Postdoc SSNMR

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Post-doc Researcher

Postdoc SSNMR

The Solid-state NMR group at the University of Groningen is looking for a postdoctoral researcher with experience in solid-state NMR spectroscopy and/or dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP). 

Faculty of Science and Engineering
Closing date: 15 december 2025
1 - 1 FTE
€3.546 - €5.538

Postdoc SSNMR

Apply now
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What are you going to do?

The postdoc will be involved in the establishment of a new DNP/ssNMR facility at the University of Groningen, funded by the Dutch national funding organization NWO. The postdoc will join the Solid-state NMR group supervised by Prof. Patrick van der Wel, and work on the dedicated solid-state NMR equipment of the group and the newly established facility. The latter will include instrumentation for DNP-enhanced magic-angle-spinning NMR, alongside MAS NMR probes for studies of soft materials and in-situ illuminated samples. The postdoc is expected to be involved in the development and implementation of methodology and instrumentation, in particular also for the in-situ illumination. The facility will focus on diverse applications, with special focus on self-assembled (nano)materials, alongside biological preparations (e.g., polysaccharides and protein assemblies).

Who are you?

The successful candidate for this position will have the following qualifications/qualities:

 

  • A PhD degree in Physical Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Materials Science, Spectroscopy, or a related discipline – with an expected focus on solid-state NMR and/or DNP.
  • Advanced knowledge of solid-state NMR spectroscopy and/or dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP), in terms of experimentation and/or instrumentation.
  • Knowledge of method- and/or instrumentation development is an advantage. Suitable prior expertise with these techniques may be in diverse application areas, including biological and/or materials related topics.
  • Excellent knowledge of written and spoken English; knowledge of Dutch an asset
  • Very good communication skills, to function as an excellent team player in this collaborative effort
  • Enthusiasm and initiative to perform creative research in an interdisciplinary setting.

What can you expect from us?

  • In accordance with the collective labor agreement for Dutch universities, we offer a salary of at least € 3.546 (Schaal 10) up to a maximum of € 5.538 (Schaal 10) gross per month for a full-time employment contract.
  • 232 vacation hours per year, based on a 38-hour workweek (1.0 FTE). You can also work more or fewer hours in exchange for more or fewer free hours. For example, with a 40-hour workweek, you save 96 extra free hours, and with a 36-hour workweek, you lose 96 hours.
  • End-of-year bonus of 8.3% and 8% holiday allowance.
  • Extensive opportunities for personal and professional development.
  • Contract duration: a position for a period of one year, with possibility to extend to two years.
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Where will you be working?

At the University of Groningen (RUG), researchers across all branches of science and technology work on scientific challenges and societal issues. Lecturers train their students for meaningful careers in science or beyond. Interdisciplinary research and education, knowledge sharing, and collaboration with companies, government institutions, and societal organizations are highly valued at this top 100 university. RUG aims to be an open academic community with an inclusive and safe working environment that invites you to contribute your value.

The Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) provides teaching and research across a wide range of disciplines, from physics and biology to artificial intelligence, mechanical engineering, and pharmacy. In close collaboration with partners from industry, healthcare, and society, we contribute to the urgent challenges of our time, such as energy, sustainability, digitization, and medical technology. Our community is open and informal, with more than 7,000 students, 1,000 PhD students, and 1,400 staff members from all over the world. If you would like to learn more about the Faculty of Science and Engineering, visit rug.nl/fse

The Solid-state NMR group is embedded in the Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials, which has an interdisciplinary profile bridging chemistry, physics, biology, and materials science. The Solid-state NMR group (chaired by Prof. Patrick van der Wel) has dedicated solid-state NMR instrumentation, which will include also on-site DNP instrumentation. The group studies both biological and materials-related samples, and develops methodology and hardware for advanced NMR characterization including in particular also in-situ illumination during magic-angle-spinning NMR.

For more information about this research group and its research, see https://www.vanderwellab.org. The postdoc will be expected to collaborate closely with diverse consortium partners, in particular with the nanomaterials group of Prof. L. Protesescu from the Zernike Institute. This group has strong expertise in nanomaterials synthesis and characterization, in particular also using advanced solid-state NMR and DNP. 

Application procedure

Step 1: Your application

After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation by email.

Step 2: Selection

The selection committee assesses your application and you will receive a response at the latest two weeks after the closing date.

Step 3: First interview

We would like to get to know each other better in a first interview, which can take place either online or on location.

Step 4: Second interview and possible assessment or guest lecture

We may schedule a second interview with you. Depending on the position, this interview can be complemented with an assessment or guest lecture.

Step 5: Terms of employment meeting

After a positive interview, we will discuss the terms of employment together. When everything is completed, we are happy to welcome you at the University of Groningen!

Interested?

Does this sound like a challenge that suits you? Then apply immediately!

Do you meet our qualification criteria? If yes, you’re requested to upload the following documents:

curriculum vitae (name, address, degree(s) with transcript(s) of grades, research experience, educational and employment history, etc.)

  • list of publications (or preprints)
  • motivation letter
  • name and (email) address of three professional references
  • vacancy number of this position.
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Do you have any questions or need more information?

Information about applying

When scheduling meetings, we will take your schedule into account as much as possible.

The University of Groningen considers social safety important. We strive to be a university where staff and students feel respected and at home, regardless of differences in background, experiences, perspectives, and identity. For more information, see also our page about our diversity policy.

Acquisition is not appreciated.

Our selection procedure follows the guidelines of the NVP application code

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