PhD Position: Self-Driving Labs for Physical Chemistry

Do you want to contribute to the next level of self-driving labs? Are you excited about the application of high-throughput experiments to train AI tools to predict properties of complex mixtures? Then join our team as a PhD candidate!

Chemistry is a science of mixtures. Whether you think of complex formulations for drug delivery to the foam on your cappuccino: the properties of small molecules, polymers and proteins in the mixture together define the key properties of these systems. Predicting these properties by only studying their components might seem impossible... but that is what we aim to do in the Big Chemistry consortium.

The ambition of this project is to establish self-driving laboratories to rapidly measure key physical properties of mixtures of molecules, including solubility, viscosity, and surface or interfacial tension. We will train a range of AI models to allow us to predict these properties from the chemical structure alone. Once established, we will expand the self-driving labs to measure more complex properties such as foaming, phase separation or particle formation, and fine-tune our AI models.

In this project, you will combine a deep knowledge of physical chemistry with robotic systems and AI models. You will learn how to programme advanced robotic systems and how to implement aspects of deep learning and neural networks for chemical property prediction. You will be part of the Big Chemistry consortium and will also be involved in training and teaching BSc and MSc students (10% of your working time).

Does this sound like you?

• You have a Master’s degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, soft matter physics, or a related field.
• You are motivated by deep scientific curiosity, have excellent experimental and quantitative skills and possess a drive to learn and develop new methods and concepts.
• You have excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• You have a strong affinity with teamwork and thrive in an international, ambitious, multidisciplinary and highly collaborative environment.

What we offer you

• We will give you a temporary employment contract (1.0 FTE) of 1.5 years, after which your performance will be evaluated. If the evaluation is positive, your contract will be extended by 2.5 years (4-year contract).
• You will receive a starting salary of €3,059 gross per month based on a 38-hour working week, which will increase to €3,881 in the fourth year.
• We offer Dual Career Coaching. The Dual Career Coaching assists your partner via support, tools, and resources to improve their chances of independently finding employment in the Netherlands.
• 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.

Where you will be working

The department of Physical Organic Chemistry is an international, diverse and multidisciplinary team of chemists, physicists, biologists, engineers and AI/ML scientists at the Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University (Nijmegen, Netherlands). The Big Chemistry consortium is funded by the Dutch National Growth fund and combines AI and chemistry with the aim to accelerate research in complex molecular systems.

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.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.

Prof. W.T.S. Huck (Wilhelm)
wilhelm.huck [at] ru.nl