PhD position

Context & Job Description

This PhD work is a collaborative project between the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF), AkzoNobel, Stichting het Rijksmuseum and University of Amsterdam.
The goal is to study short term and long term drying reactions, and notably reactivity between metallic catalysts and alkyd binders. Such a question is fundamental both for the conservation of master pieces but also for the development of industrial paints. The analyses will be mainly based on 2D micro-imaging techniques (in particular infrared and synchrotron-based X-ray analyses such as X-ray fluorescence and X-ray diffraction), performed at Grenoble (beamline ID21 mainly) and in the Netherlands (UVA, Rijksmuseum and AkzoNobel).

The work will require developing and implementing efficient analytical methodology, from sample preparation to data processing, for the 2D multi-modal micro-analysis of models and historical samples. The developed methodology will ultimately have outcomes both for museums (better knowledge of the historical use of driers) as well as for paint industries (for the design of new paints with better health and safety profile and improved performance).

Further information may be obtained from Marine Cotte (tel.: +33 (0)476882127, cotte@esrf.fr ) and from Katrien Keune +31681273396, k.keune@uva.nl )

Profile, skills and experience

• Degree allowing enrollment for a PhD (such as MSc, Master 2 de Recherche, Laurea or equivalent) in chemistry or closely related science
• A background in spectroscopic analysis is highly desirable
• Knowledge of synchrotron-based methods is a plus
• Skills in programming (e.g. with Python) is an asset
• Manual skills and rigorous attention to detail are essential in this work environment
• Interpersonal skills, able to work with people from different areas of expertise
• Proficiency in English (A proof of upper-intermediate level would be advantageous and can be provided in the application. Applicants originating from native-English-speaking countries can apply without the need for proof of level. An official degree conducted in English will be also accepted as a proof; Students without proof upper-intermediate level may still apply and their level of English will be checked during the interview.)
• Compliance with the Marie Sklodowska-Curie mobility rule: candidates may not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in France for more than twelve months in the three years immediately before the date of recruitment.
• At the date of recruitment, early-stage researchers must be in the first four years of their research careers and have not yet been awarded a doctoral degree.
• Candidates must satisfy the conditions for enrollment in a doctoral programme

More details about the application procedure

Working conditions

The successful candidate will be enrolled in the doctoral school of University of Amsterdam for a period of four years. During the first three years, the candidate will be hired by and based at the ESRF (Grenoble, France), with a total period of 6-month secondment at the Dutch partners. During the fourth year, the candidate will be hired by the Rijksmuseum. Furthermore, a varied pedagogical training programme will be offered to the successful candidate throughout the PhD project.

More details