PhD on correlative light-electron

microscopy for interactive polymer

materials

Job description
We have an open PhD position (fully funded, four years) in correlative light-electron microscopy
at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) in collaboration with the Center for Multiscale
Electron Microscopy and the Nanoscopy for Nanomedicine group. This position is funded by
the Dutch Research Council Gravitation Program Interactive Polymer Materials grant, a large
consortium aiming to design the next generation of polymeric materials.

Correlative imaging is an innovative imaging method that combines multiple imaging modalities
and its potential for (bio)materials imaging is not yet harvested. You will focus on establishing
correlative light-electron microscopy for polymer materials at TU/e and use it to study a variety
of materials available in the consortium. This will include: i) correlating electron microscopy with
fluorescence and super resolution microscopy; ii) correlating fluorescence microscopy and high-
resolution structures by electron microscopy for cryogenic samples and iii) study dynamic
materials combining fluorescence microscopy and liquid cell EM.

The goal of the project is to develop of a toolbox of correlative approaches that exploit the
strengths of each individual technique, ultimately leading to a comprehensive ‘5D’ picture (in
three spatial dimensions (x, y, z), in time (t) and in function) of interactive and dynamic polymer
materials through time-resolved, multiscale in-situ analysis.

This position will be embedded within the Laboratory of Physical Chemistry at the Department
of Chemical Engineering & Chemistry of Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) and
supervised by dr. Heiner Friedrich (heading the Center for Multiscale Electron Microscopy) and
dr. Lorenzo Albertazzi (Nanoscopy for Nanomedicine group, Biomedical Engineering
department). The groups are also closely connected to the Institute for Complex Molecular
Systems.

The Laboratory of Physical Chemistry at Eindhoven University of Technology

The research of the Laboratory of Physical Chemistry group, led by prof. Remco Tuinier, is
positioned at the intersection of theoretical and experimental physical chemistry and the fields
of polymer and colloid science. We focus on gaining a fundamental understanding of the
physical and chemical properties and processes relevant to the behaviour of polymers, colloids,
and their mixtures in bulk and at interfaces. We study the mentioned physical-chemical
properties and processes by combining experiments [synthesis & assembly of polymers and
(bioinspired) colloids, (cryo, in situ, electron, light) microscopy, (X-ray, neutron, light) scattering,
interfacial methods, rheology, (3D) printing], theory (mean-field computations on bulk phase
behaviour and interfacial properties, colloidal interactions) and computer simulations. Of
particular interest are designing molecules, particles, and interfaces to perform a specific
function, and to develop novel technologies for producing ingredients and making products and
related processes sustainable.

This PhD thesis researcher position is part of the Center for Multiscale Electron Microscopy, the
Nanoscopy for Nanomedicine group and the Institute for Complex Molecular Systems with full
access to all available infrastructure including TEM (Titan Themis), Cryo-TEM (Glacios),
Confocal microscopy (Nikon, Leica), STED and SMLM super-resolution microscopy (Nikon,
ONI, Aberrior) setups.

TU/e offers academic education that is driven by fundamental and applied research. We
combine scientific curiosity with a hands-on mentality. Our educational philosophy is based on
personal attention and room for individual ambitions and talents. Our research meets the
highest international standards of quality. We push the limits of science, which puts us at the
forefront of rapidly emerging areas of research.

Job requirements
A MSc degree (or an equivalent university degree) in Chemical Engineering, Chemistry,
Materials Science, Applied Physics, or related disciplines.
A research-oriented attitude.
Ability to work in a team and collaborate with research partners.
Prior experience with electron and/or fluorescence microscopy on soft matter related to
polymers and/or colloids is an asset.

You are:

A talented, motivated, and enthusiastic researcher. Analytical skills, initiative and

creativity are valuable properties.
A naturally curious person who is eager to learn more and has a strong interest in
research.
Excellent in written and oral communication in English.
A social person, have a good team spirit and like to work in an internationally oriented
environment.

International and female candidates are especially encouraged to apply: we think our research
group benefits from a diverse group of talented people.

Interviews, a scientific presentation, and a writing assignment are part of the selection
procedure.

Conditions of employment
A meaningful job in a dynamic and ambitious university with the possibility to present your
work at international conferences. The TU/e is located in one of the smartest regions of
the world and part of the European technology hotspot ‘Brainport Eindhoven’; well-known
because of many high-tech industries and start-ups. You will work on a beautiful, green
campus within walking distance of the central train station. A place to be for talented
scientists! In addition, we offer you:
A full-time employment for four years, with an intermediate evaluation (go/no-go) after
nine months.
To develop your teaching skills, you will spend 10% of your employment on teaching
tasks.
High-quality training programs and other support to grow into a self-aware, autonomous
scientific researcher. At TU/e we challenge you to take charge of your own learning
process. Salary and benefits (such as a pension scheme, paid pregnancy and maternity
leave, partially paid parental leave) in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement
for Dutch Universities, scale PhD (min. € 2.541 max. € 3.247). Additionally, an annual
holiday allowance of 8% of the yearly salary, plus a year-end allowance of 8.3% of the
annual salary.
An allowance for commuting, working from home and internet costs.
 Should you come from abroad and comply with certain conditions, you can make use of
the so-called ‘30% facility’, which permits you not to pay tax on 30% of your salary.
A broad package of fringe benefits, including an excellent technical infrastructure, moving
expenses, and savings schemes.
Family-friendly initiatives are in place, such as an international spouse program, and
excellent on-campus children day care and sports facilities.
In our interactions, we value collegiality, respect, and regard for others. We do not tolerate
intimidation, aggression and violence, bullying, or unjust discrimination.

Information and application

Information and application

About us

Eindhoven University of Technology is an internationally top-ranking university in the

Netherlands that combines scientific curiosity with a hands-on attitude. Our spirit of
collaboration translates into an open culture and a top-five position in collaborating with
advanced industries. Fundamental knowledge enables us to design solutions for the highly
complex problems of today and tomorrow.

Information

For information about this PhD position, please contact:

dr. Heiner Friedrich (email: h.friedrich[at]tue.nl, phone: +31 40 247 3041)
dr. Lorenzo Albertazzi (email: l.albertazzi[at]tue.nl, phone: +31 40 247 5997)

Visit our website for more information about the application process or the conditions of
employment. You can also contact hrservices.helix[at]tue.nl or contact mr. L. van Houten, HR-
advisor, l.v.houten[at]tue.nl

Further information about the Physical Chemistry research group, see https://www.tue.nl/en
/research/research-groups/physical-chemistry/.

Further information about the Nanoscopy for Nanomedicine group, see https://www.tue.nl/en
/research/research-groups/nanoscopy-for-nanomedicine/.

Are you inspired and would like to know more about working at TU/e? Please visit our career
page.

Application

We invite you to submit a complete application by using the 'apply now'-button on this page.
The application should include a:

Cover letter in which you describe your motivation and qualifications for the position.
Curriculum vitae, including a list of your publications and the contact information of three
references.
Your MSc thesis or a brief summary.

Candidates possessing both suitable experience and qualifications are invited to apply.
We look forward to your application and will screen it as soon as we have received it. Screening
will continue until the position has been filled.

We do not respond to applications that are sent to us in a different way.

Please keep in mind you can upload only 5 documents up to 2 MB each. If necessary, please
combine files.