PhD in Supramolecular Chemistry and Materials

Job description

Are you fascinated by the potential of supramolecular chemistry to create smart, adaptive materials? Do you have an engineering mindset with a passion for molecules? We are looking for a motivated PhD candidate to develop next-generation functional supramolecular materials using cutting-edge supramolecular design, automation, and artificial intelligence.

Over the past century, synthetic materials have been designed for durability and stability, yet they largely lack the ability to adapt and respond to their environment. Inspired by nature, this project aims to bridge the gap between synthetic materials and biological systems by leveraging supramolecular chemistry to design adaptive, interactive, and autonomously responsive materials. By utilizing non-covalent interactions, we seek to develop self-regulating materials that can sense, respond, and evolve—just like living systems. This research integrates cutting-edge experimental techniques with robotics and machine learning to accelerate the discovery of functional supramolecular materials.

This PhD position is part of the newly founded National Growth Fund programme Big Chemistry, in which chemists, engineers, and computer scientists across several research institutes in the Netherlands develop cutting-edge automated chemical laboratories for soft materials discovery. You will be embedded in a multidisciplinary team and have access to state-of-the-art facilities.

Job requirements

Applications are invited for a 4-year PhD position under the supervision of Prof. Ghislaine Vantomme at the Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, and the Institute for Complex Molecular Systems at TU/e (The Netherlands).

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate with:

• A master's degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, molecular science, or a related field.
• Experience in molecular self-assembly and advanced characterization techniques (required).
• Strong experimental skills, coupled with solid analytical abilities.
• Experience in polymer chemistry, physical chemistry, organic synthesis, or related fields.
• An engineering mindset with an interest in integrating chemistry with machine learning and robotics.
• Experience in programming (Python, or similar) is a plus.
• The ability to work in an interdisciplinary environment and collaborate with engineers, materials scientists, and physicists.
• Fluency in English, with strong communication and reporting skills, and a team-oriented attitude.

Conditions of employment

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. €2,901 max. €3,707).
• 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. 

Information and application

About us

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. 

Curious to hear more about what it’s like as a PhD candidate at TU/e? Please view the video.

Information

Do you recognize yourself in this profile and would you like to know more?
Please contact the hiring manager, Ghislaine Vantomme, g.vantomme@tue.nl.

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of employment. You can also contact HRServices.helix@tue.nl.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the apply button.
The application should include a:

• Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
• Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three references.

We look forward to receiving your application and will screen it as soon as possible. The vacancy will remain open until the position is filled.