Postdoc Position: Automated Rheology of Viscoelastic Materials

The Big Chemistry consortium is building a self-driving robot lab to automate the study and development of complex, multicomponent formulations. In this position, you will develop an automated platform to determine the rheological properties of viscoelastic materials, such as gels and creams, at unprecedented throughputs. Recent research has shown that combining different components and additives in viscoelastic materials can generate unexpected material properties, and we have only started scratching the surface of rationally introducing these properties in synthetic materials.

You will take charge of developing and implementing an automated platform for rheological characterisation of viscoelastic materials. You will then use the platform to characterise multicomponent viscoelastic materials composed of polymers, small-molecule gelators and small-molecule additives. Together with computational specialists within the consortium, you will implement an active learning workflow to efficiently map the full compositional space of the materials. You will ultimately use your insights to uncover new material properties and design compositions for desired mechanics in a targeted way.

The project is part of a new, interdisciplinary Robot Lab initiative at Radboud University. Your position at both the Mabesoone lab and Kouwer lab is embedded within a larger, national team of research groups that brings together chemists, engineers and computer scientists to make the Robot Lab a reality. You will present your work at national and international conferences and workshops and communicate your results through peer-reviewed articles. Furthermore, you will be supervising Bachelor’s and Master’s students, and we actively support you taking on a mentorship role for other, junior researchers.

Profile

• You are about to obtain a PhD or have recently obtained a PhD degree in chemistry, materials science, chemical or mechanical engineering, or a similar field.
• You have experience in rheology or other soft matter characterisation methods, such as viscometry, and experience or an interest in automation and programming.
• You know how to take the lead in your project, but you are also happy to support others in their work.
• Ideally, you have experience with machine learning or computational statistics or are eager to learn.
• Experience or affinity with constructing basic electrical circuits is a plus.
• You flourish in a team-centered, multicultural and international environment and you can communicate your work clearly to diverse scientific colleagues.
• You are fully proficient in English.

We are

This postdoctoral position is part of the newly founded National Growth Fund programme Big Chemistry, in which teams of chemists, computer scientists and engineers across several research institutes in the Netherlands develop cutting-edge automated chemical laboratories for soft materials discovery and formulations. You will be embedded within the Physical Organic Chemistry department at Radboud University, where you will be surrounded by a group of scientists from highly diverse fields, ranging from computer science to chemical biology.

Radboud University

At Radboud University, we aim to make an impact through our work. We achieve this by conducting groundbreaking research, providing high-quality education, offering excellent support, and fostering collaborations within and outside the university. In doing so, we contribute indispensably to a healthy, free world with equal opportunities for all. To accomplish this, we need even more colleagues who, based on their expertise, are willing to search for answers. We advocate for an inclusive community and welcome employees with diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. Will you also contribute to making the world a little better? You have a part to play.

Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science (FNWI), part of Radboud University, engages in groundbreaking research and excellent education. In doing so, we push the boundaries of scientific knowledge and pass that knowledge on to the next generation. We seek solutions to major societal challenges, such as cybercrime and climate change and work on major scientific challenges, such as those in the quantum world. At the same time, we prepare our students for careers both within and outside the scientific field. Currently, more than 1,300 colleagues contribute to research and education, some as researchers and lecturers, others as technical and administrative support officers. The faculty has a strong international character with staff from more than 70 countries. Together, we work in an informal, accessible and welcoming environment, with attention and space for personal and professional development for all.

We offer

• We will give you a temporary employment contract of 1 year, with the possibility of an extension for another year.
• Your salary within salary scale 10 depends on your previous education and number of years of (relevant) work experience. The amounts in the scale are based on a 38-hour working week.
• You will receive an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
• You will receive extra days off. With full-time employment, you can choose between 30 or 41 days of annual leave instead of the statutory 20.

Additional employment conditions

Work and science require good employment practices. Radboud University's primary and secondary employment conditions reflect this. You can make arrangements for the best possible work-life balance with flexible working hours, various leave arrangements and working from home. You are also able to compose part of your employment conditions yourself. For example, exchange income for extra leave days and receive a reimbursement for your sports membership. In addition, you receive a 34% discount on the sports and cultural activities at Radboud University as an employee. And, of course, we offer a good pension plan. We also give you plenty of room and responsibility to develop your talents and realise your ambitions. Therefore, we provide various training and development schemes.

Dr M.F.J. Mabesoone (Mathijs)
mathijs.mabesoone [at] ru.nl