PhD - Exploring the Physics of Synthetic Molecular Motors Driven by Light

Onderzoeksgebouw VU

Amsterdam

1 / 1

Faculty of Science

PhD

MSc

Closes on

30-06-2026

Publishing date

05-06-2026

Apply

Are you excited about exploring the physics of synthetic nanomotors using cutting-edge single-molecule techniques? Join forces with top theorists and experimentalists in our new consortium to pioneer the frontiers of human-made molecular machines!

Your function

We offer a PhD position on the physics of synthetic molecular motors within the international consortium ‘Joining Forces for Synthetic 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 (2016 Nobel prize) that have enormous potential to actuate new types of designer molecular machines and materials. Now, it is time to perform the first single-motor force measurements for fundamental mechanistic explorations that enable the next leap forward toward exploitation of these motors in functional molecular machines.

In this PhD project, you will investigate the physics of individual synthetic molecular motors using advanced single-molecule techniques. You will develop and apply optical tweezers and single-molecule fluorescence experiments to quantify for the first time how these light-driven nanomotors can generate force, control directed motion, and step along DNA and/or engineered DNA-nanotechnology tracks. Your mechanistic exploration will 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 perform single-molecule experiments using optical tweezers and fluorescence microscopy
design and optimize assays and instrumentation to quantify binding interactions and dynamics of synthetic molecular motors
measure force generation, motion and molecular interactions at the single-molecule level
analyze experimental data and connect results to theoretical models and molecular design
collaborate closely with theorists and chemists within the consortium and contribute to publications and presentations

Your profile

a master’s degree (MSc) in physics, nanoscience, biophysics, or a closely related discipline
experience with experimental research, preferably in soft condensed matter physics/biophysics, 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 € 3.059,00 (PhD) and maximum € 3.881,00 (PhD) gross per month in the fourth year, for a full-time employment
an employment contract of initially 1 year with intended starting date 1 September 2026. 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 232 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

About us

The PhD position is hosted by the Department of Physics and Astronomy at the VU Amsterdam, in the section Physics of Living Systems. You will be part of an NWO-funded XL consortium that brings together world-leading expertise in single-molecule biophysics, synthetic chemistry, and theoretical modelling.

Consortium
The PhD position is one of nine PhD/PD positions funded by the NWO-XL consortium ‘Joining Forces for Human-Made Molecular Machines’ led by principle investigator (PI) Iddo Heller. This consortium brings together world-leading expertise from six complementary and synergistic research groups in order to take the next leap toward artificial molecular machinery:

Within the consortium, Nobel-laureate Ben Feringa (RUG) leads synthesis and characterisation of molecular motors; Motor&track design and data-interpretation is led by theoretical and computational chemists Jocelyne Vreede (UvA) and Shirin Faraji (HHU Düsseldorf), while single-molecule experiments are led by Iddo Heller (VU) and Jan Lipfert (UniA); Theoretical biophysicist Chase Broedersz (VU) leads modelling of non-equilibrium motor/machine operation.

After one year of progress on motor design and synthesis (the consortium started mid 2025), we are now ready to initiate single-molecule experiments aimed to uncover the fundamental operating principles of synthetic molecular motors and to translate these into functional molecular machines with life-like behaviour.

Section Physics of Living Systems
The experimental and theoretical research in our section explores the physical and mechanistic principles underlying living systems. We address fundamental biophysical questions across different scales, from single molecules to viruses and chromosomes, as well as the emergent physics of living cells, tissues, and whole organisms.

We develop and apply a range of advanced quantitative experimental techniques to image and micro-manipulate the physics of such living systems across orders of magnitude in length, time, force and torque scales. PI's Iddo Heller, Erwin Peterman, and Gijs Wuite pioneered single-molecule analysis based on optical tweezers and fluorescence microscopy, which is complemented by magnetic tweezers expertise from PI David Dulin. To develop theory for the physics of living systems, PI's Chase Broedersz and Greg Stephens combine approaches from (non-)equilibrium statistical and soft matter physics with dynamical systems theory, information theory, and machine learning.

By sharing facilities and methods, our research section fosters a collaborative and synergistic research environment to address challenges at the frontiers of the physics of living systems.

About the department
The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers an active and engaged intellectual community composed of researchers from around the world. Research is focused on five themes: Physics of Life, Physics of Energy, Fundamental Physics, Physics of Nanolithography, and Entrepreneurship & Innovation in Science and Technology.

The department is involved in teaching in the programs Physics and Astronomy (joint degree with the UvA), Science Business and Innovation, Medical Natural Sciences, and Mechanical Engineering (BSc, together with the University of Twente).

Furthermore, the department has a strong track record in valorization, including translational research to the clinic, collaborations with industry (e.g. ARCNL), and a thriving startup scene.

Faculty of Science
Working at the Faculty of Science means collaborating with students, lecturers and researchers who are focused on their field, yet have a broad view of the world. Scientists and students work on fundamental and complex societal issues for a sustainable, healthy and just
future. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to malnutrition, from helium to the universe and from genetics to medicine: our education and research cover the full breadth of science, from molecules to mankind. The faculty has more than 8,000 students studying in one of the 39 programs and employs more than 1,400 staff across 10 scientific departments, making us one of the largest science faculties in the Netherlands.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on diversity, significance and humanity, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces, across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Learn more about our codes of conduct

We are on one campus in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility. Over 6,150 staff work at the VU and over 31,000 students attend academic education.

Interested

Are you interested in this position? Please apply before the 29th of June by submitting your curriculum vitae (CV, pdf) and motivation letter (pdf). For questions about the position, you can contact the principle investigator dr. ir. Iddo Heller by e-mail ([email protected]).

If a suitable candidate presents themselves, we may contact them directly for a follow-up interview before the closing date. We therefore encourage you not to wait until the closing date to submit your application. Once the position has been filled, the vacancy will be closed.

Applications received by e-mail will not be considered.

Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated.