PhD student: The single-molecule biophysics of ribsomes and phase separation

Work Activities
Summary -In this project, you will perform innovative (bio)physics experiments to elucidate the dynamic action of individual ribosomes, and how they relate to mRNA structure. The key methodologies are optical tweezers and single-molecule fluorescence, as well as selective ribosome profiling – an exciting new RNA sequencing method. Working in the Tans biophysics lab @ AMOLF Amsterdam, you will visualize the real-time translation activity of ribosomes, the conformational dynamics of mRNA structure, and the interplay between them. You will work in an international team, with other groups specialized in ribosome profiling and cryo-EM techniques. The aim is to elucidate the fundamental mechanisms that underlie the correct and erroneous production of new proteins.

Questions -According to textbooks, ribosomes work individually to produce proteins. However, recent insights from our lab and others show multiple ribosomes cooperate as they translate mRNA. This cooperation may well be essential to produce multi-protein complexes faithfully. In our group, we aim to elucidate the highly diverse and broad implications. Questions we are interested in include: Do ribosomes synchronize their translation activity in real-time, like a sequence of cars in traffic? Are mRNA secondary structures and/or direct interactions between ribosomes involved? How do the two (or more) protein chains synthesized by these multiple ribosomes fold together to form protein complexes? How many ribosomes cooperate together? Can we see cooperation between ribosomes that translate different RNA messages? Given the novelty of these fundamental questions in this rapidly expanding field, you will have a unique chance to address them first.

Approach -You will directly follow the unknown dynamics of ribosome translation, protein folding and assembly, and chaperone guidance. This is enabled using optical tweezers combined with single-molecule fluorescence, which detect changes in individual molecules at nanometer and millisecond resolution. In collaboration with our partners, you will also use selective ribosome profiling – an RNA sequencing method that provides high-level data across the genome an in-vivo. This first look may reveal a host of unexpected phenomena. You will develop new experimental schemes, Use cutting-edge single-molecule fluorescence and manipulation methods, Adapt existing biochemical protocols, Analyze the complex temporal data, formulation of new models, And explain your findings in high-level scientific papers.

International team -You will be part of a collaboration with leading groups at Heidelberg University and the ETH in Zurich, which use novel sequencing and cryo-EM methods. By working within this motivated group of young scientists, you will obtain a unique training, understanding and skill set in this expanding field. By integrating these approaches, you will provide insights of unprecedented detail, spanning from the cellular to the atomic level, from in vivo to in vitro, from genome-wide patterns to molecular mechanisms, and from bacteria to human cells.

Image left show ribosome (blue, orange) that synthesized protein chain (yellow) by translating the RNA message (red). Image right shows dynamic ribosome interactions.

Qualifications
We have a number of positions available (PhD and PD). We are looking for outstanding experimental physicists or chemists with an interest in single-molecule techniques, ambition to make breakthrough findings, programming skills to handle complex data, and who thrive in a diverse, collaborative, and supportive environment. Excellent verbal and written English skills are essential. You meet the requirements for an MSc-degree to ensure eligibility for a Dutch PhD examination.

Work environment
AMOLF is a part of NWO-I and initiate and performs leading fundamental research on the physics of complex forms of matter, and to create new functional materials, in partnership with academia and industry. The institute is located at Amsterdam Science Park and currently employs about 140 researchers and 80 support employees. www.amolf.nl

Our group -We form a lively and close-knit research group of about 10 PhD students and postdocs, which work together in small teams on various projects in a highly supportive and social atmosphere that extends to the other research groups at the AMOLF institute, which is housed in a modern building in the east of Amsterdam. The Tans group at the AMOLF institute Amsterdam has been at the forefront of studying chaperone-guided protein folding using optical tweezers. This technique allows one to mechanically manipulate individual proteins, and hence follow the movements and folding steps as they fold. We have shown striking sequences of molecular events that underlie chaperone functions, which are invisible with other methods.

https://www.sandertanslab.nl

https://amolf.nl/research-groups/biophysics

Working conditions

• The working atmosphere at the institute is largely determined by young, enthusiastic, mostly foreign employees. Communication is informal and runs through short lines of communication.
• The position is intended as full-time (40 hours / week, 12 months / year) appointment in the service of the Netherlands Foundation of Scientific Research Institutes (NWO-I) for the duration of four years
• The starting salary is 2.781 Euro’s gross per month and a range of employment benefits.
• After successful completion of the PhD research a PhD degree will be granted at Delft University of Technology.
• Several courses are offered, specially developed for PhD-students.
• Funding is available to attend regularly international conferences.
• AMOLF assists any new foreign PhD-student with housing and visa applications and compensates their transport costs and furnishing expenses.

More information?
https://www.sandertanslab.nl

Application
You can respond to this vacancy online via the button below.

Please annex your:

• Resume;
• Motivation on why you want to join the group (max. 1 page).

It is important to us to know why you want to join our team. Hence, we will only consider your application if it contains your motivation letter.

Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis and as soon as an excellent match is made, the position will be filled.

Online screening may be part of the selection.

Diversity code
AMOLF is highly committed to an inclusive and diverse work environment: we want to develop talent and creativity by bringing together people from different backgrounds and cultures. We recruit and select on the basis of competencies and talents. We strongly encourage anyone with the right qualifications to apply for the vacancy, regardless of age, gender, origin, sexual orientation or physical ability.

AMOLF has won the NNV Diversity Award 2022, which is awarded every two years by the Netherlands Physical Society for demonstrating the most successful implementation of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI).

Commercial activities in response to this ad are not appreciated.

PhD student: The single-molecule biophysics of ribosome cooperation

Work Activities
Summary -In this project, you will perform innovative (bio)physics experiments to elucidate the dynamic action of individual ribosomes. The key methodologies are optical tweezers, single-molecule fluorescence, as well as selective ribosome profiling – an exciting new RNA sequencing method. Working in the Tans biophysics lab @ AMOLF Amsterdam, you will visualize the real-time translation activity of ribosomes, how multiple ribosomes work together, detect the folding of individual polypeptide chains, and show how chaperones guide this process. You will work in an international team, with other groups specialized in ribosome profiling and cryo-EM techniques. The aim is to elucidate the fundamental mechanisms that underlie the correct and erroneous production of new proteins.

Questions -According to textbooks, ribosomes work individually to produce proteins. However, recent insights from our lab and others show multiple ribosomes cooperate as they translate mRNA. This cooperation may well be essential to produce multi-protein complexes faithfully. In our group, we aim to elucidate the highly diverse and broad implications. Questions we are interested in include: Do ribosomes synchronize their translation activity in real-time, like a sequence of cars in traffic? Are mRNA secondary structures and/or direct interactions between ribosomes involved? How do the two (or more) protein chains synthesized by these multiple ribosomes fold together to form protein complexes? How many ribosomes cooperate together? Can we see cooperation between ribosomes that translate different RNA messages? Given the novelty of these fundamental questions in this rapidly expanding field, you will have a unique chance to address them first.

Approach -You will directly follow the unknown dynamics of ribosome translation, protein folding and assembly, and chaperone guidance. This is enabled using optical tweezers combined with single-molecule fluorescence, which detect changes in individual molecules at nanometer and millisecond resolution. In collaboration with our partners, you will also use selective ribosome profiling – an RNA sequencing method that provides high-level data across the genome an in-vivo. This first look may reveal a host of unexpected phenomena. You will develop new experimental schemes, Use cutting-edge single-molecule fluorescence and manipulation methods, Adapt existing biochemical protocols, Analyze the complex temporal data, formulation of new models, And explain your findings in high-level scientific papers.

International team -You will be part of a collaboration with leading groups at Heidelberg University and the ETH in Zurich, which use novel sequencing and cryo-EM methods. By working within this motivated group of young scientists, you will obtain a unique training, understanding and skill set in this expanding field. By integrating these approaches, you will provide insights of unprecedented detail, spanning from the cellular to the atomic level, from in vivo to in vitro, from genome-wide patterns to molecular mechanisms, and from bacteria to human cells.

Image left show ribosome (blue, orange) that synthesized protein chain (yellow) by translating the RNA message (red). Image right shows dynamic ribosome interactions.

Qualifications
We have a number of positions available (PhD and PD). We are looking for outstanding experimental physicists or chemists with an interest in single-molecule techniques, ambition to make breakthrough findings, programming skills to handle complex data, and who thrive in a diverse, collaborative, and supportive environment. Excellent verbal and written English skills are essential. You meet the requirements for an MSc-degree to ensure eligibility for a Dutch PhD examination.

Work environment
AMOLF is a part of NWO-I and initiate and performs leading fundamental research on the physics of complex forms of matter, and to create new functional materials, in partnership with academia and industry. The institute is located at Amsterdam Science Park and currently employs about 140 researchers and 80 support employees. www.amolf.nl

Our group -We form a lively and close-knit research group of about 10 PhD students and postdocs, which work together in small teams on various projects in a highly supportive and social atmosphere that extends to the other research groups at the AMOLF institute, which is housed in a modern building in the east of Amsterdam. The Tans group at the AMOLF institute Amsterdam has been at the forefront of studying chaperone-guided protein folding using optical tweezers. This technique allows one to mechanically manipulate individual proteins, and hence follow the movements and folding steps as they fold. We have shown striking sequences of molecular events that underlie chaperone functions, which are invisible with other methods.

https://www.sandertanslab.nl

https://amolf.nl/research-groups/biophysics

Working conditions

• The working atmosphere at the institute is largely determined by young, enthusiastic, mostly foreign employees. Communication is informal and runs through short lines of communication.
• The position is intended as full-time (40 hours / week, 12 months / year) appointment in the service of the Netherlands Foundation of Scientific Research Institutes (NWO-I) for the duration of four years
• The starting salary is 2.781 Euro’s gross per month and a range of employment benefits.
• After successful completion of the PhD research a PhD degree will be granted at Delft University of Technology.
• Several courses are offered, specially developed for PhD-students.
• Funding is available to attend regularly international conferences.
• AMOLF assists any new foreign PhD-student with housing and visa applications and compensates their transport costs and furnishing expenses.

More information?
https://www.sandertanslab.nl

Application
You can respond to this vacancy online via the button below.

Please annex your:

• Resume;
• Motivation on why you want to join the group (max. 1 page).

It is important to us to know why you want to join our team. Hence, we will only consider your application if it contains your motivation letter.

Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis and as soon as an excellent match is made, the position will be filled.

Online screening may be part of the selection.

Diversity code
AMOLF is highly committed to an inclusive and diverse work environment: we want to develop talent and creativity by bringing together people from different backgrounds and cultures. We recruit and select on the basis of competencies and talents. We strongly encourage anyone with the right qualifications to apply for the vacancy, regardless of age, gender, origin, sexual orientation or physical ability.

AMOLF has won the NNV Diversity Award 2022, which is awarded every two years by the Netherlands Physical Society for demonstrating the most successful implementation of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI).

Commercial activities in response to this ad are not appreciated.

Postdoc: Revealing ribosome activity using single-molecule and RNA sequencing

Work Activities
Summary -In this project, you will perform innovative (bio)physics experiments to elucidate the dynamic action of individual ribosomes. The key methodologies are optical tweezers, single-molecule fluorescence, as well as selective ribosome profiling – an exciting new RNA sequencing method. Working in the Tans biophysics lab @ AMOLF Amsterdam, you will visualize the real-time translation activity of ribosomes, how multiple ribosomes work together, detect the folding of individual polypeptide chains, and show how chaperones guide this process. You will work in an international team, with other groups specialized in ribosome profiling and cryo-EM techniques. The aim is to elucidate the fundamental mechanisms that underlie the correct and erroneous production of new proteins.

Questions -According to textbooks, ribosomes work individually to produce proteins. However, recent insights from our lab and others show multiple ribosomes cooperate as they translate mRNA. This cooperation may well be essential to produce multi-protein complexes faithfully. In our group, we aim to elucidate the highly diverse and broad implications. Questions we are interested in include: Do ribosomes synchronize their translation activity in real-time, like a sequence of cars in traffic? Are mRNA secondary structures and/or direct interactions between ribosomes involved? How do the two (or more) protein chains synthesized by these multiple ribosomes fold together to form protein complexes? How many ribosomes cooperate together? Can we see cooperation between ribosomes that translate different RNA messages? Given the novelty of these fundamental questions in this rapidly expanding field, you will have a unique chance to address them first.

Approach -You will directly follow the unknown dynamics of ribosome translation, protein folding and assembly, and chaperone guidance. This is enabled using optical tweezers combined with single-molecule fluorescence, which detect changes in individual molecules at nanometer and millisecond resolution. In collaboration with our partners, you will also use selective ribosome profiling – an RNA sequencing method that provides high-level data across the genome an in-vivo. This first look may reveal a host of unexpected phenomena. You will develop new experimental schemes, Use cutting-edge single-molecule fluorescence and manipulation methods, Adapt existing biochemical protocols, Analyze the complex temporal data, formulation of new models, And explain your findings in high-level scientific papers.

International team -You will be part of a collaboration with leading groups at Heidelberg University and the ETH in Zurich, which use novel sequencing and cryo-EM methods. By working within this motivated group of young scientists, you will obtain a unique training, understanding and skill set in this expanding field. By integrating these approaches, you will provide insights of unprecedented detail, spanning from the cellular to the atomic level, from in vivo to in vitro, from genome-wide patterns to molecular mechanisms, and from bacteria to human cells.

Image left show ribosome (blue, orange) that synthesized protein chain (yellow) by translating the RNA message (red). Image right shows dynamic ribosome interactions.

Qualifications
We have a number of positions available (PhD and PD). We are looking for outstanding experimental physicists or chemists with an interest in single-molecule techniques, ambition to make breakthrough findings, programming skills to handle complex data, and who thrive in a diverse, collaborative, and supportive environment. Excellent verbal and written English skills are essential.

Work environment
AMOLF is a part of NWO-I and initiate and performs leading fundamental research on the physics of complex forms of matter, and to create new functional materials, in partnership with academia and industry. The institute is located at Amsterdam Science Park and currently employs about 140 researchers and 80 support employees. www.amolf.nl

Our group -We form a lively and close-knit research group of about 10 PhD students and postdocs, which work together in small teams on various projects in a highly supportive and social atmosphere that extends to the other research groups at the AMOLF institute, which is housed in a modern building in the east of Amsterdam. The Tans group at the AMOLF institute Amsterdam has been at the forefront of studying chaperone-guided protein folding using optical tweezers. This technique allows one to mechanically manipulate individual proteins, and hence follow the movements and folding steps as they fold. We have shown striking sequences of molecular events that underlie chaperone functions, which are invisible with other methods.

https://www.sandertanslab.nl

https://amolf.nl/research-groups/biophysics

Working conditions

• The working atmosphere at the institute is largely determined by young, enthusiastic, mostly foreign employees. Communication is informal and runs through short lines of communication.
• The position is intended as full-time (40 hours / week, 12 months / year) appointment in the service of the Netherlands Foundation of Scientific Research Institutes (NWO-I) for the duration of four years
• Funding is available to attend regularly international conferences.
• AMOLF assists any new foreign researcher with housing and visa applications and compensates their transport costs and furnishing expenses.

More information?
https://www.sandertanslab.nl

Application
You can respond to this vacancy online via the button below.

Please annex your:

• Resume;
• Motivation on why you want to join the group (max. 1 page).

It is important to us to know why you want to join our team. Hence, we will only consider your application if it contains your motivation letter.

Applications will be evaluated on a rolling basis and as soon as an excellent match is made, the position will be filled.

Online screening may be part of the selection.

Diversity code
AMOLF is highly committed to an inclusive and diverse work environment: we want to develop talent and creativity by bringing together people from different backgrounds and cultures. We recruit and select on the basis of competencies and talents. We strongly encourage anyone with the right qualifications to apply for the vacancy, regardless of age, gender, origin, sexual orientation or physical ability.

AMOLF has won the NNV Diversity Award 2022, which is awarded every two years by the Netherlands Physical Society for demonstrating the most successful implementation of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI).

Commercial activities in response to this ad are not appreciated.

ARCNL Group Leader and VU Faculty Positions

Work Activities
Group leader positions at ARCNL combined with faculty positions at the Vrije University Amsterdam
ARCNL is a public-private partnership between Dutch universities and the Dutch Research Council (NWO-I) as public parties and ASML as private partner and is a national research center within NWO-I. The institute focusses on fundamental physics and materials research inspired by challenges of the world-leading semiconductor equipment manufacturer ASML. ARCNL has at this moment three departments: Materials, (EUV) Source, and Metrology and has about 100 employees in total.

ARCNL is looking for two group leaders with either experimental or modelling/theoretical focus. Candidates are encouraged to contact ARCNL Director or Departments contacts (below) for a discussion on potential research programs optimizing a connection with the present ARCNL research portfolio and ASML’s long term roadmap challenges. Your research will be the scientific backbone for continued developments in advanced nanolithography technology. Since ASML’s mission is integral to ARCNL’s, a visit to their headquarters in Veldhoven and introduction to the company is part of the hiring process.

ARCNL expects concrete research expertise but is flexible about the specific area. The ideal candidate is an energetic, productive, and flexible researcher who recognizes the strength of public-private partnership research and who will embrace in-house collaborations and infrastructure to produce highly visible science and proof-of-principle results.

Your group has access to all facilities at ARCNL with possible access to ASML. Local and national computational resources are on-site at the Amsterdam Science Park. ARCNL shares infrastructure and support with our neighboring institute AMOLF, including clean room facilities (NanoLab). Your research benefits from connections within the physics/chemistry/materials departments of the University of Amsterdam, the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, or the Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials in Groningen and AMOLF, and such collaborations are encouraged.

We believe that diversity is invaluable for the quality of our organization. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We invite anyone who recognizes themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all requirements. We stimulate an atmosphere of curiosity, creativity, and care for our junior researchers.

We offer an attractive onboarding and support package, including a competitive start-up package, budget for two junior researchers and access to state-of-the-art facilities. Technical support will be provided by dedicated group technicians and by support departments (electronics, software and mechanical).

Qualifications
You have a strong academic track record, are communicative and recognize the strength of collaborations and combining multiple disciplines. You understand the challenges that span research from discovery to application. You are flexible and adaptive with respect to the mission of ARCNL.

As a group leader, you will:

• Initiate a novel research program, aligned with the long-term challenges of ASML Research and the ARCNL science program.
• Establish and maintain an active collaboration with ASML Research.
• Collaborate actively with the other ARCNL research groups.
• Direct your own group members and supervise the projects within your group.
• Be responsible for the budget, planning, and the quality of the projects in the group.
• Publish your work in leading international journals.
• Present the work at conferences and research institutes in the Netherlands and abroad.
• Develop and maintain external relations, both nationally and internationally.
• Acquire national and international external funding.
• Be an active member of the faculty staff of the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU).
• Contribute to the teaching programs of the VU.

We invite you to apply if you have the following qualifications:

• PhD in physics, chemistry, materials science, or related discipline.
• Working experience and a scientific track record in atomic, molecular, plasma, or instrumental physics, materials sciences, (physical) chemistry.
• Enthusiasm to teach at university level and demonstrable didactic abilities.
• Experience with the supervision of BSc, MSc, and/or PhD students.
• Ability to attract external funding.
• Excellent communication and social skills.
• Excellent command of English and willingness to learn the Dutch language.
• Experience and affinity with collaborations between industry and academia forms an advantage.

Work environment

About ARCNL
The Advanced Research Center 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 (www.uva.nl/en), the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU), the University of Groningen (UG) and the semiconductor equipment manufacturer ASML, and consists of approximately 100 scientists and support staff. Within ARCNL, the universities are the employers for the senior research staff. For more information, visit www.arcnl.nl.

About the University department
The Department of Physics and Astronomy at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is one of ten research departments of VU’s Faculty of Science. It has six research groups and provides education to 700 students and offers an active and engaged intellectual community. Research is focused on five themes: (i) high-energy and gravitational physics, (ii) quantum metrology and laser applications, (iii) physics of life and health, and (iv) physics of photosynthesis and energy and (v) Physics of Nanolithography.

Working conditions
Start dates are negotiable. The positions will be filled at the level of Assistant or Associate Professor, depending on qualifications. For exceptionally experienced and qualified candidates, appointment starting as Full Professor could be considered.

The starting salary will be in accordance with university regulations for academic personnel and depending on experience and qualifications (irrespective of the embedding university). It will range from a minimum of € 4,537 gross per month up to a maximum of € 7,056 gross per month (Assistant Professor, salary scale 11-12) or € 6,286 gross per month up to a maximum of € 8,405 gross per month (Associate Professor, salary scale 13-14), based on full-time employment. This excludes an 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 Universities of the Netherlands is applicable.

If you are curious to read more about the VU extensive package of secondary employment benefits, then please look here (for VU)

More information?
For further information about the positions, please contact:
Director: Dr. Wim van der Zande (w.vdzande@arcnl.nl), +31-(0)622466186

For specific information on the research programs of the departments contact:

Source: Prof. Dr. Oscar Versolato (o.versolato@arcnl.nl);

Materials: Dr. Roland Bliem (bliem@arcnl.nl) or Dr. Emilia Olsson (e.olsson@arcnl.nl);

Metrology: Dr. Peter Kraus(p.kraus@arcnl.nl) or Dr. Lyuba Amitonova (l.amitonova@arcnl.nl).

Application
You can respond to this vacancy online via the button below. When applying, please submit pdf files containing:

• A motivation letter, including why the special position ARCNL takes up as a connector between academic scientific research and advancing technology in an industrial setting sparks your interest;
• a research statement (maximum 6 pages);
• a resume;
• list of publications;
• names and contact details of 3 references.

A knowledge security check can be part of the selection procedure.
(For details: see the National knowledge security guidelines).

The position remains open until filled. Processing of candidates happens in order of arrival of the applications.

Online screening may be part of the selection.

Diversity code
ARCNL is highly committed to an inclusive and diverse work environment: we want to develop talent and creativity by bringing together people from different backgrounds and cultures. We recruit and select on the basis of competencies and talents. We strongly encourage anyone with the right qualifications to apply for the vacancy, regardless of age, gender, origin, sexual orientation or physical ability.

Commercial activities in response to this ad are not appreciated.

PhD-student: Computing and Learning with Material Bits

Work Activities
We are seeking a motivated PhD - student to join our team working on the theory of computing and learning in physical systems, as part of a joint theoretical/experimental program on Smart Materials for Information Processing.

With increasing demands on computing and its accompanying energy consumption, there is a pressing need for alternatives to conventional computing hardware. In this project you will investigate and develop novel design and learning strategies for computing based on networks of bistable physical elements. This work is based on recent breakthroughs in our groups. The Van Hecke group has developed techniques for in-materia computing using interacting material bits named hysterons1,2, and the Stern Group has introduced strategies for self-learning materials inspired by ideas from machine learning and neuroscience3,4. Here we aim to join these ideas, in the context of networks of multistable electronic components as developed by experimental colleagues at Twente University5-7. This is a highly ambitious program with 3 PhD - positions (one at AMOLF, two at Twente), in which we aim to establish an exciting new paradigm for computing and learning, and demonstrate it in the lab.

We are seeking a motivated PhD - student to join our team working on the theory of computing and learning in physical systems, as part of a joint theoretical/experimental program on Smart Materials for Information Processing.

With increasing demands on computing and its accompanying energy consumption, there is a pressing need for alternatives to conventional computing hardware. In this project you will investigate and develop novel design and learning strategies for computing based on networks of bistable physical elements. This work is based on recent breakthroughs in our groups. The Van Hecke group has developed techniques for in-materia computing using interacting material bits named hysterons1,2, and the Stern Group has introduced strategies for self-learning materials inspired by ideas from machine learning and neuroscience3,4. Here we aim to join these ideas, in the context of networks of multistable electronic components as developed by experimental colleagues at Twente University5-7. This is a highly ambitious program with 3 PhD - positions (one at AMOLF, two at Twente), in which we aim to establish an exciting new paradigm for computing and learning, and demonstrate it in the lab.

We offer a PhD - position that is focused on the theoretical understanding of networks of these bistable components. The project will involve analytical and computational modelling, as well as supporting the design of experiments to be carried out by the two PhD - students in Twente. Key questions include: How to design networks of bistable elements for targeted computational tasks, and what is the space of possible computations? How do noise and experimental details impact the design and computing power? Can we use plasticity in the physical elements to materialize adaptive computing? Can we implement material learning strategies in our networks? With this research, we aim to redefine physical computation, blurring the lines between materials and computers.

To get an idea of our work, see:

[1] Kwakernaak and van Hecke, Counting and Sequential Information Processing in Mechanical Metamaterials, PRL 130 268204 (2023)

[2] Liu, Teunisse, Korovin, Vermaire, Jin, Bense and van Hecke, Controlled Pathways and Sequential Information Processing in Serially Coupled Mechanical Hysterons, PNAS 121, e2308414121 (2024).

[3] Stern and Murugan, Learning without neurons in physical systems, Ann Rev Cond Matt Phys 14, 417 (2023)

[4] Dillavou, Beyer, Stern, Liu, Miskin and Durian, Machine learning without a processor: Emergent learning in a nonlinear analog network, PNAS 121, e2319718121 (2024)

[5] Kaspar, Ravoo, van der Wiel, Wegner and Pernice, The rise of intelligent matter, Nature 594, 345 (2021).

[6] Hilgenkamp and Gao, Exploring the path of the variable resistance, Science 373, 854 (2021).

[7] Zolfagharinejad, Büchel, Cassola, Kinge, Syed, Sebastian, van der Wiel, In-Materia Speech Recognition, arxiv.org/abs/2410.10434 (2024).

Qualifications
We seek candidates with a strong background in physics, electrical\mechanical engineering, materials science, or computer science with an interest in complex materials for computing and learning. Excellent candidates with training in any area of science or engineering will be considered. PhD candidates must meet the requirements for an MSc degree. Good verbal and written communication skills in English are required. Other advantageous qualities include experience with coding (Python\Matlab) and numerical methods, as well as familiarity with concepts in complex systems, physical memories or machine learning. We strongly believe in the benefits of an inclusive and diverse research environment, and welcome applicants with any background.

Work environment
The Mechanical Metamaterials group is led by Martin van Hecke, and focusses on emergent memory effects and computation in (meta)materials, with a recent focus on the physics of interacting bistable elements. The Learning Machines group is a relatively new group at AMOLF, led by Menachem (Nachi) Stern, and focuses on the development of fundamental understanding and theories regarding learning, from a physical perspective, under real world constraints.
Our group members work closely together with extensive support from us and AMOLF resources in all aspects of design, realization, and interpretation of computational models of mechanical metamaterials and physical learning systems. We have a strong focus on stimulating development of students in all professional aspects, as well as collaborations with other researchers at AMOLF and beyond. Moreover, we work closely together with international groups and companies. For more information, see https://amolf.nl/research-groups/learning-machines

Working conditions

• The working atmosphere at the institute is largely determined by young, enthusiastic, mostly foreign employees. Communication is informal and runs through short lines of communication.
• The position is intended as full-time (40 hours / week, 12 months / year) appointment in the service of the Netherlands Foundation of Scientific Research Institutes (NWO-I) for the duration of four years
• The starting salary is 2.968 Euro’s gross per month and a range of employment benefits.
• After successful completion of the PhD research a PhD degree will be granted at a Dutch University.
• Several courses are offered, specially developed for PhD-students.
• AMOLF assists any new foreign PhD-student with housing and visa applications and compensates their transport costs and furnishing expenses.

More information?
For further information about the position, please contact:

Prof. Dr. Martin van Hecke
E-mail: M.v.Hecke@amolf.nl

Dr. Menachem Stern
E-mail: stern@amolf.nl

Application
You can respond to this vacancy online via the button below.

Online screening may be part of the selection.

Diversity code
AMOLF is highly committed to an inclusive and diverse work environment: we want to develop talent and creativity by bringing together people from different backgrounds and cultures. We recruit and select on the basis of competencies and talents. We strongly encourage anyone with the right qualifications to apply for the vacancy, regardless of age, gender, origin, sexual orientation or physical ability.

AMOLF has won the NNV Diversity Award 2022, which is awarded every two years by the Netherlands Physical Society for demonstrating the most successful implementation of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI).

Commercial activities in response to this ad are not appreciated.