PhD Position in Molecular Simulation of New Materials Based on Molecular Motors and DNA

PhD Position in Molecular Simulation of New Materials Based on Molecular Motors and DNA

Working at the UvA

Join Us!

At the University of Amsterdam, dr. Jocelyne Vreede from the Van ‘t Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences is involved in this NWO-XL consortium and has a vacancy for a PhD position in molecular simulation of nucleic acids. 

Working at the UvA

Join Us!

At the University of Amsterdam, dr. Jocelyne Vreede from the Van ‘t Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences is involved in this NWO-XL consortium and has a vacancy for a PhD position in molecular simulation of nucleic acids. 

All about this vacancy

This is what you are going to do

  • You will characterize the interactions between molecular motors and DNA using molecular simulation;  
  • You will construct molecular models of light-driven molecular walkers on DNA;
  • You will link molecular insight to single molecule experiments and large scale models for motor activity and performance.

This is what we ask of you

  • You have a Master’s 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 have excellent communication skills in spoken and written English.

This is what we offer

A temporary contract for 38 hours per week, preferably starting on August 15th, 2025, for the duration of 4 years. The initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended for a total duration of 4 years.  This should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). We will draft an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. We also expect you to assist in teaching undergraduates and master students.
The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between €2.901- € 3.707 (scale P). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities is applicable.

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.
Are you curious to read more about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits, take a look here.

All about this vacancy

This is what you are going to do

  • You will characterize the interactions between molecular motors and DNA using molecular simulation;  
  • You will construct molecular models of light-driven molecular walkers on DNA;
  • You will link molecular insight to single molecule experiments and large scale models for motor activity and performance.

This is what we ask of you

  • You have a Master’s 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 have excellent communication skills in spoken and written English.

This is what we offer

A temporary contract for 38 hours per week, preferably starting on August 15th, 2025, for the duration of 4 years. The initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended for a total duration of 4 years.  This should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). We will draft an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. We also expect you to assist in teaching undergraduates and master students.
The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between €2.901- € 3.707 (scale P). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities is applicable.

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.
Are you curious to read more about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits, take a look here.

Your place at the UvA

This is 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 University of Amsterdam is the Netherlands' largest university, offering the widest range of academic programmes. At the UvA, 30,000 students, 6,000 staff members and 3,000 PhD candidates study and work in a diverse range of fields, connected by a culture of curiosity.

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. 

To work at the University of Amsterdam is to work in a discerning, independent, creative, innovative and international climate characterized by an open atmosphere and a genuine engagement with the city of Amsterdam and society. Here you can read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.

Organisational unit

The University of Amsterdam is ambitious, creative and committed. An inspiration to students since 1632, a vanguard player in international science and a partner in innovation.
The University of Amsterdam is the largest university in the Netherlands, with the broadest range of courses on offer. An intellectual hub with 42,000 students, 6,000 staff and 3,000 PhD students. Connected by a culture of curiosity.

Your place at the UvA

This is where you will be working

This is 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 University of Amsterdam is the Netherlands' largest university, offering the widest range of academic programmes. At the UvA, 30,000 students, 6,000 staff members and 3,000 PhD candidates study and work in a diverse range of fields, connected by a culture of curiosity.

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. 

To work at the University of Amsterdam is to work in a discerning, independent, creative, innovative and international climate characterized by an open atmosphere and a genuine engagement with the city of Amsterdam and society. Here you can read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.

Organisational unit

The University of Amsterdam is ambitious, creative and committed. An inspiration to students since 1632, a vanguard player in international science and a partner in innovation.
The University of Amsterdam is the largest university in the Netherlands, with the broadest range of courses on offer. An intellectual hub with 42,000 students, 6,000 staff and 3,000 PhD students. Connected by a culture of curiosity.

Important to know

Your application & contact

If you recognize yourself in the profile and are interested in the position, we look forward to receiving your application by June 15th, 2025 the latest. You may apply online using the red button. We will recruit until the position is filled and when a suitable candidate is found. If you receive an error message while applying from abroad, please try again later or contact us for assistance.

For questions about the position, please contact:

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

As an employer, the UvA maintains an equal opportunities policy. We value diversity and are fully committed to being a place where everyone feels at home. We nurture inquisitive minds and perseverance and allow room for persistent questioning. With us, curiosity and creativity are the prevailing culture.

Important to know

Your application & contact

If you recognize yourself in the profile and are interested in the position, we look forward to receiving your application by June 15th, 2025 the latest. You may apply online using the red button. We will recruit until the position is filled and when a suitable candidate is found. If you receive an error message while applying from abroad, please try again later or contact us for assistance.

For questions about the position, please contact:

As an employer, the UvA maintains an equal opportunities policy. We value diversity and are fully committed to being a place where everyone feels at home. We nurture inquisitive minds and perseverance and allow room for persistent questioning. With us, curiosity and creativity are the prevailing culture.

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