Postdoctoral position in “Investigation of the structure-property connection of chiral Au nanoparticles by advanced transmission electron microscopy”

The vacancy is situated in an ERC Synergy Grant between S. Bals (University of Antwerp, Belgium), L. Liz-Marzán (CIC Biomagune, San Sebastian and University of Vigo, Spain) and N. Kotov (University of Michigan, USA). The title of the project is “Handshake Complexes of Chiral Nanoparticles and Proteins” (CHIRAL-PRO). The overarching goal of CHIRAL-PRO is to develop a widely applicable methodology to design chiral nanoparticles (NPs) with exceptional optical activity, for strong and predictable enantioselective interactions with nanoscale biological entities, such as proteins and amyloid fibrils. Three-dimensional (3D) investigation of the NPs structure and their growth by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is hereby of crucial importance. During the project, the candidate will use state-of-the-art equipment and local spectroscopic techniques (EELS and CL) in the TEM to probe the optical response at a single particle level. A new TEM instrument, installed at the end of 2025 will allow for injection and collection of light. The spectroscopic techniques need to be combined with 3D characterization approaches such that the local structure can be connected with the optical response.

Research group

EMAT is one of the leading electron microscopy centers in the world and has a vast expertise in both fundamental and applied electron microscopy. EMAT has several state-of-the-art electron microscopes including aberration corrected, high end Thermo Fisher Scientific-Titan instruments, a dual beam FIB, an environmental SEM,... More about us at our webpage.

Job description

• You will characterize the optical response at the single particle level in TEM and use techniques such as EELS and CL
• You will develop new approaches to probe the chiroptical response in TEM
• You will characterize the 3D structure of chiral nanoparticles by electron tomography and/or SEEBIC
• You will develop new approaches to probe the optical response under liquid conditions
• You will closely collaborate with researchers at CIC Biomagnue, University of Vigo and University of Michigan to understand growth of chiral NPs
• You publish scientific articles related to the research project of the assignment
• You present your work at national and international workshops and conferences
• You complete the requirements of the doctoral school at the University of Antwerp

Profile

• You hold a PhD with a background in e.g. physics, chemistry or materials science
• You have advanced experience with aberration corrected TEM
• You have advanced experience with EELS and/or CL
• You have hands-on experience with light injection or collection in TEM
• You are motivated to learn electron tomography and SEEBIC, experience is an advantage
• You are enthusiastic and greatly interested in the field of noble NPs
• You can submit outstanding academic results
• You are highly motivated, quality-oriented, conscientious, creative and cooperative
• Your research qualities are in line with the faculty and university research policies

What we offer

• We offer an appointment for a period of 1 year which can be prolonged depending on performance
• A world-leading exciting project in which we will aim to go significantly beyond the state-of-the-art
• A competitive salary
• The preferred starting date is 1 February 2026, but could be adapted to the selected candidate’s availability
• You will have the opportunity to be immersed in a world-class, dynamic and stimulating work environment with state-of-the-art instrumentation and computing facilities (see also http://www.emat.uantwerpen.be/)
• Find out more about working at the University of Antwerp here

Want to apply?

• You can apply for this vacancy through the University of Antwerp’s online job application platform until October 15, 2025. Click on the 'Apply' button, complete the online application form and be sure to include the following attachments:
  • a motivation letter,
  • your academic CV (including previous work, programming skills, publications, …)
  • a weblink to a short video introducing yourself,
  • contact info of 2 professional referees.
• The selection committee will review all the applications as soon as possible after the application deadline. As soon as a decision has been made, we will inform you about the next steps in the selection procedure.
• If you have any questions about the online application form, please check the frequently asked questions or send an email to jobs@uantwerpen.be. More detailed information on the research topic can be obtained from Prof. Dr. Sara Bals, bals@uantwerpen.be.