PhD Position in Theoretical Physics

Updated: about 1 month ago
Deadline: 30 Apr 2024

22 Mar 2024
Job Information
Organisation/Company

Utrecht University
Research Field

Physics
Researcher Profile

First Stage Researcher (R1)
Country

Netherlands
Application Deadline

30 Apr 2024 - 21:59 (UTC)
Type of Contract

Temporary
Job Status

Not Applicable
Hours Per Week

40.0
Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme
Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Join our EU project to characterise colloidal gels for new sustainable materials. Make a real impact at the intersection of academic and industrial research!

Your job
We seek an enthusiastic, capable PhD candidate who is interested in working on the numerical and theoretical characterization of colloidal gels – suspensions of micron-sized particles that stick together to form open network structures. You will become a part of the CoCoGel Marie Skłodowska-Curie Industrial Doctoral Network, together with 14 other PhD candidates, who will be working throughout Europe on bringing rational design to the structuring of colloidal gels. In this position, you will participate in the collaborative and training activities hosted by the CoCoGel network. You will be employed by Utrecht University, but as a part of the project, you will also be embedded in InProcess-LSP for a period of 18 months. InProcess-LSP is a Scaleup company that develops process analytical technology for the in-line characterisation of dense suspensions using optical coherence tomography (OCT). This technology was used, for example, to size the lipid nanoparticles used in the COVID-19 vaccine.

The core of the project is to push forward the capabilities of the fluid-dynamics solver for colloidal suspensions maintained by the De Graaf group and use this to further understanding of the behaviour of various experimental systems in the CoCoGel network. This solver is based on the Stokesian Dynamics algorithm and builds on the Google JAX framework. Elements that will need to be introduced are size polydispersity and frictional interactions, in addition the algorithm is to be optimised for sparse matrices. Beyond these computational physics aspects, you will study physically how the features of the gel are changed by subjecting the system to external perturbations. During your embedding in InProcess-LSP you will also learn the way in which particle size and features of the gel network may be extracted using OCT and connect this to the results from your simulation. As one of the few dedicated simulators within the CoCoGel consortium, you will be uniquely positioned to interact with many experimental groups and build toward a successful career either in academia or industry.

You will be working within the Institute for Theoretical Physics (ITP) for the duration of the PhD (Utrecht University, location Science Park). This includes a non-negotiable 18-month on-site stay at InProcess-LSP (located in Oss, the Netherlands).

You will work within a small team that specialises in hydrodynamics, statistical physics of soft-condensed-matter systems, and biophysics; presently having diverse research outlooks ranging from colloidal gelation, to tissue dynamics, to bacterial colony growth.

As a PhD candidate, you will primarily focus on the development of numerical methods for the study of colloidal gels, which include hydrodynamic interactions and carrying out the physics-focused research that is based on the numerical methods that you help develop. You are also expected to participate in assisting with classes (10-15% workload). Participation within the ITN training network conforms to EU legislation.


Requirements
Specific Requirements

We are seeking a motivated researcher, who can balance the research requirements expected of a Dutch PhD with the opportunities that are afforded by working in an industry-academia collaboration. You must have a M.Sc. in Physics or in an associated field by the start of the programme. It is important that you are proficient in English and have good communication skills, as the CoCoGel project requires substantial coordination and collaboration. Experience with computational fluid dynamics and good knowledge of classical statistical physics are considered very valuable, the ability to program in C or C++ or a comparable language is needed to make progress in the project. You are expected to actively pursue a research PhD and contribute to the network activities of the CoCoGel ITN.

To qualify for this position, you cannot have resided or carried out your main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the Netherlands for more than 12 months in the 36 months preceding the recruitment start date.


Additional Information
Benefits

We offer:

  • a position for four years;
  • a full-time gross monthly salary between €2,770 and €3,539 in the case of full-time employment (salary scale P under the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU);
  • 8% holiday pay and 8.3% year-end bonus;
  • a pension scheme, partially paid parental leave and flexible terms of employment based on the CAO NU.

In addition to the terms of employment laid down in the CAO NU, Utrecht University has a number of schemes and facilities of its own for employees. This includes schemes facilitating professional development , leave schemes and schemes for sports and cultural activities , as well as discounts on software and other IT products. We also offer access to additional employee benefits through our Terms of Employment Options Model. In this way, we encourage our employees to continue to invest in their growth. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University .


Selection process

As Utrecht University, we want to be a home for everyone. We value staff with diverse backgrounds, perspectives and identities, including cultural, religious or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability or age. We strive to create a safe and inclusive environment in which everyone can flourish and contribute.

If you are enthusiastic about this position, just apply via the 'Apply now' button! Please enclose:

  • your letter of motivation;
  • your curriculum vitae;
  • the names, telephone numbers, and email addresses of at least two references.

If this specific opportunity isn’t for you, but you know someone else who may be interested, please forward this vacancy to them.


Additional comments

For more information, please contact Joost de Graaf at [email protected] and have a look at the attached general advert for the CoCoGel network.

Do you have a question about the application procedure? Please send an email to [email protected] .

Candidates for this vacancy will be recruited by Utrecht University.


Website for additional job details

https://www.academictransfer.com/339371/

Work Location(s)
Number of offers available
1
Company/Institute
Universiteit Utrecht
Country
Netherlands
City
Utrecht
Postal Code
3584CC
Street
Princetonplein 5
Geofield


Where to apply
Website

https://www.academictransfer.com/en/339371/phd-position-in-theoretical-physics/…

Contact
City

Utrecht
Website

http://www.uu.nl/
Street

Domplein 29
Postal Code

3512 JE

STATUS: EXPIRED

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