PhD Position in Chemistry (Radboud University)

Faculty: Faculty of Science Organizational Unit: Radboud University Employment: 1.0 FTE Gross Monthly Salary: €3,059 – €3,881 Required Background: Research University Degree Application Deadline: 01 November 2025 Job Description Are you intrigued by the intricate dynamics of molecular collisions and reactions? Want to operate world-unique equipment? Join us as a PhD candidate and contribute to exciting research on cold and controlled reactive molecular collisions! As a PhD candidate, you will be part of the Controlled Chemical Reactions group led by Jolijn Onvlee. Our research group investigates reactive collisions between state-selected atoms and molecules with exceptional precision and in unexplored energy regimes. We use a crossed molecular beam machine with a Zeeman decelerator, which enables precise control over the velocities and quantum states of atoms or molecules prior to the reaction. By combining this with resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionisation and velocity map imaging, we can probe the reaction products in high detail. This powerful experimental approach gives us the opportunity to get detailed information about the dynamics of molecular collisions. In this project, you will perform reactive scattering experiments, design and implement advanced detection techniques, analyse data, and carry out numerical trajectory simulations of deceleration and scattering processes. You will have the opportunity to work with state-of-the-art and world-unique equipment. You will work closely with other team members from various international backgrounds, dividing tasks and tackling problems together. Moreover, you will contribute to teaching activities and help supervise BSc and/or MSc students during their internships with us (10% of your working time). Profile You have a Master's degree in physics, chemistry, or a related discipline. You have an interest in the fields of experimental molecular physics and physical chemistry. Ideally, you have experience with vacuum systems, molecular beams and lasers. You are an enthusiastic team player but can also work independently. You have good oral and written English communication skills. What We Offer 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). A starting salary of €3,059 gross per month based on a 38-hour working week, increasing to €3,881 in the fourth year (salary scale P). An 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus. Dual Career Coaching to assist your partner with employment opportunities in the Netherlands. 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 Radboud University's primary and secondary employment conditions are designed for good work-life balance. These include: Flexible working hours and working from home options. Various leave arrangements. The possibility to exchange income for extra leave days and receive reimbursement for sports memberships. A 34% discount on sports and cultural activities at Radboud University. A good pension plan. Training and development schemes to help you grow professionally. Where You Will Be Working The Controlled Chemical Reactions group is part of the Spectroscopy of Cold Molecules department within the Institute for Molecules and Materials at Radboud University's Faculty of Science. Our aim is to completely understand and, ultimately, fully control chemical reactions at the molecular level. We therefore investigate reactive collisions in which chemical bonds are broken and new bonds are formed between individual molecules in the gas phase. We make use of advanced experimental techniques to study these reactions in extremely high detail. Our team currently includes Jolijn Onvlee, one postdoctoral researcher, two PhD candidates, and two Master's students. The department is highly international, and English is the working language at the department and faculty. Alongside our work, we organise annual outings and social events like barbecues. Team members often plan their own activities, from drinks and dinners to sportive events. Faculty of Science The Faculty of Science (FNWI), part of Radboud University, engages in groundbreaking research and excellent education. 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. We advocate for an inclusive community and welcome employees with diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. Application Details Application deadline: 01 November 2025 You will preferably start as soon as possible. Applications will be reviewed, and interviews scheduled during the recruitment period. If a suitable candidate is found before the closing date, the vacancy will be closed. In your motivation letter, please explain why you are interested in our research, and include your master's thesis with your application. Contact person: Dr. J. Onvlee (Jolijn) Email: jolijn.onvlee [at] ru.nl We would like to recruit our new colleague ourselves. Acquisition in response to this vacancy will not be appreciated. If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Physicaloxy

Faculty: Faculty of Science
Organizational Unit: Radboud University
Employment: 1.0 FTE
Gross Monthly Salary: €3,059 – €3,881
Required Background: Research University Degree
Application Deadline: 01 November 2025

Job Description

Are you intrigued by the intricate dynamics of molecular collisions and reactions? Want to operate world-unique equipment? Join us as a PhD candidate and contribute to exciting research on cold and controlled reactive molecular collisions!

As a PhD candidate, you will be part of the Controlled Chemical Reactions group led by Jolijn Onvlee. Our research group investigates reactive collisions between state-selected atoms and molecules with exceptional precision and in unexplored energy regimes. We use a crossed molecular beam machine with a Zeeman decelerator, which enables precise control over the velocities and quantum states of atoms or molecules prior to the reaction. By combining this with resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionisation and velocity map imaging, we can probe the reaction products in high detail. This powerful experimental approach gives us the opportunity to get detailed information about the dynamics of molecular collisions.

In this project, you will perform reactive scattering experiments, design and implement advanced detection techniques, analyse data, and carry out numerical trajectory simulations of deceleration and scattering processes. You will have the opportunity to work with state-of-the-art and world-unique equipment. You will work closely with other team members from various international backgrounds, dividing tasks and tackling problems together. Moreover, you will contribute to teaching activities and help supervise BSc and/or MSc students during their internships with us (10% of your working time).

Profile

You have a Master's degree in physics, chemistry, or a related discipline.
You have an interest in the fields of experimental molecular physics and physical chemistry.
Ideally, you have experience with vacuum systems, molecular beams and lasers.
You are an enthusiastic team player but can also work independently.
You have good oral and written English communication skills.

What We Offer 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).
A starting salary of €3,059 gross per month based on a 38-hour working week, increasing to €3,881 in the fourth year (salary scale P).
An 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% end-of-year bonus.
Dual Career Coaching to assist your partner with employment opportunities in the Netherlands.
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

Radboud University's primary and secondary employment conditions are designed for good work-life balance. These include:

Flexible working hours and working from home options.
Various leave arrangements.
The possibility to exchange income for extra leave days and receive reimbursement for sports memberships.
A 34% discount on sports and cultural activities at Radboud University.
A good pension plan.
Training and development schemes to help you grow professionally.

Where You Will Be Working

The Controlled Chemical Reactions group is part of the Spectroscopy of Cold Molecules department within the Institute for Molecules and Materials at Radboud University's Faculty of Science.

Our aim is to completely understand and, ultimately, fully control chemical reactions at the molecular level. We therefore investigate reactive collisions in which chemical bonds are broken and new bonds are formed between individual molecules in the gas phase. We make use of advanced experimental techniques to study these reactions in extremely high detail.

Our team currently includes Jolijn Onvlee, one postdoctoral researcher, two PhD candidates, and two Master's students. The department is highly international, and English is the working language at the department and faculty. Alongside our work, we organise annual outings and social events like barbecues. Team members often plan their own activities, from drinks and dinners to sportive events.

Faculty of Science

The Faculty of Science (FNWI), part of Radboud University, engages in groundbreaking research and excellent education. 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. We advocate for an inclusive community and welcome employees with diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives.

Application Details

Application deadline: 01 November 2025
You will preferably start as soon as possible.
Applications will be reviewed, and interviews scheduled during the recruitment period. If a suitable candidate is found before the closing date, the vacancy will be closed.
In your motivation letter, please explain why you are interested in our research, and include your master's thesis with your application.

Contact person:
Dr. J. Onvlee (Jolijn)
Email: jolijn.onvlee [at] ru.nl

We would like to recruit our new colleague ourselves. Acquisition in response to this vacancy will not be appreciated.

If you apply for this position please say you saw it on Physicaloxy

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