As part of a large-scale collaboration on Sustainable Technologies for Carbon Neutrality between the UvA Faculty of Science and the Department of Energy & Power Engineering at Tsinghua University, we seek three intelligent and highly motivated PhD candidates for three challenging projects. If you’re looking to help develop materials and processes for solving tomorrow’s problems in an international setting, look no further.

Come and join our team!

In this collaboration, senior and junior researchers will develop new materials and technologies for selective oxidation, gas separation, and electrochemical CO2 reduction. In addition, the teams in Beijing and Amsterdam will share knowledge and experiences through mutual visits and research stays. There is much to done and much to be gained both on the scientific and personal level.

We are seeking three PhD candidates for the following projects:

Project 1. Designing selective catalysts for oxidation of small alkanes with air.

Project 2. Developing stable porous materials for gas separation.

Project 3. Researching paired electrocatalytic systems for sustainable conversion of CO2.

These projects are part of a large-scale collaboration with Tsinghua University and PhD students are expected to actively participate in this collaboration, also in the form of research and cultural exchange visits between the two institutions.

This is what you are going to do

Develop (electro)catalysts and materials for sustainable technologies, focusing on small molecules and large volumes.
Research beyond the state-of-the-art by using the latest experimental and computational technologies.
Participate actively in teaching at university level, through practicals and tutorials, and through the (co)-supervision of master and bachelor project students.
Be part of an active research group, participating in meetings and discussion and helping and caring about your colleagues.

This is what we ask of you

We are looking for bright and enthusiastic team players who are result-oriented and are willing to invest much time and effort in reaching the project goals. You must have a master’s degree or equivalent in chemistry, physics, materials science or chemical engineering. This is an international collaborative project, so we are looking for open-minded persons who are willing to step out of their comfort zone.

This is what we offer you

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 preferred starting date is as soon as possible. This 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.

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and ranges between €3,059 (1st year) to €3,881 (last year), scale P. This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. The UFO profile Promovendus is applicable. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universitiesis applicable.

Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at Science Park we offer you multiple fringe benefits:

232 holiday hours per year (based on fulltime) and extra holidays between Christmas and 1 January;
multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre;
multiple courses on topics such as leadership for academic staff;
multiple courses on topics such as time management, handling stress and an online learning platform with 100+ different courses;
7 weeks birth leave (partner leave) with 100% salary;
partly paid parental leave;
the possibility to set up a workplace at home;
a pension at ABP for which UvA pays two third part of the contribution;
the possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch;

Are you curious to read more about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits, take a look here.

This is where you will work

The Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS) is one of eight institutes of the University of Amsterdam (UvA) Faculty of Science. HIMS performs internationally recognized chemistry and molecular research, curiosity driven as well as application driven. This is done in close cooperation with the chemical, flavor & food, medical and high-tech industries. Research is organized into four themes: Analytical Chemistry, Computational Chemistry, Synthesis & Catalysis and Molecular Photonics. The projects will be carried out mainly in the Heterogeneous Catalysis & Sustainable Chemistry group.

The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 8,000, as well as 1,800 members of staff working in education, research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, be it elementary particles, the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain.

If you recognize yourself in the profile and are interested in the position, we look forward to receiving your motivation letter and CV.
Please include the following documents in your application (as PDF files):

A motivation letter (max. 2 pages A4), specifying which project you are applying for and what makes you a worthy candidate for this position.
Your CV, including the number of months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience, including a list of publications
Contact details of at least one academic reference

We will review applications on a rolling basis and continue recruiting until all three positions is filled. In the event of equal suitability, preference will be given to the internal candidate.

A knowledge security check can be part of the selection procedure (for details: national knowledge security guidelines). If you receive an error message while applying from abroad, please try again later or contact us for assistance.

For questions about the position, please contact:

Universiteit van Amsterdam

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3 PhD positions in Sustainable Technologies for Carbon Neutrality