Postdoctoral researcher "Supramolecular Colloids" | Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e)

The Institute for Complex Molecular Systems is an interdisciplinary platform at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) which aims at bringing excellent researchers from different areas together to promote cross-breeding of ideas across departments and across disciplines. The institute was founded on April 1, 2008 and currently has hundred members from the TU/e departments Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Applied Physics, Mathematics and Computer Science, and Mechanical Engineering. We aim to create and study biologically inspired complex, functional, and sustainable soft materials with the ultimate goal of understanding the full complexity of Life. Our research is based on two pillars: functional molecular systems and bio-inspired engineering.

Project description

Colloid assembly into space spanning structures is widely used to provide mechanical stability to products that are mainly composed of solvent. However, the attractive, i.e. ‘sticky’, interactions required for such assembly are typically difficult to control and are often irreversible. To tackle this problem you will develop an entirely new class of colloidal particles with surface properties tailored to generate sticky interactions that are orthogonally selective and can be triggered by light and switched by temperature. You will exploit the unique features of these so-called ‘supramolecular colloids’ to investigate their phase behaviour focussing in particular on the structure, stability, and formation of disordered phases such as gels.

Eligibility

We seek highly talented, motivated, and enthusiastic candidates with a PhD degree in Soft Matter, Physical Chemistry or related discipline. The successful candidate must have a solid background in (experimental) soft matter science, as well as good communication skills, be fluent in English, and should have a strong motivation to do original, fundamental research in an interdisciplinary team. Experience with quantitative confocal microscopy experiments and/or colloid synthesis is preferred. An interview and a scientific presentation will be part of the selection process.

Employment conditions

We offer a challenging job in a dynamic and ambitious, multidisciplinary research team at the Institute for Complex Molecular Systems (ICMS) at Eindhoven University of Technology. Starting gross monthly salaries € 2.890,- in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement of the Dutch Universities (CAO NU). Moreover, a 8% bonus share (holiday supplement) is provided annually. We also offer an attractive package of fringe benefits (including excellent work facilities, child care and sport facilities) and we can help you find accommodation.

Application deadline

31 October 2013

Additional information

For more information please contact Dr. Ilja Voets +31 (0)40 247 5303 or via email or visit the following link.