Assistant Professor of Physics (Utrecht University)

Faculty: Faculty of Science Department: Department of Physics Hours per week: 36 to 40 Application deadline: 29 September 2025 Position Overview Are you an experimental physicist with a passion for Biophysics and/or Bio-Inspired Materials? Do you want to contribute to cutting-edge interdisciplinary research and inspire the next generation of scientists? Then we look forward to welcoming you to the Department of Physics at Utrecht University. Your Job The Soft Condensed Matter & Biophysics group at the Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science (DINS) is looking to appoint a committed and driven Assistant Professor in Biophysics & Bio-Inspired Materials. In this role, you will: Strengthen and expand our research portfolio. Benefit from collaborations with other groups within DINS, the Institute for Theoretical Physics, and groups in the Life Sciences, particularly in the Departments of Chemistry and Biology. Develop an independent research line based on your strong expertise in the field. Conduct excellent research, publish in leading journals, and actively pursue research funding. Recognise opportunities for interdisciplinary collaborations and build new research networks. Work closely with colleagues to create an open, encouraging, and team-oriented environment. Utilize existing facilities: microscopy lab, chemical rooms, and a level 2 microbiology lab. Join a team that currently includes two Assistant Professors and one full-time technician. Teaching responsibilities: Deliver engaging and innovative lectures in our Bachelor's and Master's programmes. Supervise students with their theses. Contribute to shaping and improving courses and educational programmes. Help develop a Master's track in Biophysics and/or a minor in Biophysics at the Bachelor's level. Actively engage in impact activities and outreach within the scientific community. Although the position is at the Assistant Professor level, candidates at Associate or Full Professor level are also encouraged to apply. Your Qualities We are particularly interested in candidates whose research overlaps with the research themes of DINS. Ideally, your eligibility is demonstrated by: A Master’s and PhD in Physics, Materials Science, or Biophysics. Enthusiasm for and experience in student supervision and innovative teaching in Bachelor's and Master's programmes. Experience in developing courses and programmes, especially the interdepartmental Bachelor's programme Molecular and Biophysical Life Sciences. Willingness to obtain the University Teaching Qualification (if not yet obtained). A track record of international publications in leading journals. High potential for securing external research funds. Readiness to supervise future PhD candidates and postdocs. Strong teamwork skills in (inter-)national scientific and societal communities. Our Offer A position for 18 months, with the prospect of permanent employment following a positive assessment. A full-time working week of 38 hours (1.0 FTE) and a gross monthly salary ranging from €4,537 to €7,056 (salary scale 11-12, Assistant Professor level, 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 (CAO NU). Additional Utrecht University schemes for professional development, leave, sports and cultural activities, and employee discounts on IT products. Opportunities for growth through Terms of Employment Options Model. For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University. About Us A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes: Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences, and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow. The Faculty of Science brings together inspiring people across disciplines, with a variety of perspectives and backgrounds. It has six departments: Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Information & Computing Sciences, Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Together, we deliver excellent research and education, driven by curiosity and supported by outstanding infrastructure. Check our website for more information on Recognition and Rewards at the Faculty of Science. Visit us on LinkedIn and discover how you can become part of our community. The Department of Physics has a long history of excellence in research and education. Today, it consists of about 50 tenured staff who excel in fields such as String Theory, Cosmology, Condensed Matter (hard & soft), Biophysics, High-Energy Physics, Nanophotonics, and Climate Physics. Around 170 Bachelor's and 80 Master's students start each year in the BSc programme and the MSc programmes Theoretical Physics, Experimental Physics, and Climate Physics. The Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science (DINS) is one of four research institutes within the Department of Physics. Five research groups from Physics and Chemistry collaborate in DINS, focusing on three themes: Energy Materials & Catalysts Soft Matter & Biomaterials Quantum Materials & Nanophotonics The Soft Condensed Matter & Biophysics group offers a collegial, informal, and international atmosphere. More Information For more information, please contact: Professor Alfons van Blaaderen – A.vanBlaaderen@uu.nl For questions about the application procedure, please email: science.recruitment@uu.nl For international applicants, check more information about International Service Desk and living in the Netherlands. Candidates proceeding to the final round will be asked to compile a portfolio including a self-reflection. Details will be provided at that stage. Apply Now At Utrecht University, we strive to be a home for everyone. We value diversity in background, perspectives, and identities (including cultural, religious, or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or age). We aim to create a safe and inclusive environment for all. To apply, please submit the following via the ‘Apply Now’ button: Motivation letter Full academic CV (including publication list or link) Research statement (max. 2 pages) – accomplishments and future goals Teaching statement (max. 2 pages) – accomplishments and future goals Names and contact details of three referees If this opportunity isn’t for you but you know someone who might be interested, please forward this vacancy to them. Some connections are fundamental – Be one of them #FundamentalConnection Application deadline: 29 September 2025 If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Physicaloxy

Faculty:
Faculty of Science

Department:
Department of Physics

Hours per week:
36 to 40

Application deadline:
29 September 2025

Position Overview

Are you an experimental physicist with a passion for Biophysics and/or Bio-Inspired Materials? Do you want to contribute to cutting-edge interdisciplinary research and inspire the next generation of scientists? Then we look forward to welcoming you to the Department of Physics at Utrecht University.

Your Job

The Soft Condensed Matter & Biophysics group at the Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science (DINS) is looking to appoint a committed and driven Assistant Professor in Biophysics & Bio-Inspired Materials.

In this role, you will:

Strengthen and expand our research portfolio.
Benefit from collaborations with other groups within DINS, the Institute for Theoretical Physics, and groups in the Life Sciences, particularly in the Departments of Chemistry and Biology.
Develop an independent research line based on your strong expertise in the field.
Conduct excellent research, publish in leading journals, and actively pursue research funding.
Recognise opportunities for interdisciplinary collaborations and build new research networks.
Work closely with colleagues to create an open, encouraging, and team-oriented environment.
Utilize existing facilities: microscopy lab, chemical rooms, and a level 2 microbiology lab.
Join a team that currently includes two Assistant Professors and one full-time technician.

Teaching responsibilities:

Deliver engaging and innovative lectures in our Bachelor's and Master's programmes.
Supervise students with their theses.
Contribute to shaping and improving courses and educational programmes.
Help develop a Master's track in Biophysics and/or a minor in Biophysics at the Bachelor's level.
Actively engage in impact activities and outreach within the scientific community.

Although the position is at the Assistant Professor level, candidates at Associate or Full Professor level are also encouraged to apply.

Your Qualities

We are particularly interested in candidates whose research overlaps with the research themes of DINS. Ideally, your eligibility is demonstrated by:

A Master’s and PhD in Physics, Materials Science, or Biophysics.
Enthusiasm for and experience in student supervision and innovative teaching in Bachelor's and Master's programmes.
Experience in developing courses and programmes, especially the interdepartmental Bachelor's programme Molecular and Biophysical Life Sciences.
Willingness to obtain the University Teaching Qualification (if not yet obtained).
A track record of international publications in leading journals.
High potential for securing external research funds.
Readiness to supervise future PhD candidates and postdocs.
Strong teamwork skills in (inter-)national scientific and societal communities.

Our Offer

A position for 18 months, with the prospect of permanent employment following a positive assessment.
A full-time working week of 38 hours (1.0 FTE) and a gross monthly salary ranging from €4,537 to €7,056 (salary scale 11-12, Assistant Professor level, 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 (CAO NU).
Additional Utrecht University schemes for professional development, leave, sports and cultural activities, and employee discounts on IT products.
Opportunities for growth through Terms of Employment Options Model.
For more information, please visit Working at Utrecht University.

About Us

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major strategic themes: Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences, and Pathways to Sustainability. Sharing science, shaping tomorrow.

The Faculty of Science brings together inspiring people across disciplines, with a variety of perspectives and backgrounds. It has six departments: Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Information & Computing Sciences, Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Together, we deliver excellent research and education, driven by curiosity and supported by outstanding infrastructure.
Check our website for more information on Recognition and Rewards at the Faculty of Science. Visit us on LinkedIn and discover how you can become part of our community.

The Department of Physics has a long history of excellence in research and education. Today, it consists of about 50 tenured staff who excel in fields such as String Theory, Cosmology, Condensed Matter (hard & soft), Biophysics, High-Energy Physics, Nanophotonics, and Climate Physics. Around 170 Bachelor's and 80 Master's students start each year in the BSc programme and the MSc programmes Theoretical Physics, Experimental Physics, and Climate Physics.

The Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science (DINS) is one of four research institutes within the Department of Physics. Five research groups from Physics and Chemistry collaborate in DINS, focusing on three themes:

Energy Materials & Catalysts
Soft Matter & Biomaterials
Quantum Materials & Nanophotonics

The Soft Condensed Matter & Biophysics group offers a collegial, informal, and international atmosphere.

More Information

For more information, please contact:
Professor Alfons van Blaaderen – A.vanBlaaderen@uu.nl

For questions about the application procedure, please email:
science.recruitment@uu.nl

For international applicants, check more information about International Service Desk and living in the Netherlands.

Candidates proceeding to the final round will be asked to compile a portfolio including a self-reflection. Details will be provided at that stage.

Apply Now

At Utrecht University, we strive to be a home for everyone. We value diversity in background, perspectives, and identities (including cultural, religious, or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or age). We aim to create a safe and inclusive environment for all.

To apply, please submit the following via the ‘Apply Now’ button: