PhD Towards Human-Made Molecular Machines: Functional DNA-Rotator Motors

Department

Faculty of Science and Engineering

Organisation

Rijksuniversiteit Groningen, University of Groningen, V25.0077

Job description

Molecular machines are essential for biological processes such as molecular transport, DNA maintenance, and motion. The ability to design and control synthetic molecular machines offers groundbreaking opportunities in nanomedicine, adaptive materials, and self-healing systems. This PhD project, part of the NWO-XL collaborative initiative "Joining Forces for Human-Made Molecular Machines," focuses on designing motorized DNA-nanoscale building blocks and to demonstrate the first light-controlled artificial muscles and conveyor belts.

The joint efforts of the PhD student and an experienced postdoctoral researcher will aim to develop synthetic motorized nanoscale systems that operate in aqueous environments, are biocompatible, and can be fine-tuned for specific applications. By leveraging the Feringa group's extensive expertise in molecular motor design, this project will push the boundaries of synthetic molecular machinery, exploring photochemical properties, rotational speed control, and functionalization for biomolecular integration.

Organization
The University of Groningen is a research university, currently in or around the top 100 on several influential ranking lists. The Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) is the largest faculty within the University, offering first-rate education and research in a wide range of science and engineering disciplines.

The mission of the Stratingh Institute for Chemistry is to perform excellent research and teaching in molecular and supramolecular chemistry. Core activities in the chemical sciences such as bioorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, molecular inorganic chemistry and molecular materials chemistry are embedded in the institute. The research programme is focused on synthesis, catalysis, functional materials, bio-organic chemistry/chemical biology and systems chemistry/complex molecular systems.

The research program of the Feringa group is focused on synthetic and physical organic chemistry. Inspired by Nature's principles of molecular assembly, recognition, transport, motion and catalysis, the goal is to exploit the full potential of synthetic chemistry to create new structures and functions. A major part of the research is directed towards dynamic molecular systems. The focus is on molecular nanoscience, novel responsive materials and photo-pharma exploring biohybrid systems, self-assembly, molecular switches and motors. A second part of the program deals with the development (and application in chemical biology) of novel stereoselective synthesis methods and asymmetric catalysis. Chirality is a leading theme and over the years a unique and broad expertise in fundamental aspects of stereochemistry has been acquired including chiroptical phenomena, chiral amplification and origin of chirality.

Requirements

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate who meets the following criteria

- A MSc degree in Chemistry or a related field.
- A strong background in synthetic organic chemistry.
- Excellent grades.
- Creativity, determination, and the ability to work independently.

Knowledge of photochemistry and stereochemistry, along with experience in functional group modifications and bioconjugation, will be considered an asset.

Applicants whose first language is not English must submit evidence of competency in English, please see University of Groningen’s English Language Requirements for details.

Conditions of employment

Contract length: 48 months.

We offer you in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities

- A salary of € 2,901 gross per month in the first year, up to a maximum of € 3,707 gross per month in the fourth and final year, based on a full-time position (1.0 FTE).
- A holiday allowance of 8% gross annual income.
- An 8.3% year-end bonus.
- A position for four years; you will get a temporary position of one year with the option of renewal for another three years; prolongation of the contract is contingent on sufficient progress in the first year to indicate that a successful completion of the PhD thesis within the next three years is to be expected.
- A university PhD training programme is part of the agreement and the successful candidates will be enrolled in the Graduate School of Science and Engineering.

The starting date is flexible

Job Application

Do you meet our qualification criteria? If yes, you’re requested to upload the following documents - A motivation letter stating your motivation to apply for the position and your key qualities relevant for this position. - An up-to-date curriculum vitae. - Diplomas (BSc and Msc) and transcript of records. - Contact information of two academic references. You may apply for this position until 9 March 11:59pm / before 10 March 2025 Dutch local time (CET) by means of the application form (click on "Apply" below on the advertisement on the university website). The University of Groningen strives to be a university in which students and staff are respected and feel at home, regardless of differences in background, experiences, perspectives, and identities. We believe that working on our core values of inclusion and equality are a joint responsibility and we are constructively working on creating a socially safe environment. Diversity among students and staff members enriches academic debate and contributes to the quality of our teaching and research. We therefore invite applicants from underrepresented groups in particular to apply. For more information, see also our diversity policy webpage: https://www.rug.nl/(...)rsity-and-inclusion/ Our selection procedure follows the guidelines of the Recruitment code (NVP): https://www.nvp-hrnetwerk.nl/sollicitatiecode/ and European Commission's European Code of Conduct for recruitment of researchers: https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/charter/code We provide career services for partners of new faculty members moving to Groningen. Unsolicited marketing is not appreciated.

Additional information

For additional information, please contact:

Dr. Alexander Ryabchun
[email protected]

Prof. Ben Feringa
[email protected]

In your application, please always include the job opening ID V25.0077

Digital application form