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Phd - physics of human-made molecular machines

VU Amsterdam

  • Amsterdam
  • VU Amsterdam
  • 14 oktober 2026

Functieomschrijving

Your function

We offer a PhD position on the physics of synthetic molecular motors and the machines built from them within the international consortium ‘Joining Forces for Human-Made Molecular Machines’.

Scientific programme: Molecular motors are intriguing nanomachines that convert fuel to useful work and directed motion despite the large random fluctuations that are inherent to the molecular building blocks of our world. Over the past decade there has been a surge of new synthetic unidirectional rotary motors powered by light ( Nobel prize) that have enormous potential to actuate new types of designer molecular machines and materials. Now, it is time to use single-motor measurements to uncover how these motors can generate force and how they can efficiently move along tracks. Within this programme, we will take the next leap forward: to go from single motors to molecular machines in which motors work together to effectively transport cargo or perform dedicated tasks beyond the limitations of biological systems.

In this PhD project, you will investigate the physics of light-driven synthetic molecular motors and of the transport machines built from them, using advanced single-molecule techniques. We will develop and apply single-molecule fluorescence microscopy and optical tweezers to quantify how human-made rotary-motor-based walkers translocate along DNA-based tracks. You will explore how multiple motors, for example interlinked walkers or motors on a surface, can cooperate to perform dedicated tasks. Specifically, your experiments will quantify how motor-track design and coupled motor operation in simple molecular machines determine speed, processivity and directionality. Together with the theorists in the consortium, you will thus link the thermodynamic performance of synthetic motors to molecular design principles and contribute to the development of the first generation of functional molecular machines.

Your PhD project is embedded in a strong collaborative consortium funded by NWO-XL, with the pioneers of light-driven rotary molecular motors of Nobel-laureate Ben Feringa (RUG), with single-molecule experimentalists Iddo Heller (VU) and Jan Lipfert (UniA), with theoretical physicist Chase Broedersz (VU), and with theoretical/computational chemists Jocelyne Vreede (UvA) and Shirin Faraji (HHU).

Your duties

  • develop and optimize single-molecule experiments and instrumentation based on fluorescence microscopy and optical tweezers
  • design, set up, and optimize assays to manipulate and/or observe individual light-driven motors and coupled motors along DNA tracks and/or within DNA-origami architectures
  • quantify force generation, motion, and processivity of molecular walkers and transporters at the single-molecule level, as a function of motor-track design and experimental conditions
  • analyze experimental data and connect results to theoretical models and molecular design in collaboration with the consortium’s theoretical and computational researchers
  • collaborate closely with theorists, chemists and DNA-origami experts within the consortium and contribute to publications and presentations

    • Your profile

  • a master’s degree (MSc) in physics, biophysics, nanoscience, or a closely related discipline
  • experience with experimental research, preferably in molecular biophysics, soft condensed matter, single-molecule fluorescence, force-spectroscopy, or advanced optics/microscopy
  • experience or affinity with data analysis and scientific programming (e.g. Python, Matlab)
  • strong motivation to work in an interdisciplinary research environment
  • excellent command of English, both written and spoken

    • We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.

    Diversity
    Diversity is the driving force of VU Amsterdam. VU wants to be accessible and receptive to diversity in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, preferences and worldviews. We believe that trust, respect, interest and differences lead to new insights and innovation, to excellence and a broader understanding. We stand for an inclusive community and believe that diversity and internationalisation contribute to the quality of education, research and our services. Therefore, we are always searching for people whose backgrounds and experience contribute to the diversity of the VU community.

    What do we offer?

    A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to research, education and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:

  • a salary of € 3.,00 (PhD) and maximum € 4.,00 (PhD) gross per month in the fourth year, for a full-time employment
  • an employment contract of initially 1 year with intended starting date January . In consultation, a different starting date is possible. If there is sufficient perspective, the initial contract will be extended to a total of 4 years. Your dissertation at the end of the fourth year forms the end of your employment contract.

    • We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and arrangements. Some examples:

  • A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata.
  • 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
  • contribution to commuting expenses
  • group insured for partial disability with employer contribution of 50% of the premium
  • a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge