PhD positions in animating metamaterials

PhD positions in animating metamaterials

Working at the UvA

Join us!

This unique research opportunity revolves around the fields of active matter, metamaterials and robotics, combining experimental, numerical, and theoretical approaches. The primary focus of the project lies in investigating various aspects, such as non-reciprocity in soft matter, topology, instabilities, odd viscosity and elasticity, and pattern formation within metamaterials.

The specific research project will be custom-tailored to align with the interests and expertise of the successful candidate, fostering a collaborative and fulfilling environment. Together, we will mutually agree on the direction of the research, ensuring it aligns with your passion and aspirations.

Working at the UvA

Join us!

This unique research opportunity revolves around the fields of active matter, metamaterials and robotics, combining experimental, numerical, and theoretical approaches. The primary focus of the project lies in investigating various aspects, such as non-reciprocity in soft matter, topology, instabilities, odd viscosity and elasticity, and pattern formation within metamaterials.

The specific research project will be custom-tailored to align with the interests and expertise of the successful candidate, fostering a collaborative and fulfilling environment. Together, we will mutually agree on the direction of the research, ensuring it aligns with your passion and aspirations.

All about this vacancy

What are you going to do?

As a PhD Researcher, you will play a central role in leading and conducting original experiments, computations, and/or theoretical research within the Machine Materials Laboratory. Your responsibilities will encompass the design and construction of innovative experimental setups, as well as the comprehensive collection, analysis, and interpretation of experimental data, supported by the mathematical and computational modelling of nonlinear dynamics. Your findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed manuscripts and conference presentations. We highly value mentorship and collaboration, and you will have the opportunity to contribute to the guidance and supervision of Masters, and Bachelor students. Additionally, there is potential for collaboration with external academic and industrial partners to further enhance the scope and impact of your research. Overall, this role offers a stimulating and enriching environment where you can make significant contributions to the fields of metamaterials while nurturing your own academic and teaching capabilities.

What do you have to offer

Do you have a creative, curious and driven nature? Are you eager to combine numerical simulations, theory and experiments? You relish working in a team where diverse group members combine their complementary expertise and skill sets to tackle complex problems?

You are currently about to obtain, or have recently obtained a MSc in physics, engineering or a related discipline?

What do we have to offer

A temporary contract for 38 hours per week 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 to € 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 Universities of the Netherlands 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;

  • a complete educational program for PhD students;

  • 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;

  • help with housing for a studio or small apartment when you’re moving from abroad.

All about this vacancy

What are you going to do?

As a PhD Researcher, you will play a central role in leading and conducting original experiments, computations, and/or theoretical research within the Machine Materials Laboratory. Your responsibilities will encompass the design and construction of innovative experimental setups, as well as the comprehensive collection, analysis, and interpretation of experimental data, supported by the mathematical and computational modelling of nonlinear dynamics. Your findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed manuscripts and conference presentations. We highly value mentorship and collaboration, and you will have the opportunity to contribute to the guidance and supervision of Masters, and Bachelor students. Additionally, there is potential for collaboration with external academic and industrial partners to further enhance the scope and impact of your research. Overall, this role offers a stimulating and enriching environment where you can make significant contributions to the fields of metamaterials while nurturing your own academic and teaching capabilities.

What do you have to offer

Do you have a creative, curious and driven nature? Are you eager to combine numerical simulations, theory and experiments? You relish working in a team where diverse group members combine their complementary expertise and skill sets to tackle complex problems?

You are currently about to obtain, or have recently obtained a MSc in physics, engineering or a related discipline?

What do we have to offer

A temporary contract for 38 hours per week 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 to € 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 Universities of the Netherlands 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;

  • a complete educational program for PhD students;

  • 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;

  • help with housing for a studio or small apartment when you’re moving from abroad.

Your place at the UvA

About us

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 PhD project will be carried out within the Soft Matter Group and the Institute of Physics of the University of Amsterdam (UvA) at the Machine Materials Laboratory, headed by Dr. Corentin Coulais; The laboratory has recently pioneered the field of active metamaterials (see recent articles). The lab benefits from an exceptional scientific environment, in soft and condensed matter, biological physics, computational physics and advanced materials.

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

About us

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 PhD project will be carried out within the Soft Matter Group and the Institute of Physics of the University of Amsterdam (UvA) at the Machine Materials Laboratory, headed by Dr. Corentin Coulais; The laboratory has recently pioneered the field of active metamaterials (see recent articles). The lab benefits from an exceptional scientific environment, in soft and condensed matter, biological physics, computational physics and advanced materials.

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 feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your application. You can apply online via the button below. We accept applications until and including 31 March 2025.

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

Corentin Coulais, Associate Professor, [email protected], T: +31 2052507224

Applications should include the following information (files besides your cv should be submitted in one single pdf file):

  • a detailed CV including the months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience;
  • a letter of motivation;
  • a list of publications;
  • the names and email addresses of two references who can provide letters of recommendation (please do not include any reference letters yourself in your application, we will contact them ourselves).

A knowledge security check can be part of the selection procedure.
(for details: 
national knowledge security guidelines)

Only complete applications received within the response period via the link below will be considered.

The interviews will be held in the course of April 2025.

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 feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your application. You can apply online via the button below. We accept applications until and including 31 March 2025.

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

Corentin Coulais, Associate Professor, [email protected], T: +31 2052507224

Applications should include the following information (files besides your cv should be submitted in one single pdf file):

  • a detailed CV including the months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience;
  • a letter of motivation;
  • a list of publications;
  • the names and email addresses of two references who can provide letters of recommendation (please do not include any reference letters yourself in your application, we will contact them ourselves).

A knowledge security check can be part of the selection procedure.
(for details: 
national knowledge security guidelines)

Only complete applications received within the response period via the link below will be considered.

The interviews will be held in the course of April 2025.

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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