项目介绍

2026年3月29日

Despite decades of research, the interactions between multiple salt types during crystallization—both in bulk and under confinement—remain poorly understood. This PhD project offers an exciting opportunity to unravel the complexity of multimineral salt crystallization using cutting-edge experimental methods combined with advanced 3D imaging. Your research will provide fundamental insights into how multiple ions shape crystallization pathways and will generate comprehensive experimental datasets to inform improved risk assessment frameworks for heritage conservation in a changing climate. Salt crystallization is one of the leading causes of material degradation in cultural heritage worldwide, and its impact is expected to intensify with ongoing climate change.

Your research will be part of the Soft Matter cluster at the Van der Waals-Zeeman Institute for Experimental Physics (IoP-WZI), in close collaboration with Prof. Noushine Shahidzadeh (expert on crystallization and self-assembly) and Prof. Hannelore Derluyn (expert in micro-CT 3D imaging for porous media).

This is what you will do

You will conduct pioneering research combining advanced 3D imaging with experimental characterization to understand crystallization from mixed salt solutions and elucidate salt weathering mechanisms at micro and macro scales in heritage materials. Your work will bridge the gap between theoretical predictions and real-world observations, establishing fundamental mechanisms of salt-induced damage in complex multimineral systems.

Your core responsibilities include:

• Conducting independent experimental research at different scales from bulk to confinement on crystallization dynamics of mixed salts under various climatic conditions, focusing on special ion mixtures common in weathered stone.
• Performing systematic studies in microdroplets, microfluidic channels and real porous building materials (limestone and sandstone) under controlled environmental cycling that simulates realistic heritage environments.
• Using advanced imaging and characterization techniques including optical and electron microscopy, IR and Raman spectroscopy, MRI, and X-ray microtomography to track crystallization dynamics in real time.
• Analyzing mechanical degradation through microstructural characterization and comparing experimental observations with thermodynamic model predictions.
• Publishing your findings in peer-reviewed international journals and presenting at international conferences
• Contributing to teaching activities by assisting in undergraduate and master’s courses
• Collaborating with members of Prof. Shahidzadeh and Prof. Hannelore Derluyn’s group.

The project is organized into two overlapping work packages:

1) Fundamental scientific contribution: Establishing how multiple ions influence crystallization pathways to form ordered or disordered precipitation, and how confinement and environmental factors affect these interactions. This establishes multi-scale connections between nano, micro, and macro-scale processes governing salt crystallization dynamics in nature . Direct visualization of crystal nucleation, growth, and phase transformations within porous materials will reveal mechanisms that thermodynamic models cannot capture.

2) Experimental datasets and conservation guidance: Comprehensive datasets from variable climatic conditions characterizing crystallization behaviour in realistic heritage materials (limestone, sandstone) contaminated with common ion mixtures. This experimental foundation will inform improved risk assessment frameworks, enabling conservators to predict under which environmental conditions salt damage will occur and to develop targeted mitigation strategies. The results will support the development of evidence-based conservation protocols and can provide a learning dataset for AI informed decision that is still lacking in the domain.

What we ask of you

Your experience and profile:

• A completed Master’s degree in Physics, Materials Science, Physical Chemistry, Chemistry, or a closely related field.
• Strong interest in experimental research combining materials science, crystallization phenomena, and applications to real-world problems.
• Affinity with experimental techniques including microscopy, spectroscopy, and/or imaging methods.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in an interdisciplinary research environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication skills in English (written and spoken)
• Motivation to publish in peer-reviewed journals and present at international conferences
• Willingness to assist in teaching undergraduate and master students

It is a preference if you additionally have:

• Experience with crystallization processes, soft matter physics, or porous media
• Familiarity with imaging techniques (optical/electron microscopy, X-ray tomography, or spectroscopy)
• Experience with cultural heritage science or conservation science

This is what we offer you

We offer a temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 years (the initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended for a total duration of 4 years).

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week ranges between €3,059 to €3,881 (Scale P). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% year-end allowance. The UFO profile PhD candidate is applicable.

A favourable tax agreement, the 30% ruling, may apply to non-Dutch applicants.

The preferred starting date is as soon as possible (to be discussed).

This employment should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). We will draft an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and international meetings. We also expect you to assist in teaching undergraduates and master students.

Additional benefits:

• Vibrant, international, and interdisciplinary research environment;
• Access to state-of-the-art experimental facilities and advanced imaging equipment;
• Opportunity to work on a project with high societal impact related to climate change and cultural heritage preservation;
• Collaboration with leading experts in crystallization field, porous media, as well as heritage conservation;
• Integration into both international research networks in Crystal growth, Porous media, and Cultural heritage science;
• Professional development through courses, workshops, and international conferences.

The Collective Labour Agreement of Universities of the Netherlands is applicable.