Publisher
source

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

PhD in Physics of Human-Made Molecular Machines Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in Netherlands

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Chemistry

Funding

PhD employment at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam with a gross salary of €3,204 per month in the fourth year for full-time employment. The contract starts initially for 1 year and is intended to extend to a total of 4 years if progress is sufficient.

Deadline

Oct 31, 2026

Country flag

Country

Netherlands

University

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam

Social connections

How do I apply for this?

Sign in for free to reveal details, requirements, and source links.

Apply for this position

Keywords

Chemistry
Materials Science
Biophysics
Biology
Microscopy
Physics

Suggested positions

About this position

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is offering a PhD position in the physics of human-made molecular machines within the international consortium Joining Forces for Human-Made Molecular Machines.

The project focuses on synthetic molecular motors, light-driven rotary motors, nanomotors, and molecular machines that can generate force, move along DNA-based tracks, and cooperate to perform dedicated tasks. You will work at the interface of physics, biophysics, nanoscience, chemistry, and molecular engineering.

Research methods include advanced single-molecule fluorescence microscopy, optical tweezers, single-molecule measurements, and DNA-origami-based assays. The goal is to quantify speed, processivity, directionality, and force generation of motor systems, and to connect experimental results with theoretical models and molecular design principles.

The position is hosted by the Department of Physics and Astronomy, section Physics of Living Systems, at VU Amsterdam. You will work in the group of Iddo Heller and collaborate with theorists and experimentalists across the consortium, including researchers at VU, University of Groningen, University of Amsterdam, and Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf.

Applicants should hold an MSc in physics, biophysics, nanoscience, or a closely related field. Experience with experimental research, microscopy, force spectroscopy, or scientific programming is preferred. Strong motivation for interdisciplinary work and excellent English are required.

The position is a full-time PhD employment with a gross salary starting at €3,204 per month in year four, initially for 1 year and extendable to 4 years. The application deadline is 31 October 2026. Apply online with a CV and motivation letter; email applications are not accepted.

Funding details

PhD employment at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam with a gross salary of €3,204 per month in the fourth year for full-time employment. The contract starts initially for 1 year and is intended to extend to a total of 4 years if progress is sufficient.

What's required

Applicants should have an MSc in physics, biophysics, nanoscience, or a closely related discipline. Experience with experimental research is preferred, especially in molecular biophysics, soft condensed matter, single-molecule fluorescence, force spectroscopy, or advanced optics/microscopy. Experience or affinity with data analysis and scientific programming such as Python or Matlab is expected. Strong motivation for interdisciplinary research and excellent written and spoken English are required.

How to apply

Apply online by 31 October 2026 with a CV and motivation letter in PDF format. Do not apply by email. Submit the application through the vacancy page before the closing date.

More information can be found here

Ask ApplyKite AI

Start chatting
Can you summarize this position?
What qualifications are required for this position?
How should I prepare my application?