Are you interested in the chemistry of DNA and do you enjoy working in an international and interdisciplinary environment? The Marie Skłodowska Curie Doctoral Network MeChaNiSM has several vacancies in different cities in Europe. In Amsterdam, at the van ’t Hoff Institute, two vacancies for PhD positions are available in molecular simulation of nucleic acids.

Significantly, the genetic material of many viruses, including influenza, HIV and SARS-CoV-2, consist of RNA folded into complex 3D structures. Single-molecule techniques have revolutionized the understanding of complex NA structures and their interactions with therapeutic oligonucleotides, small molecules, and proteins. However, for Europe to adapt to new therapeutic challenges and to increase its competitiveness, new expertise is urgently required in single-molecule analysis of NAs, a research field that intersects physical chemistry, biophysics, chemical synthesis, and molecular simulation.

At the University of Amsterdam, dr. Jocelyne Vreede from the van ‘t Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences is involved in this Doctoral Network and has vacancies for two doctoral candidate positions in molecular simulation of nucleic acids.

What you will do

• You will construct molecular models of nucleic acids;
• You will relate nucleic acid models to single molecule experiments;
• You will work in close collaboration with nucleic acids experts research in the Marie Skłodowska Curie Doctoral Network MeChaNiSM;
• In the network, you participate in innovative training modules, including a series of hands-on workshops that provide technical, transferable and presentation skills, international conferences, and outreach activities.

What we look for

• You have a Master degree in chemistry or physics. A background in quantum chemistry, physical chemistry, molecular simulation or biophysics is preferred;
• You have experience in programming and modeling;
• You enjoy working in an interdisciplinary environment;
• You can have excellent communication skills in spoken and written English.

Applicants must fully respect three eligibility criteria:

• The applicant does not hold a doctoral degree, or will be defending their doctoral thesis within 6 months of the date of recruitment.
• Applicants can be of any nationality, but must move from one country to another (trans-national mobility) for the position. In particular, at the time of selection, applicants must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the country of their host organization for more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to their recruitment. Short stays, such as holidays, are not taken into account.
• Applicants must have sufficient skills in both written and spoken English to receive the full benefit from the network training.

What we can offer you
A temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of four years (the initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended to a total duration of four years). This should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). The preferred starting date is February 1st, 2025. We will draft an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. We also expect you to assist in teaching undergraduates and Masters students.

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 2.872 - € 3.670 (scale P). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. The UFO profile promovendus is applicable. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants.

Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at Science Park we offer you multiple fringe benefits:

• 232 holiday hours per year (based on fulltime) and extra holidays between Christmas and 1 January;
• multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre;
• multiple courses on topics such as leadership for academic staff;
• multiple courses on topics such as time management, handling stress and an online learning platform with 100+ different courses;
• 7 weeks birth leave (partner leave) with 100% salary;
• partly paid parental leave;
• the possibility to set up a workplace at home;
• a pension at ABP for which UvA pays two third part of the contribution;
• the possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch.

Where you will work
The Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS) is one of eight institutes of the University of Amsterdam (UvA) Faculty of Science. HIMS performs internationally recognized chemistry and molecular research, curiosity driven as well as application driven. This is done in close cooperation with the chemical, flavor & food, medical and high-tech industries. Research is organized into four themes: Analytical Chemistry, Computational Chemistry, Synthesis & Catalysis and Molecular Photonics.

The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 8,000, as well as 1,800 members of staff working in education, research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, be it elementary particles, the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain.

The Marie Skłodowska Curie Doctoral Network MeChaNiSM will train the next generation of European scientific leaders in the development of single-molecule biophysics techniques to investigate critical, cross-disciplinary questions regarding the structure, dynamics, function, and interactions of NAs.
City: Gothenburg – Amsterdam – Augsburg – Cologne – Dublin – Barcelona – Leuven
Country: Sweden – The Netherlands – Germany – Ireland – Spain – Belgium

Do you recognize yourself in the job profile? Then we look forward to receiving your application by the 1st of January 2025 at latest. You may apply online by using the link below.

Applications in .pdf should include:

• a curriculum vitae (2 A4 pages max). Please use months and years when referring to your education and work experience;
• a letter of motivation emphasizing your specific interest, qualifications and motivation to apply for these positions (one page A4 max);
• Contact details of at least two references;
• Academic transcripts of Bachelor and Master degrees.

We will recruit until the position is filled and close the position when a suitable candidate is found. A knowledge security check can be part of the selection procedure (for details: national knowledge security guidelines).

Do you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:

• Dr. Jocelyne Vreede
• Email: j.vreede@uva.nl
• Tel: +31 (0)20 525 6489