Ben L. Feringa

A fully funded PhD position is available at the University of Angers (MOLTECH-Anjou, CNRS UMR 6200) in France, as part of the HELIGHT project, focusing on "Light-controlled supramolecular chirality in helical foldamers." The project is in collaboration with the University of Groningen (Netherlands) and the Feringa Research Group, offering an international research environment. The research centers on the design and synthesis of light- and heat-responsive helical foldamers, utilizing molecular motors to control supramolecular chirality and optical properties. The aim is to develop predictive strategies for responsive molecular materials with applications in photonics, combining molecular design, organic synthesis, supramolecular and spectroscopic characterization, and stimuli-responsive switching systems. The selected candidate will benefit from international mobility, spending at least 8 months in Groningen, and will gain expertise in molecular motors, photochemistry, and advanced spectroscopic techniques. The project is highly interdisciplinary, integrating materials science, optoelectronics, and computational approaches such as DFT. Applicants should hold a Master's degree in Chemistry (preferably organic chemistry), have an interest in supramolecular and physical chemistry, and possess experience or strong motivation in synthesis and spectroscopy. Good English communication skills and a proactive, curious, and motivated mindset are essential. The position offers access to state-of-the-art facilities, international collaboration, and opportunities for teaching and additional funding. The application deadline is April 30, 2026. To apply, send your CV, cover letter, and referees to Prof. David Canevet at [email protected].

The University of Angers, in collaboration with the University of Groningen, is offering a PhD position in Supramolecular Chemistry as part of the HELIGHT project, focusing on 'Light-controlled supramolecular chirality in helical foldamers.' The research will be conducted at MOLTECH-Anjou (CNRS UMR 6200) under the supervision of Prof. David Canevet, with international collaboration from Prof. Ben L. Feringa of the Feringa Research Group. The project aims to design light- and heat-responsive helical foldamers, utilizing molecular motors to control supramolecular chirality and optical properties, with applications in photonics and responsive molecular materials. The successful candidate will engage in molecular design, organic synthesis, supramolecular and spectroscopic characterization, and the development of stimuli-responsive switching systems. The position offers a unique international experience, including at least 8 months at the University of Groningen, where the candidate will gain expertise in molecular motors, photochemistry, and advanced spectroscopic techniques in an interdisciplinary environment. Applicants should hold a Master's degree in Chemistry (preferably with an organic chemistry background), demonstrate interest in supramolecular and physical chemistry, and possess experience or strong motivation in synthesis and spectroscopy. Good English communication skills and a proactive, curious, and motivated mindset are essential. The position provides access to state-of-the-art facilities, opportunities for teaching, additional funding, and the benefits of working within the EUR LUMOMAT research environment. The application deadline is April 30, 2026. Interested candidates should send their CV, cover letter, and referees to Prof. David Canevet at [email protected]. For more information, refer to the LinkedIn announcement or contact the supervisor directly.

The University of Angers (MOLTECH-Anjou, CNRS UMR 6200) in France, in partnership with the University of Groningen (Netherlands), is offering a fully funded PhD position as part of the HELIGHT project: “Light-controlled supramolecular chirality in helical foldamers.” The project is supervised by Prof. David Canevet (University of Angers) and Prof. Ben L. Feringa (University of Groningen, Feringa Research Group), providing a unique international research experience. This interdisciplinary PhD project focuses on the design and synthesis of light- and heat-responsive helical foldamers, utilizing molecular motors to control supramolecular chirality and optical properties. The research aims to develop predictive strategies for responsive molecular materials with potential applications in photonics. Key methodologies include molecular design, organic synthesis, supramolecular and spectroscopic characterization, and the study of stimuli-responsive switching systems. The selected candidate will benefit from international mobility, spending at least 8 months at the University of Groningen to gain expertise in molecular motors, photochemistry, and advanced spectroscopic techniques. The project is embedded in the EUR LUMOMAT program, offering access to state-of-the-art facilities and a vibrant, collaborative research environment. Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in Chemistry (preferably with an organic chemistry background), demonstrate interest in supramolecular and physical chemistry, and have experience or strong motivation in synthesis and spectroscopy. Good English communication skills and a proactive, curious, and motivated mindset are essential. The position is fully funded for 3 years, with opportunities for teaching and additional funding. To apply, send your CV, cover letter, and referees to [email protected] by April 30, 2026. This is an excellent opportunity for candidates seeking to advance their research career in supramolecular chemistry and materials science within a leading international consortium.