PhD position in chemistry of oil paintings

 We are looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate to work on the chemistry of oil paintings with the aim of making the transition to more sustainable conservation strategies.

 

Van ‘t Hoff Institute Molecular Sciences at the University of Amsterdam (HIMS-UvA) has a vacant PhD position as part of the GoGreen project. The PhD position is offered within the EU Horizon-CL2-2021 Heritage project “GoGREEN: green strategies to conserve the past and preserve the future of Cultural Heritage”, a four-year research project with 12 partners (universities, museums and research institutes) from 5 European countries and 2 affiliated countries and led by principal investigator prof. dr. Katrien Keune (HIMS). GoGreen responds to the UN 17 sustainable development goals by providing conservators with solutions to practice conservation with lower energy consumption, less use of toxic materials and fewer plastics. This is done by developing theory, tools, materials, decision making aids and educational material that will support conservators in choosing and applying green strategies, focusing both on preventive and remedial conservation. 

 

At HIMS, chemical mechanisms, reaction kinetics, molecular transport processes and internal paint conditions are investigated by means of chemical syntheses, spectroscopy and experiments involving well-designed model paint systems. They are specialized in ageing and degradation studies of oil paints at the microscale and down to molecular level, especially related to pigment-binding medium interactions. HIMS is affiliated to the Netherlands Institute for Conservation, Art, Science (NICAS) and has a close collaboration with the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, with the MSc Programme Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage at the UvA. 

 

What are you going to do


This PhD project will develop a series of damage functions for canvas oil paintings that include chemical processes. These damage functions allow more evidence-based decision making for acceptable museum climates to preserve paintings for future generations. The damage functions will be based on a combination of spectroscopy/microscopy studies of oil paint materials and computational models that combine molecular transport and reactivity. New applications of time- and spatially resolved ATR-FTIR spectroscopy will be developed to study the kinetics of chemical processes inside oil paint films. A versatile computational transport model will be used to calculate how water/solvent concentrations vary throughout the painting stratigraphy when external conditions change. 

 

In parallel, in the GoGreen project advanced analytical techniques are developed to assess the newly developed conservation methods. The PhD candidate will assist in evaluating low-tech tests currently present in the conservation field with the advanced methodologies used in GoGreen to gain more insight into the benefits/limitations of low-tech methods.

 

You will/tasks:

  • Complete and submit a PhD thesis within the official appointment duration of four years;
  • Plan and perform experiments in an independent manner;
  • Critically analyze and interpret results; 
  • Take a leading role in writing manuscripts for publications; 
  • Participate in and present your research results in GoGreen meetings, national and international meetings and conferences; 
  • Interact with international and local researchers participating in the project;
  • Participate in the Research School and PhD training programmes; 
  • Assist in teaching undergraduates and MSc students;
  • (Co-)supervise MSc/BSc student projects;
  • Participate in knowledge dissemination activities.

 

What do we require

 

  • A MSc degree in chemistry or equivalent field;
  • Experience with, or a strong eagerness to learn, advanced data analysis techniques and mathematical modeling using programming languages (e.g. Matlab, Mathematica, Python);
  • Practical experience with spectroscopy and/or microscopy;
  • The willingness to work in a highly interdisciplinary and international research team;
  • Fluent in oral and written English and good communication skills;
  • Self-motivation, and an eagerness to learn.

 

Our offer


A temporary contract for 38 hours per week, preferably starting on November 1, 2022, for the duration of four years (the initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended to a total duration of four years), leading to a dissertation (PhD thesis). We will draft an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. We also expect you to assist in teaching undergraduates and MSc students. 

 

Based on a full-time contract (38 hours per week) the gross monthly salary will range from € 2,541,- in the first year to € 3,247,- (scale P) in the last year. This is exclusive 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities is applicable. The UvA offers excellent possibilities for further professional development and education.

 

What else do we offer

  • A position in which initiative is strongly valued;
  • An enthusiastic team that welcomes new members;
  • An inspiring academic and international environment in Amsterdam;
  • Close collaboration with museum and conservation field.


About us


The Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS) is one of eight institutes of the University of Amsterdam (UvA) Faculty of Science. HIMS performs internationally recognized chemistry and molecular research, curiosity driven as well as application driven. This is done in close cooperation with the chemical, flavor & food, medical and high-tech industries. Research is organized into four themes: Analytical ChemistryComputational ChemistrySynthesis & Catalysis and Molecular Photonics.

 

The Molecular Photonics Group aims to advance the fundamental knowledge of the dynamics of excited states in molecules and nano-sized objects, and to contribute with its expertise to applications of the photosciences.

 

To work at the University of Amsterdam is to work in a discerning, independent, creative, innovative and international climate characterized by an open atmosphere and a genuine engagement with the city of Amsterdam and society. Here you can read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.

 

Questions
 

Do you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:

 

Job application
 

Do you recognize yourself in the job profile? Then we look forward to receiving your application by September 15, 2022. You may apply online by using the link below.

 

Applications in .pdf should include:

 

  • a curriculum vitae; 
  • a letter of motivation;
  • names and contact details of two references, who may be approached by the selection committee.

 

We will invite potential candidates for interviews within 2 weeks after the closing date.

 

The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritise diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.


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PhD student: Laser-induced damage

 The Institute of Physics (IoP) of the University of Amsterdam and the Advanced Research Center for Nanolithography (ARCNL) have an opening for a fully funded PhD position.  

 

Materials exposed to light inevitably suffer from optical damage when the light fluence keeps increasing. When using lasers as light sources, damage can take different forms, ranging from a reasonably gentle separation of layers of different materials (delamination), to violent and explosive removal of material, crater formation and even the creation of a plasma.  We study these processes on time scales ranging from femtoseconds to seconds.  We are seeking a PhD candidate who is interested in interdisciplinary research into the mechanisms behind light-induced damage in materials used in nanolithography.

 

What are you going to do

 

In this project, a collaboration between the Light-Matter Interaction group and the Materials & Surface Science for EUVL group, you will study the fundamental physics behind light-induced damage within the context of optical metrology in nanolithography. You will learn to work with high power (tunable) femtosecond laser systems, and acquire a deep understanding of  light-matter interaction at high optical fluences, and of the light-induced changes in material properties. You will  learn techniques to fabricate nanolayers and nanostructures using nanolithography, and to study pristine and damaged structures  with techniques such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning-electron microscopy (SEM), atomic-force microscopy (AFM) and others. Part of your project is to use your experimental results  and the knowledge gained into (numerical) models that may help predict and mitigate optical damage.

 

What do you have to offer

 

You have:

 

  • MSc-degree in Chemical Physics or Physics
  • Preferably, experience with (femtosecond) lasers and optics. 
  • Good communication skills (in English)
  • Willingness to collaborate with others are an advantage.

 

Our offer

 

A temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 years (the initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended for a total duration of 4 years). This should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). We will draft an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. We also expect you to assist in teaching undergraduates and master students.

 

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 2,443 to € 3,122 (scale P). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. The UFO profile PhD is applicable. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable.

 

Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at Science Park we offer you multiple fringe benefits:

 

  • 232 holiday hours per year (based on fulltime) and extra holidays between Christmas and 1 January;
  • multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre;
  • a complete educational program for PhD students;
  • multiple courses on topics such as leadership for academic staff;
  • multiple courses on topics such as time management, handling stress and an online learning platform with 100+ different courses;
  • 7 weeks birth leave (partner leave) with 100% salary;
  • partly paid parental leave;
  • the possibility to set up a workplace at home;
  • a pension at ABP for which UvA pays two third part of the contribution;
  • the possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch;
  • help with housing for a studio or small apartment when you’re moving from abroad.

 

Are you curious to read more about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits, take a look here.

 

About us

 

The University of Amsterdam is the Netherlands' largest university, offering the widest range of academic programmes. At the UvA, 30,000 students, 6,000 staff members and 3,000 PhD candidates study and work in a diverse range of fields, connected by a culture of curiosity.

 

The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 8,000, as well as 1,800 members of staff working in education, research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, be it elementary particles, the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain.

 

The mission of the Institute of Physics (IoP) is to carry out excellent research in the field of experimental and theoretical physics, to provide inspiring teaching within the physics and other curricula and to transfer our knowledge of and enthusiasm for physics to society. The IoP has over 50 faculty and 180 researchers in total. The combination with the NWO Institutes at Amsterdam Science Park constitutes the largest physics hub in the Netherlands and is an international centre of excellence.

 

The Advanced Research Centre for Nanolithography (ARCNL) focuses on the fundamental physics and chemistry involved in current and future key technologies in nanolithography, primarily for the semiconductor industry. ARCNL is a public-private partnership between the Dutch Research Council (NWO), the University of Amsterdam (UvA), the VU University Amsterdam (VU) and the semiconductor equipment manufacturer ASML. ARCNL is located at the Science Park Amsterdam, The Netherlands, and is a thriving research community of approximately 100 scientists and support staff. See also www.arcnl.nl.

 

In the Light-Matter interaction group we study the interaction of light with matter within the context of current, and potential future optical metrology applications, such as laser-induced ultrasonics. 

In the Materials & Surface Science for EUV lithography group we study the evolution of surfaces exposed to challenging conditions relevant to nanolithography, including the interaction with gases, radicals, ions, and light. The key method for this research is in situ photoelectron spectroscopy, which allows conclusions on the composition and chemical state of the surface.

 

Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.

 

Questions

 

Do you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:

 

Job application

 

If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your application. You can apply online via the button below. We accept applications until and including 30 September 2022.

 

Applications should include the following information (all files besides your cv should be submitted in one single pdf file):

 

  • CV
  • Motivation letter (maximum 1 page) expressing your research interests (previous and future), interest in the project, why you would want to join ARCNL and the Light-Matter interaction group, and how you meet the criteria laid out in the advert. Names and contact details of two references should also be supplied.

Your application will only be considered if it contains both documents. Incomplete applications will be discarded without further review.

 

 

The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritize diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.

 

If you encounter Error GBB451/ GBC451, reach out to our HR Department directly. They will gladly help you continue your application.


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Assistant Professor Plant-Microbiome Interaction

 Are you the outstanding (junior) researcher in the field of Plant-microbiome Interaction with a collaborative mindset, intellectual curiosity and passion for teaching? Then we are looking for you to complement and strengthen the Plant Hormone Biology group and the Biosystems Data Analysis group. 

 

The mission of the Plant Hormone Biology group is to understand the chemical communication of plants with other organisms in their environment, particularly belowground, and how this affects the behaviour of these other organisms. The Biosystems Data Analysis group develops data analysis and modeling methods for analyzing complex biological data, among others metabolomics and microbiome data, with a focus on data fusion.

 

One of our joint research topics is the interaction between plants and their root microbiome. For this work we use omics approaches and the analysis and integration of such datasets to discover new mechanistic relationships underlying the plant-microbiome interaction.

 

Host-microbiome interaction is a field of increasing importance. Plants benefit from their interaction with micro-organisms, often in interaction with the complex community collectively called the microbiome, which contributes to host fitness. Indeed, there are more and more indications that microbes and the microbiome play a substantial role in resilience of plants to environmental conditions and thus may play an important role in the quest for sustainable agriculture. We study how the host is affecting the microbiome and vice versa.

 

This is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated research talent to develop an independent research line in a well-equipped environment in close interaction with biologists in the Plant Hormone Biology and data analysts in the Biosystems Data Analysis groups. You will also work within the Research Priority Area “Systems biology” of the Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences and the Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics.

 

What are you going to do?

 

We are looking for an assistant professor to strengthen our team. You are an experimental biologist, with affinity for omics data analysis approaches, and will study how plants shape the rhizosphere microbiome and its functionality. This will be done in close interaction with biologists in the Plant Hormone Biology and data analysts in the Biosystems Data Analysis groups as well as with the Research Priority Area 'Systems biology' of SILS and IBED.

 

You are expected to:

  • develop a research line on the plant-microbiome interaction;
  • research questions could be, but are not limited to:
    • How do plants shape the root microbial community and its functionality?
    • What is the effect of stress on this recruitment strategy and the microbiome functionality?
    • How is root microbiome recruitment depending on host genetics and how was it shaped by evolution?
  • be active in your research line, resulting in scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals;
  • be active in grant writing;
  • teach in the BSc and MSc programs of Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Bioinformatics & Systems Biology and supervise students.

 

What do you have to offer?

 

You are an experimental biologist, with affinity for omics data analysis approaches. You like a challenge, are creative and have the drive to get things done. Finally, you are a team player and a nice colleague with excellent  communication skills as you will be working with scientist in multiple research groups. 

 

What do we require

 

  • a PhD in biology and at least three years of post-doctoral experience in the area of plant-microbiome interaction;
  • proven experimental skills (wetlab/greenhouse);
  • a good understanding of omics data-analysis methods and tools;
  • enthusiasm for, and dedication to, teaching;
  • experience with supervising students;
  • excellent communication skills. You can collaborate well with other biologists, bioinformatics and data-analysis experts;
  • fluency and excellent communication in English, both written and spoken (level C1); non-native Dutch speakers must be willing to obtain A2 level proficiency in the Dutch language. SILS expect its staff to acquire sufficient fluency in the Dutch language within three years of the start of the employment contract;
  • proven affinity with acquisition of funding would be an advantage.

 

Within the Faculty of Science, newly appointed assistant professors follow a didactic training trajectory, which upon completion results in a qualification for academic teaching (basiskwalificatie onderwijs, BKO) within two years.

 

Our offer

 

We offer an employment contract for 38 hours a week, for 18 months preferably starting on 1 September 2022 during which you should show your competence in science and teaching. After a positive assessment of your performance this will be converted into a permanent contract. 

 

Your salary, depending on your relevant work experience on commencement of the employment contract, ranges between €3.821 up to a maximum of € 5,230 (scale 11) gross per month for a full-time position as Assistant Professor level 2 or from € 4,629 up to a maximum of € 5.943 (scale 12) gross per month for a full-time position as Associate Professor level 1, in line with the CAO of the Dutch Universities. The assigned tasks will determine whether you will be appointed as an assistant professor level 1 or 2. This sum does not include the 8% holiday allowance and the 8.3% year-end allowance. A favorable tax agreement, the 30% ruling, may apply to non-Dutch applicants.

 

Are you curious about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits like our excellent opportunities for study and development? More information can be found here.

 

About us

 

The University of Amsterdam is the largest university in the Netherlands, with the broadest spectrum of study programmes. It is an intellectual hub with 30,000 students, 6,000 employees and 3,000 doctoral students who are all committed to a culture of inquiring minds.

 

The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 7,000, as well as 1,600 members of staff working in education, research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, be it elementary particles, the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain.

 

The Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences (SILS) is one of the Faculty of Science’s largest institutes. Its approximately 240 scientists and staff members work in 16 research groups that perform excellent research centered on four themes: Neurosciences, Cell & Systems Biology, Microbiology and Green Life Sciences.

Want to know more about our organization? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.

 

Questions?


Do you have questions about this vacancy? Or do you want to know more about our organization? Please contact:

 

 

 

Job application

 

If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your application as soon as possible. You can apply online via the button below. We will recruit until the position is filled. The selection process commences immediately but will close when a suitable candidate has been found. 

Applications should include the following information (all files besides your cv should be submitted in one single pdf file):

 

  • a detailed CV including birth date and the numbers of months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience;
  • a letter of motivation;
  • a list of publications, your funding and teaching track record (if applicable);
  • the names and email addresses of two references who can provide, upon request, letters of recommendation.

 

The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritize diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.

 

If you encounter Error GBB451, reach out to our HR Department directly. They will gladly help you continue your application.

 

Apply

PhD Position: Emotional Memory, Latent, Absent or Integrated in Symptom Networks of Psychopathology

 Do you have a strong interest, and preferably experience, in the network approach to psychopathology? We are looking for a PhD candidate for the NWO gravitation Project ‘New Science of Mental Disorders’.

 

The project ‘New Science of Mental Disorders’ studies a new theoretical and methodological framework to explain the existence, development, and maintenance of mental disorders: the network approach. This approach moves away from traditional disorder-based models by conceptualizing mental disorders as an idiographic and complex system of dynamically interacting symptoms, which may bridge diagnostic boundaries. The network approach has the potential for evolving into a paradigm shift in clinical psychology: it may offer new ways to diagnose and treat mental disorders. The ‘New Science of Mental Disorders’ project is financially supported by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) and the Dutch Research Council (NWO gravitation grant). In the NWO Gravitation Project ‘New Science of Mental Disorders’, a consortium of researchers from Dutch universities will further develop and critically test this network approach.

 

A central assumption in the network approach to mental disorders is that symptom covariance is not caused by a common underlying latent variable. Rather, symptom covariance emerges from dynamic interactions between symptoms. Thus, a mental disorder is better explained by a complex system of dynamically interacting symptoms instead of a latent categorial or dimensional entity that underlies or causes a number of symptoms. From this network perspective, symptoms are not the output of one underlying pathogenic pathway, but they are the input for, and driver of, other symptoms. The theoretical model assumes that two individuals with the same clinical presentation (e.g., posttraumatic stress disorder) may be characterized by quite different network structures, and therefore require a different focus in therapy.

 

The leading hypothesis of the current PhD-project challenges one of the basic assumptions of the network model. It states that emotional memory lies at the core of a broad range of mental health conditions (e.g., anxiety disorders, PTSD, mood disorders, eating disorders), and that targeting emotional memory in psychotherapy is quintessential to persistently mitigate symptoms of psychopathology. There is however little evidence indicating whether treatment response is indeed achieved by altering underlying representations such as emotional memory. An alternative hypothesis is that emotional memory may solely be a theoretical construct that provides a strong rational for clinical scientists and practitioners. Such a view would essentially align with the network model of psychopathology, where mental disorders are conceptualised as dynamic networks of interacting symptoms without an underlying latent entity. In fact, the network approach proposes a radical move away from common causes, such as emotional memory, in the aetiology and maintenance of psychopathology.

 

What are you going to do

 

You will critically test a latent factor model against the network model of psychopathology. More specifically, we will test whether emotional memory is: (1) a latent entity that is responsible for the rise and fall of symptoms of psychopathology, or, (2) not more, and not less than a collection of interacting symptoms represented in dynamic networks of symptoms, or (3) a network itself, integrated in networks of symptoms (hybrid model). You may also contribute to teaching in the Psychology curriculum.

 

What do you have to offer

 

You have:

  • A Research Master’s degree in psychology with a major/minor in clinical psychology and psychological methods (or vice versa);
  • A keen interest in and preferably experience in network methodology and psychopathology;
  • Strong statistical skills;
  • Programming skills, preferably R or Python;
  • Well-developed analytical skills and creativity;
  • Excellent writing and presentation skills (English).

 

Our offer

 

The position concerns temporary employment of maximally 38 hours per week for a maximum term of 4 years. The initial employment is for one year. Following a positive assessment and barring altered circumstances, this term will be extended by a maximum of 36 months, which should result in the conferral of a doctorate. We will put together a curriculum which will also include the opportunity to attend training courses and both national and international events. You will also be tasked with teaching Bachelor's students.

 

Your salary will be €2,443 gross per month in the first year and will increase to €3,122 in the final year, based on full-time employment and in keeping with the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities. We additionally offer an extensive package of secondary benefits, including 8% holiday allowance and a year-end bonus of 8.3%.

 

The UvA offers excellent possibilities for further professional development and education.

 

What else do we offer

  • a position in which initiative and input are highly valued;
  • an enthusiastic and warm team that is open to new colleagues;
  • an inspiring academic and international working environment in the heart of Amsterdam.

 

About us

 

The University of Amsterdam is the largest university in the Netherlands, with the broadest spectrum of degree programmes. It is an intellectual hub with 39,000 students, 6,000 employees and 3,000 doctoral students who are all committed to a culture of inquiring minds.

 

About the faculty

A challenging work environment with a variety of duties and ample scope for individual initiative and development within an inspiring organization. The social and behavioral sciences play a leading role in addressing the major societal challenges faced by the world, the Netherlands and Amsterdam, now and in the future.


Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.

 

Questions

 

Do you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:

  • Prof. dr. Merel Kindt
  • m.kindt@uva.nl

 

Job application

 

Do you recognize yourself in the job profile? Then we look forward to receiving your application by 11 September 22. You may apply online by using the link below.

 

Applications in .pdf should include:

  • a curriculum vitae;
  • a letter of motivation.

 

 

The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritize diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.

 

If you encounter Error GBB451, reach out to our HR Department directly. They will gladly help you continue your application.


Apply

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The University of Mons in Belgium invites application for vacant (8) PhD and Academic Positions

The University of Mons in Belgium invites application for vacant (8) PhD and Academic Positions