PHD Position on Dynamics

PhD position on Dynamics of Light-triggered Supramolecular Structures (1.0 FTE)

PhD

PhD position on Dynamics of Light-triggered Supramolecular Structures (1.0 FTE)

In the origin of life, the transition from small building blocks to complex, organised assemblies set the stage for the emergence of biological systems. These supramolecular structures bridge the gap between simple organic molecules and the complex, organised systems that characterise living systems. By understanding these processes, we gain insights into the fundamental principles that govern the emergence of life on Earth. Within the EU funded cofund programme Evolve, we have a PhD student opening. The PhD student will study the formation dynamics of supramolecular structures and how they adapt to signals from the environment, another hallmark of life. The studied supramolecular structures are stabilised by various non-covalent interactions and the self-assembly process in which they form remains poorly understood.

University of Groningen

Closing date: 10 januari 2026

1 FTE

€3.059 - €3.881

PhD position on Dynamics of Light-triggered Supramolecular Structures (1.0 FTE)

https://werkenbij.rug.nl/vacature/phd-position-on-dynamics-of-light-triggered-supramolecular-structures-1-0-fte-1526/?langlang=en

What are you going to do?

Using High speed-atomic force microscopy (High speed-AFM) the student will image, at the single-particle level, the formation dynamics of supramolecular structures. The ultimate goal is to elucidate in real time the dynamics and mechanisms behind formation and adaptive behaviour at the nanoscale. The adaptive behaviour will be probed by varying enverinmental conditions, in particular providing stimuli based on changes in ionic strength, pH, temperature and light flux. By studying surface based processes we directly asses templated assembly.

In this project, the formation dynamics and adaptive behaviour of various systems will be probed, starting with two distinct types of assemblies, nanopores and nanofibres/nanotubes. By further developing the High Speed-AFM approach to study these systems, the molecular basis of the adaptive behaviour of the assemblies will be scrutinized. The PhD student will work in close cooperation with the lab of Ben Feringa where the structures are synthesised.

University of Groningen

Closing date: 10 januari 2026

€3.059 - €3.881

Who are you?

• You qualify as a PhD candidate in the Netherlands, meaning that you are in the possession of, or about to obtain, an internationally recognized Master's degree in the relevant field (equivalent to a Dutch Master's degree). All European MSc degrees are accepted.
• You have an educational background in (bio)physics, (bio)chemistry, nanoscience or a related field.
• To fulfil the EU cofund eligibility requirements, you must not already be in possession of a doctoral degree.
• To comply with EU funding rules, you will not have resided in the Netherlands for more than 12 months during the 3 years prior to 18 January 2026.
• You are proficient in the English language at an academic level.

To apply, please submit one PDF file containing, in the following order:

• A motivation letter
• A CV
• Copy of MSc certificate (or letter by current supervisor stating expected MSc degree date)
• Abstract of MSc thesis
• Contact information of three academic references.

Where will you be working?

At the University of Groningen (RUG), researchers across all branches of science and technology work on scientific challenges and societal issues. Lecturers train their students for meaningful careers in science or beyond. Interdisciplinary research and education, knowledge sharing, and collaboration with companies, government institutions, and societal organizations are highly valued at this top 100 university. RUG aims to be an open academic community with an inclusive and safe working environment that invites you to contribute your value.

The University of Groningen is a research university, currently in or around the top 100 on several influential ranking lists. The Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) is the largest faculty within the University, offering first-rate education and research in a wide range of science and engineering disciplines.

The research in the Roos lab ranges from molecular to systems size levels. In particular, we study the structure and dynamics of supramolecular assemblies of both natural as synthetic origin including their self-assembly, their interaction with the environment and their mechanical properties. We study this dynamic behaviour with various biophysical techniques, including atomic force microscopy, optical tweezers and fluorescence microscopy. We address the different questions with an interdisciplinary team where people with backgrounds in various disciplines of the sciences, including physics, chemistry and biology, combine forces to tackle the challenges that come up while elucidating the fascinating mechanisms that govern life(-inspired) processes.