PhD Experimental Exploration of Protocell Formation on Early Earth (1.0 FTE) (V25.0302)

We are looking for a PhD candidates for a joint project between the groups of prof. Nathalie Katsonis, prof. Willem Kegel, and prof. Ben Feringa, that will be carried out within the framework of the Dutch NWA consortium “PRELIFE”, https://www.originscenter.nl/prelife/

The origin of life remains one of science’s most profound and enduring mysteries. Despite numerous theories, no single explanation has achieved consensus. The PRELIFE consortium brings together leading researchers from a wide spectrum of disciplines—including astronomy, biology, chemistry, computer science, earth and planetary sciences, education, mathematics, and physics—to address two fundamental questions: How did life emerge on Earth? And how likely are similar conditions elsewhere in the universe?

PRELIFE takes a highly interdisciplinary approach, combining diverse expertise to generate new insights into the conditions and processes that gave rise to life. As part of this initiative, we offer 15 exciting PhD research projects that span and integrate multiple scientific domains. We are looking for candidates with strong expertise in their respective fields and a passion for interdisciplinary collaboration. Each project will not only advance fundamental science but also engage the public in the journey of discovery.

In this specific project “Experimental Exploration of Protocell Formation on Early Earth” we will specifically focus on understanding the emergence of protocells—primitive compartments thought to have exhibited essential features of modern cells. These structures likely played a critical role in the transition from a prebiotic molecular “soup” to the earliest forms of life. A widely supported hypothesis suggests that protocells took the form of vesicles bounded by membranes formed through the self-assembly of amphiphilic molecules. However, other scenarios are also possible, based on colloidal building blocks.

This PhD project will experimentally investigate plausible pathways to protocell formation and evaluate their robustness under geochemically relevant conditions of the late Hadean Earth. The research will involve the design and implementation of laboratory experiments to test the emergence and properties of prebiotic compartments, using a combination of chemical, physical, and analytical techniques.

The PhD will be supervised by prof. Nathalie Katsonis, and carried out in close collaboration with prof. Ben Feringa (University of Groningen) and prof. Willem Kegel (Utrecht University).

Organisation
The positions we are offering will be within the group of prof. Nathalie Katsonis, and in close collaboration with the research groups of prof. Ben Feringa (University of Groningen) and prof. Willem Kegel (Utrecht University). The experimental work will be embedded within the Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, which is part of the Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) at the University of Groningen.

The University of Groningen, established in 1614, is one of the oldest and largest research universities in the Netherlands, offering diverse programs across various disciplines. Located in the lively and historic provincial capital, the university has a vibrant international community, with students and staff from all over the world contributing to a dynamic and multicultural environment. Due to its innovative research initiatives and high-quality education, the University of Groningen is currently in or around the top 100 on several influential ranking lists.

The mission of the Stratingh Institute for Chemistry is to perform excellent research and teaching in molecular and supramolecular chemistry. It focuses on a broad range of topics, including synthetic organic chemistry, catalysis, chemical biology, molecular inorganic chemistry, systems chemistry and materials science. The institute fosters an interdisciplinary approach, encouraging collaboration between researchers from different fields to drive innovation and address complex scientific challenges.

The Katsonis group investigates the molecular and supramolecular origins of purposeful movement in living matter, with a focus ranging from artificial molecular machines to the molecular origins of life. Our research spans three primary areas: 1) Our group explores the mechanochemistry of molecular machines to develop adaptive and intelligent systems 2) Our team investigates how prebiotic conditions on the late Hadean Earth may have given rise to the first cells, focusing on dynamic processes in the primordial ocean. 3) We engineer bio-inspired, energy-efficient materials to address pressing societal and environmental challenges.

The Kegel group works on self-organization in soft matter and biophysics, experimentally as well as theoretically. The origin of life is an ultimate form of self-organization. Current research topics are: (1) cooperative transitions in simple macromolecular systems, with potential applications in drug delivery and tumour treatment; (2) transcription regulation, where we focus on the influence of non-specific DNA; (3) virus (dis) assembly using colloidal systems as inspiration and with links to topic (1). The typical approach in the team is interdisciplinary, ranging from synthetic chemistry to statistical physics.

The Feringa group focuses on synthetic and physical organic chemistry, inspired by Nature's principles of molecular assembly, recognition, transport, motion, and catalysis. The goal is to create new structures and functions, with an emphasis on molecular switches and motors, dynamic molecular systems, responsive materials, photopharmacology and biohybrid systems. The group also develops novel stereoselective synthesis methods and asymmetric catalysis. Chirality is a leading theme, and over the years, a unique and broad expertise in fundamental aspects of stereochemistry has been acquired including chiroptical phenomena, chiral amplification and the origins of chirality of life.

We are looking for enthusiastic and talented candidates with

• A MSc degree in chemistry or a related field.
• A clear interest in collaborative interdisciplinary research.
• A very strong academic performance.
• A proactive attitude and excellent interpersonal skills.
• A high level of proficiency in written and spoken English.

Candidates with backgrounds in synthetic organic chemistry, colloidal systems, prebiotic or systems chemistry, or related areas, are encouraged to apply.

Applicants whose first language is not English must submit evidence of competency in English, please see the University of Groningen’s English Language Requirements for details.

We offer you in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities

• A salary of € 2,901 gross per month in the first year, up to a maximum of € 3,707 gross per month in the fourth and final year, based on a full-time position (1.0 FTE).
• A holiday allowance of 8% gross annual income.
• An 8.3% year-end bonus.
• A position for four years; you will get a temporary position of one year with the option of renewal for another three years; prolongation of the contract is contingent on sufficient progress in the first year to indicate that a successful completion of the PhD thesis within the next three years is to be expected.
• A university PhD training programme is part of the agreement and the candidate will be enrolled in the Graduate School of Science and Engineering.

The starting date will be between September 2025 and January 2026.

Do you meet our qualification criteria? If yes, you’re requested to upload the following documents:

• A cover letter stating your motivation to apply for the position and your key competencies relevant for this position.
• An up-to-date CV, including details of your BSc and MSc degrees.
• Copies of your diplomas and transcripts of records (BSc and MSc).
• Contact information of two academic references.

You may apply for this position until 16 June 11:59pm / before 17 June 2025 Dutch local time (CEST) by means of the application form (click on "Apply" below on the advertisement on the university website).

The University of Groningen strives to be a university in which students and staff are respected and feel at home, regardless of differences in background, experiences, perspectives, and identities. Diversity among students and staff members enriches academic debate and contributes to the quality of our teaching and research. We therefore invite applicants from underrepresented groups in particular to apply. For more information, see also our diversity policy webpage: Diversity and Inclusion | Policy and strategy | University of Groningen (rug.nl)

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