Vacatures

The Dutch astrochemistry Network is a new initiative of the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) to fund a coherent and integrated research program in the (astro)physics and chemistry, starting September 1, 2010. This highly interdisciplinary network combines the astronomical and chemical expertise in the Netherlands with the goal of understanding the origin and evolution of molecules in space and their role in the Universe. The Network has defined a highly integrated and coherent science program of astrochemical and astrophysical experiments, quantum chemical calculations, and laboratory spectroscopy of astronomically relevant species in combination with an active program on modeling and observations of astronomical sources. This science is organized in four thematic areas: gas phase chemistry, solid state chemistry, interstellar polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon molecules, and astrobiology.

The Dutch Astrochemistry Network invites applications for almost ten PhD positions spread over these four thematic areas.

The students will be appointed at one of the Universities in the Netherlands. The four-year PhD program in the Netherlands consists mostly of research under the supervision of one or more faculty members. Positions are available in astrochemistry, molecular physics, quantum chemistry, laboratory spectroscopy, but students will be encouraged to become involved in the activities related to the other science disciplines. The researchers at the institutes in the network have an international background. English is the common language.

During their thesis, PhD students are paid as civil servants, which means that they earn competitive salaries (the current gross salary, including allowances, increases from about EUR 28,000 in year 1 to about EUR 36,000 in year 4) and are eligible for both social security and retirement benefits. PhD positions are funded for four years.

Applications are accepted only through our online application site. Applicants are requested to upload a curriculum vitae, a list of all university courses taken and transcripts of grades obtained, brief statements of research interests and experience, and the contact information for at least two referees.

The successful candidates must have a MSc degree (or equivalent) by the starting date. The starting dates are negotiable.

Complete applications received by October 15, 2010 will receive full consideration.

The positions are open to candidates from all countries. The research will be carried out in the framework of the Dutch Astrochemistry Network.

More information about the Dutch Astrochemistry Network
General information about PhD programs in The Netherlands
More detailed information about the PhD program at the Universities can be found at the website of the institute in question.

Included Benefits:
Dutch University offers comprehensive benefits including paid vacation, sick leave, disability insurance, maternity and parental leave, and retirement benefits. Health care insurance amounts to approx. 100 euro/month/person (children are free).