• Develop a coarse-grained model for peptide-based nanocarriers, informed by experimental data
• Simulate and predict the maximum micronutrient loading capacity
• Assess nanocarrier stability using enhanced-sampling simulations
• Extend the applicability of your protocol to additional systems

You are expected to:

• Conduct research within the Computational Chemistry theme of HIMS
• Be an active and engaged member of Computational Chemistry and Computational Soft Matter
• Bring a solid soft-matter background to develop coarse-grained models
• Have proven experience in designing and performing coarse-grained simulations (preferably using LAMMPS or HOOMD-blue)
• Demonstrate effective use of advanced analysis tools (e.g., UMAP)
• Possess excellent organisational, communication, and collaboration skills
• Contribute to the supervision of BSc, MSc, and PhD students
• Publish and present your results within the project and at international scientific venues.

To validate the computationally proposed hypotheses, collaborations with experimental groups within HIMS (dr. Astefanei) and industrial partners (Friesland Campina, InspectT) are envisioned. The position is available for 1 year starting as soon as possible and is intended for candidates with a strong computational soft matter background.

•             A PhD degree in computational physics/biophysics, computational science, or a related discipline
•            A strong background in soft matter, (bio)physics, (bio)chemistry, or computational science; ML is a plus.
• Demonstrated experience in developing coarse-grained models
•            Experience with advanced simulation and analysis methods (e.g., LAMMPS, HOOMDblue, advanced analysis workflows)
• Strong programming skills (e.g., Linux, C++/Fortran, scripting languages)
• Excellent communication skills in spoken and written English
• Strong initiative and effective time-management abilities
•           An interest in supervising BSc/MSc students and PhD candidates, and in collaborating with researchers within and beyond the Netherlands

We offer a temporary employment contract for 38 hours per week for a period of 12 months. An extension maybe possible based on available funding combined with adequate performance. The preferred starting date is ultimately September 1, 2026.

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 3,546 - € 5,538 (scale 10). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. The UFO profile Researcher 4 is applicable. 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.