PhD Candidate for Design of Smart Multi-Component Crystals

• Employment: 0.8 - 1.0 FTE
• Gross monthly salary: € 2,434 - € 3,111
• Faculty of Science
• Required background: Research University Degree
• Application deadline: 7 January 2022

The aim of this project is to design and predict multi-component crystals, like co-crystals, solvates or salts, that show improved physicochemical and biopharmaceutical properties. This requires finding the rules that define the formation of multi-component crystals, using data mining methods and computational methods, such as artificial intelligence and algorithms applied in network science. The theoretical part of the project will be coupled with experiments to apply, validate and improve the methods for the prediction of multi-component crystals. You will work as a member of the Solid State Chemistry group at the Institute for Molecules and Materials at Radboud University. The position also involves some moderate teaching duties such as serving as an assistant at problem classes (~3-4 hours per week).

Profile

• You hold a Master's degree in Chemistry, Physics, or Materials Science (or similar background).
• You have an interest in programming, computer modelling and data mining.
• Good experimental skills are a plus.
• Good social skills are essential, as well as a good command of spoken and written English.

We are

The position is available in the Solid State Chemistry group of the Institute for Molecules and Materials (IMM) located at the Faculty of Science (FNWI). The goal of the Solid State Chemistry group is to obtain a fundamental understanding of the processes that occur during the growth of crystals. The group studies a wide range of systems and problems, and there is a strong interaction between theoretical, computational and experimental methods.

IMM is a research institute in chemistry and physics promoting interdisciplinary research. Its mission is to design and create functional molecules and materials to fundamentally understand their behaviour. IMM consists of 24 research groups active in fields ranging from condensed matter physics to organic chemistry and biochemistry. It focuses on fundamental research with an open eye to societal applications and trains the next generation of leaders in science and innovation. You will have the opportunity to interact with researchers at IMM and participate in institute-wide activities.

The Faculty of Science is a complete, student-oriented science faculty where research and teaching are closely intertwined. The faculty aims to be an academic community with an international character where employees from different backgrounds combine their talents with the goal of being a leading science faculty in Europe.

We offer

• Employment for 0.8 (5 year contract) - 1.0 FTE (4 year contract).
• The gross starting salary amounts to €2,434 per month based on a 38-hour working week, and will increase to €3,111 from the fourth year onwards (salary scale P).
• You will receive 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
• You will be appointed for an initial period of 18 months, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, the contract will be extended by 2.5 years (4 year contract) or 3.5 years (5 year contract).
• You will be able to use our Dual Career and Family Care Services. Our Dual Career and Family Care Officer can assist you with family-related support, help your partner or spouse prepare for the local labour market, provide customized support in their search for employment and help your family settle in Nijmegen.
• Working for us means getting extra days off. In case of full-time employment, you can choose between 29 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the legally allotted 20.

Would you like more information?

For questions about the position, please contact René de Gelder, Assistant professor at +31 24 365 28 42 or r.degelder@science.ru.nl. Alternatively, you can contact Elias Vlieg, Professor at +31 24 365 30 70 or e.vlieg@science.ru.nl.

Practical information and applications

• A letter of motivation.
• Your CV.

We drafted this vacancy to find and hire our new colleague ourselves. Recruitment agencies are kindly requested to refrain from responding.