PhD Position: Cold and Controlled Reactive Molecular Collisions

1. Introduction

Are you intrigued by the intricate dynamics of molecular collisions and reactions? Want to operate world-unique equipment? Join us as a PhD candidate and contribute to exciting research on cold and controlled reactive molecular collisions!

2. Job description

As a PhD candidate, you will be part of the Controlled Chemical Reactions group led by Jolijn Onvlee. Our research group investigates reactive collisions between state-selected atoms and molecules with exceptional precision and in unexplored energy regimes. We use a crossed molecular beam machine with a Zeeman decelerator, which enables precise control over the velocities and quantum states of atoms or molecules prior to the reaction. By combining this with resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionisation and velocity map imaging, we can probe the reaction products in high detail. This powerful experimental approach gives us the opportunity to get detailed information about the dynamics of molecular collisions.

In this project, you will perform reactive scattering experiments, design and implement advanced detection techniques, analyse data, and carry out numerical trajectory simulations of deceleration and scattering processes. You will have the opportunity to work with state-of-the-art and world-unique equipment. You will work closely with other team members from various international backgrounds, dividing tasks and tackling problems together. Moreover, you will contribute to teaching activities and help supervise BSc and/or MSc students during their internships with us (10% of your working time).

Would you like to learn more about what it’s like to pursue a PhD at Radboud University? Visit the page about working as a PhD candidate. 

3. Profile

• You have a Master's degree in physics, chemistry, or a related discipline.
• You have an interest in the fields of experimental molecular physics and physical chemistry.
• Ideally, you have experience with vacuum systems, molecular beams and lasers.
• You are an enthusiastic team player but can also work independently.
• You have good oral and written English communication skills. 

4. We are

The Controlled Chemical Reactions group is part of the Spectroscopy of Cold Molecules department within the Institute for Molecules and Materials at Radboud University's Faculty of Science.

Our aim is to completely understand and, ultimately, fully control chemical reactions at the molecular level. We therefore investigate reactive collisions in which chemical bonds are broken and new bonds are formed between individual molecules in the gas phase. We make use of advanced experimental techniques to study these reactions in extremely high detail. Further information about our group's research interests can be found here.

Our team currently includes Jolijn Onvlee, one postdoctoral researcher, two PhD candidates, and two Master's students. The Spectroscopy of Cold Molecules department is highly international. English is the working language at the department and faculty. Alongside our work, we organise annual outings and social events like barbecues. Team members often plan their own activities, from drinks and dinners to sportive events.

5. We offer

• We will give you a temporary employment contract (1.0 FTE) of 1.5 years, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, your contract will be extended by 2.5 years (4-year contract).     
• You will receive a starting salary of €3,059 gross per month based on a 38-hour working week, which will increase to €3,881 in the fourth year (salary scale P).
• You will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8,3% end-of-year bonus. 
• We offer Dual Career Coaching. The Dual Career Coaching assists your partner via support, tools, and resources to improve their chances of independently finding employment in the Netherlands. 
• You will receive extra days off. With full-time employment, you can choose between 30 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the statutory 20. 

6. Practical information and applying

You can apply only via the button below. Address your letter of application to Jolijn Onvlee. In the application form, you will find which documents you need to include with your application. We would like to ask you to explain in your motivation letter why you are interested in our research, and to include your master's thesis with your application. We look forward to receiving your application.

Applications will be reviewed, and interviews scheduled during the recruitment period. Therefore, you will receive feedback and information about a possible follow-up process shortly. If a suitable candidate is found before the closing date, the vacancy will be closed, and further applications will no longer be possible. Feel free to contact the listed contact person for the latest status.

You will preferably start as soon as possible.

We can imagine you're curious about our application procedure. It describes what you can expect during the application procedure and how we handle your personal data and internal and external candidates.