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Published: 24 Jun 2021 531 views
All of the crystals that form in water on Earth are formed through reaction between oppositely charged ions. In these crystals, the ions are present in an ideal, charge-balanced ionic ratio. In contrast, the natural solutions in which they form, contain widely diverging ionic ratios. When crystals nucleate from natural solutions, they will be charged, and the charge has a massive impact on the behaviour of small new crystals. However, most nucleation experiments have been conducted in solutions with charge-balanced ionic ratios and the current nucleation theory is based on water condensation.
In the CRYSTAL CLEAR project, which started in 2019, we aim to determine the impact of ionic ratio on ionic mineral nucleation processes experimentally, computationally and theoretically. The first results of our project show that the current nucleation theory, which is capable of describing crystal formation rates and mechanisms of neutral nuclei, fails in conditions where nuclei are charged. Two experimental PhD candidates investigate the impact of diverging ionic ratios on the nucleation of various minerals (barium sulfate, calcium carbonate and iron (di)sulfide minerals). One postdoctoral Researcher (PD) performs molecular dynamics simulations of the formation mechanism and stability of the nuclei formed, and this advertisement is for the second PD in this project.
Founded in 1636 and located in the heart of the Netherlands, Utrecht University is one of Europe's leading research universities. We are recognised internationally for our high-quality, innovative approach to research and teaching. As an international student, you’ll be in good company at Utrecht University. Every year, approximately 1,500 international students come to the university to take English-taught degree programmes and other courses. Students work and study closely together, learning to operate in an international environment from the outset. This is essential for s...... continue reading
| Application Deadline | 01 Sep 2021 |
| Type | Postgraduate |
| Sponsor | Utrecht University |
| Gender | Men and Women |
We offer a temporary position (1.0 FTE) for a period of two and a half years. The gross salary - depending on previous qualifications and experience - ranges between €2,790 and €3,619 (scale 10.0-10.6 according to the Collective Labour Agreement Dutch Universities) per month for a full-time employment. Salaries are supplemented with a holiday bonus of 8% and a year-end bonus of 8.3% per year. In addition, Utrecht University offers excellent secondary conditions, including an attractive retirement scheme,
Everyone deserves to feel at home at our university. We welcome employees with a wide variety of backgrounds and perspectives. To apply, please send your curriculum vitae, including a letter of motivation via the ‘apply’ button below. We aim to fill the position as soon as possible but no later than 1 April 2022.
For more details, visit Utrecht University website.