TT experimentele Soft Matter

The Faculty of Science and the Leiden Institute of Physics invite applications for

Assistant professor in experimental soft matter, tenure track (1.0 fte)
Vacancy number 14639

Profile of the candidate
The Leiden Institute of Physics (LION) is searching a new faculty member in the area of experimental soft matter physics. We are particularly interested in hiring a candidate with a cutting-edge research profile that complements and connects with our existing research lines in colloidal particles, active matter and mechanical metamaterials. Exemplary research directions include but are not limited to self-learning and intelligent matter, complex out-of-equilibrium systems, active solids, and soft robotics. The position opens at the assistant professor level, however, in exceptional cases, appointments at the associate or full professor level may be considered.

Selection criteria

• Ph.D. in physics or closely related area
• A publication record that demonstrates the skills and interest of the applicant
• Excellent communications skills in English, both written and verbal.
• Commitment to teaching in an inspiring manner
• Willingness to contribute to the organization of the institute and to learn Dutch

Key responsibilities of the successful candidate

• Establishing an independent, internationally recognized research group in experimental soft matter and publications in leading scientific journals;
• Acquisition of external funds through research grants;
• Teaching at the undergraduate and graduate level in physics;
• Supervision of BSc and MSc students in their thesis work;
• Contribution to the inclusive atmosphere, management and organization of the institute.

Information tenure track
We offer a perfect start of the tenure track by providing an attractive startup package, state-of-the-art laboratories and support departments, and continuous development of your personal and professional skills through courses and coaching. A special mentoring program is offered with fellow Tenure Trackers in a peer group as well as with senior staff members in the department. Successful performance will lead to promotion to a tenured position as associate professor and upon continued growth to promotion to full professor.

Smart, Living, Active Matter Center at the Leiden Institute of Physics

The experimental soft matter community at the Leiden Institute of Physics is a dynamic, collaborative environment which consists of the groups of Daniela Kraft (colloidal model systems), Martin van Hecke (mechanical metamaterials), Alexandre Morin (active matter) and Louise Jawerth (protein condensates). We are complemented by two theoretical groups working on active matter and biomechanics led by Luca Giomi and Silke Henkes and form together the smart, living, active matter center (slam-leiden.nl).

We are embedded in the Leiden Institute of Physics, which features a long-standing tradition of excellence in physics research and currently hosts a broad spectrum of research groups ranging from biological and soft matter to quantum matter and cosmology. The institute offers access to state-of-the art research facilities, excellent administrative and scientific support structures, and fosters an international and inclusive atmosphere with strong interactions among the various groups.

Research at our faculty
The Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. We are committed to curiosity driven fundamental research and interdisciplinary research; we aim at advancing science and addressing the major societal challenges of the future.

The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organised in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelor’s and twelve master’s programmes with almost 6,000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where academic research and life science companies come together.

For more information, see https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science and https://workingat.leiden.edu/.

Terms and conditions
We offer a full-time, 6-year term position, with the possibility of a tenured position and promotion to associate and full professorship based on performance. Salary ranges from € 4332,- to € 5.929,- gross per month at the assistant professor level (pay grade 11 in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3%), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model offers additional benefits that can be chosen by you. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break.

Diversity
Leiden University is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups. Gender balance is an explicit aim of our institute, and we therefore strongly encourage women to apply and will give preference to female candidates in case of equal qualifications. We aim to ensure that candidates experience an equitable selection process.

Information
Scientific enquiries can be made to Alexandre Morin ([email protected]), Daniela Kraft ([email protected]) and Martin van Hecke ([email protected]). If you have any questions about the procedure, please contact Prof. Sense Jan van der Molen, telephone: +31-71- 527 5479, email: [email protected]. Additional information on research and education at the Leiden Institute of physics can be found at https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science/physics.

Applications
To apply for this vacancy, please use the ‘Apply now’ button on this page. You are kindly asked to quote the vacancy number and upload the following documents:

• A full CV including a list of publications, your teaching experience and a link to your Google Scholar page;
• pdf’s or links to 3 key publications and your PhD thesis;
• A brief description of your research plan (max. 2 pages)
• A teaching statement (max. ½ page);
• Name and address of at least three persons that can be contacted for a reference

Only applications received no later than May 6 2024 will be considered.

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