We are looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate PhD candidate Design of directed, random, and complex networks of molecular reactions

Our challenge: Capturing Higher-order Interactions in Chemical Reaction Networks

Network processes are everywhere: from epidemics to traffic or the extinction of species. However, in most of these processes, interactions are not pairwise. Instead, they take place in groups of three or larger, creating so-called hypergraphs. One important instance where these hypergraphs arise naturally is in chemical reaction networks (CRNs). CRNs describe the interactions between molecules. In this project, we aim to show that CRNs have the unique potential to model hypergraphs from a joint experimental and theoretical perspective. Can we use mathematical models to predict the how complex chemical reaction networks form? And can we use chemical reactions to model real-world network processes such as epidemics and cascading failures?

Job description: We are looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate to join our interdisciplinary research team. In this project, you will design a microfluidic platform on which chemical building blocks can be assembled. This work involves identifying suitable chemical reactions for each type of network and will establish a key step towards a rational design strategy of CRNs of arbitrary complexity.

Your work will be done in close collaboration between mathematics and chemistry. You will work under the supervision of dr. Albert Wong (Chemical Reaction Networks) and dr. Clara Stegehuis (Mathematics of Operations Research), and you will collaborate with a second PhD student, focusing on the mathematical aspects of chemical reaction networks. (https://utwentecareers.nl/en/vacancies/467/phd-position-on-complex-networks-for-chemical-reactions/) You will examine the influence of network dynamics on chemical hypergraphs.

YOUR PROFILE

• You have, or are about to get, a MSc degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering.
• You are familiar with physical organic chemistry, systems chemistry, out-of-equilibrium systems and/or nonlinear dynamics.
• Preferably, you have proven experience in microfluidic engineering and/or flow chemistry.
• Possibly, you have experience in using mathematical modelling (think of coding in Matlab, COMSOL, Python) to guide your experiments.
• You are enthusiastic on working in a team with scientists from different backgrounds
• You are proficient in English

OUR OFFER

• Fulltime position for four years
• The university offers a dynamic ecosystem with enthusiastic colleagues in a stimulating scientific environment.
• The PhD salary is € 2.443,- in the first year and increases to € 3.122,- in the fourth year.
• A holiday allowance of 8% of the gross annual salary and a year-end bonus of 8.3%.
• The number of holiday hours for full-time employment is 232 hours per calendar year.
• A personal development program within the Twente Graduate School.

INFORMATION AND APPLICATION

Are you interested in this position? Please send your application via the ‘Apply now’ button below before April 15, and include:

• a motivation letter, emphasizing your specific interest, qualifications and motivation to apply for this position;
• a detailed CV including a list of BSc and MSc courses attended and grades obtained
• possibly, contact information of two people willing to provide a recommendation letter upon our request.

For more information regarding this position, you are welcome to contact Albert Wong (albert.wong@utwente.nl) or visit the group website https://www.utwente.nl/en/tnw/crn/.APPLY NOW