena in RAdiation DAMage”), a European Doctoral Network project funded by the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) programme. The project brings together leading academic and industrial partners from eight European countries (Germany, France, United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Czech Republic, Sweden, Denmark and Georgia) to train a new generation of interdisciplinary researchers.

MS-RADAM aims to advance the understanding of key radiation-induced biodamage phenomena at the nano- and larger scales, with applications in particle therapy, radiotherapy, and radioprotection. These include the formation of DNA strand breaks by ionising radiation, DNA repair, radiosensitisation by metal nanoparticles, cell survival and radioresistance.

The MS-RADAM research programme combines state-of-the-art computational multiscale modelling (using DFT/TDDFT methods, collision theory, molecular dynamics, stochastic dynamics, Monte Carlo and analytical methods) and its thorough validation using advanced experimental techniques (such as mass spectrometry, electron microscopy, radiochemistry and radiobiology experiments with biomolecular and biological systems such as oligonucleotides, DNA origami, radiosensitising nanoparticles, living cells and multicellular targets).

What are you going to do?

The DC6 research project, entitled “Molecular mechanisms underlying ion-induced radiation damage”, will focus on studying radiation-induced dynamics in DNA oligonucleotides using gas-phase experiments. The experimental program will involve mass-selected and, for the first time, conformationally pure target molecules, investigated using purpose-built experimental setups. Experiments will be performed at synchrotron radiation sources and heavy-ion accelerator facilities across Europe. The dependence of direct DNA damage and structural changes on DNA sequence, conformation and chemical environment will be explored and compared with those in the condensed phase. The experimental results will be compared with theoretical and computational modelling results through close collaboration with other partners within the MS-RADAM network.

In addition to specialised scientific training, the position offers extensive international mobility, secondments to partner organisations, and training in transferable skills such as research management, communication, and career development.

More information can be found here: https://www.mbnresearch.com/MS-RADAM/DC-research-projects

Candidates must:

-       hold a University Master’s Degree in experimental molecular physics, physical chemistry, mass spectrometry or a related field

-       have a strong interest in experimental instrumentation, including hands-on development of instrumentation and related technologies

-       be available to start on 01.07.2026

-       have excellent English language skills (both spoken and written)

-       be able to travel internationally on a regular basis, e.g. to attend regular project meetings, conferences and training activities as well as beamtimes at synchrotrons and heavy-ion accelerators

-       be able to work in an international environment, be highly motivated and reliable, be able to meet strict deadlines

To be eligible for this position, candidates must comply with the MSCA mobility rule: you must NOT have lived or worked in the Netherlands for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately prior to the recruitment date (01.07.2026).

• 232 vacation hours per year, based on a 38-hour workweek (1.0 FTE). You can also work more or fewer hours in exchange for more or fewer free hours. For example, with a 40-hour workweek, you save 96 extra free hours, and with a 36-hour workweek, you lose 96 hours.
• End-of-year bonus of 8.3% and 8% holiday allowance.
• Extensive opportunities for personal and professional development.

At the University of Groningen (UG), researchers from all fields of academia and technology are working on academic challenges and societal questions. Lecturers prepare their students for meaningful careers within or outside the academic world. Interdisciplinary research and teaching, sharing of knowledge, collaboration with businesses, government institutions, and societal organizations are aspects that are of the utmost importance to this European top university. The UG aims to be an open academic community with an inclusive and safe working climate that invites you to add your value.

The Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) provides teaching and research across a wide range of disciplines, from physics and biology to artificial intelligence, mechanical engineering, and pharmacy. In close collaboration with partners from industry, healthcare, and society, we contribute to the urgent challenges of our time, such as energy, sustainability, digitization, and medical technology. Our community is open and informal, with more than 7,000 students, 1,000 PhD students, and 1,400 staff members from all over the world. If you would like to learn more about the Faculty of Science and Engineering, visit rug.nl/fse. 

The PhD position will be in the Schlathölter group, embedded within the Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials at the University of Groningen, where physics, chemistry, and materials science strongly interact. The candidate will conduct experimental research using advanced instrumentation in a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary setting.

Do you have any questions or need more information?

Questions about the content of the job?
Thomas Schlathölter (Associate Professor): T.A.Schlatholter@rug.nl

Questions about your application process?
Thomas Schlathölter (Associate Professor): T.A.Schlatholter@rug.nl