PhD position “Investigation of the structure-property connection of chiral Au nanoparticles by advanced transmission electron microscopy”

Let’s shape the future - University of Antwerp

The University of Antwerp is a dynamic, forward-thinking, European university. We offer an innovative academic education to more than 20 000 students, conduct pioneering scientific research and play an important service-providing role in society. We are one of the largest, most international and most innovative employers in the region. With more than 6 000 employees from 100 different countries, we are helping to build tomorrow's world every day. Through top scientific research, we push back boundaries and set a course for the future – a future that you can help to shape.

TheEMAT research group at the Faculty of Science (University of Antwerp)is seeking to filla PhD positionin the area of“Investigation of the structure-property connection of chiral Au nanoparticles by advanced transmission electron microscopy” under the supervision of Prof Sara Bals

The vacancy is situated in the framework of an ERC Synergy Grant between S. Bals (University of Antwerp, Belgium), L. Liz-Marzán (CIC Biomagune, San Sebastian and University of Vigo, Spain) and N. Kotov (University of Michigan, USA). The title of the project is “Handshake Complexes of Chiral Nanoparticles and Proteins” (CHIRAL-PRO).The overarching goal of CHIRAL-PRO is to develop a widely applicable methodology to design chiral nanoparticles (NPs) with exceptional optical activity, for strong and predictable enantioselective interactions with nanoscale biological entities, such as proteins and amyloid fibrils. Three-dimensional (3D) investigation of the NPs structure and their growth by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is hereby of crucial importance. During the PhD position, the candidate will use state-of-the-art equipment and local spectroscopic techniques (EELS and CL) in the TEM to probe the optical response at a single particle level. A new TEM instrument, recently installed allows for injection and collection of light. The spectroscopic techniques need to be combined with 3D characterization approaches such that the local structure can be connected with the optical response.

Position

• You will characterize the 3D structure of chiral nanoparticles by advanced electron microscopy approaches
• You will characterize the optical response of chiral nanoparticles and their assemblies at the single particle level in TEM
• You will develop new approaches to probe the 3D structure and optical response under liquid conditions;
• You will closely collaborate with researchers at CIC Biomagnue, University of Vigo and University of Michigan to understand growth of chiral NPs;
• You publish scientific articles related to the research project of the assignment;
• You present your work at national and international workshops and conferences;
• You complete the requirements of the doctoral school at the University of Antwerp.

Profile

• You hold a Master degree with a background in physics, chemistry or materials science;
• You are enthusiastic and greatly interested in the field of electron microscopy and as well as noble NPs;
• Hands-on experience with TEM is an advantage;
• You can submit outstanding academic results;
• Your teaching competences are in line with the University of Antwerp’s educational vision.
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies.
• You are highly motivated, quality-oriented, conscientious, creative, and cooperative.

What we offer

• We offer a doctoral scholarship for a period of 1 year. Following a positive evaluation, the scholarship can be renewed.
• We offer the opportunity to take part in academic activities within the scope of your work, as well as the opportunity to further develop yourself through training and education.
• A world-leading exciting project in which we will aim to go significantly beyond the state-of-the-art;
• A world-class, dynamic and stimulating work environment with state-of-the-art instrumentation and computing facilities (see alsohttp://emat.uantwerpen.be/).
• The preferred starting date is 1 November 2026, but could be adapted to the selected candidate’s availability;
• Your monthly scholarship amount is calculated according to the scholarship amounts for doctoral scholarship holders.
• As a doctoral researcher, you will have access to a wide and varied range of courses and an educational credit through the Antwerp Doctoral School.
• You will do most of your work at Campus Groenenborger in a dynamic and stimulating working environment.
• Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here.

The University of Antwerp received the European Commission’s HR Excellence in Research Award for its HR policy. We are a sustainable, family-friendly organisation which invests in its employees