Research Manager Synthetic Organic Chemistry (1.0 FTE)

The Feringa group is a large research group in the Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, currently comprising 27 PhD students and 4 postdoctoral researchers. The principal investigator in the team, prof. Ben Feringa, is supported by two research managers, who have complimentary tasks. The group is looking for a research manager who can support prof. Feringa in the management of the group, as well as taking over a variety of responsibilities. You work together with the other research manager, Dr. Alexander Ryabchun. Tasks include:

PhD guidance: You support the PhD students in their trajectory, outside of their research activities. This includes professional development, writing & presenting, planning, teaching, and administrative support. You provide guidance and input for scientific writing such as publications and grant applications.

Group management: As a central figure in the group, you facilitate the research, coordinate the teaching activities and connect people. You are approachable and contribute to a socially safe working environment.

Coordination of external collaboration: You maintain contact with collaborators - industrial partners, individual research groups and within research consortia. You act as coordinator for the Groningen hub of the Advanced Research Center CBBC.

Outreach: You contribute to outreach activities to promote the group’s research activities as well as chemistry/science in general, and act as a member of the Activity Committee of the Ben Feringa Foundation. You also maintain the group’s website and Twitter account.

New group members: you organize the hiring of new group members. You write the vacancy text, make an initial selection of candidates and take part in the interviews. You support prospective group members in the grant application process and take care of agreements with new students and guests.

Management of facilities: You plan the occupation of the labs and offices and ensure proper facilities and a safe working environment for the researchers. You coordinate the move of a large part of the group to the new Feringa Building in June 2024.

The position of research manager requires a proactive, independent and responsible attitude.

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.

We are looking for candidates who meet the following requirements:

• a PhD degree in chemistry or a related field
• excellent command of written and spoken English. Speaking Dutch is a plus
• experience in supervision of BSc/MSc/PhD students
• a proactive attitude and strong communication skills.

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.

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

• a salary based on qualifications and experience of starting at € 3,877 and a maximum of €5,090 gross per month (salary scale 10)
• excellent secondary terms of employment
• a fulltime position
• a holiday allowance of 8% gross annual income and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• 232 holiday hours per calendar year for full time employment
• participation in a pension scheme for employees
• a personal budget of € 1,000 per year for additional training and career activities.

The appointment is temporary for a specified period of 12 months, with a possibility of extension. The starting date is flexible, but is preferably as soon as possible.