The two PhD positions are available immediately at the Leiden Institute of Chemistry in the group of Dr. Gregory Schneider and the group of Professor Huub de Groot, Dr. Francesco Buda and Dr. Agur Sevink. The purpose of this project is to design a functionalized nanoporous polyaromatic monolayer membrane (2D-NPA), based on ubiquitous elements (mainly carbon and nitrogen), for important widespread applications such as membrane filters, catalysis, fuel cells and integration into artificial photosynthesis devices. The research will focus on two main aspects:

        I.            Functionalized polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) synthesis and bottom-up preparation of functionalized porous monolayer membrane with known catalysts for multi electron water oxidation. The properties of the 2D-NPA membrane will be tailored for the target applications by modifying the chemical structure of the PAHs and membrane preparation conditions. Selected catalyst motifs will be added to the membrane. Initial characterization will be performed with cyclic voltammetry.

      II.            Evaluation of membrane selectivity and ion-flux as a function of membrane design and operating conditions (ion concentration/gradients), as well as membrane stability. NMR studies will be performed in operando or on model compounds with catalysts to determine the chemical environment for operation as a redox mediator in multi-electron catalysis for artificial photosynthesis. This will be followed by in silico characterization of the reaction coordinate of the functionalized 2D-NPA for water oxidation catalysis and determine how the performance can be optimized with respect to turnover frequency in mild solvent environments. Modern computational techniques (mainly ab-initio and classical molecular dynamics) will be used to fundamentally study the catalytic activity and permeability/stability of the 2D membrane.

Moreover, the performance of 2D-NPA in a device will be tested by including this new component in a setup for solar to fuel conversion that is currently under development within a collaboration with an SME, Hydron Energy, which is financed from different sources.
The project will benefit from highly multidisciplinary collaborations, with close links to experts in many different relevant areas, including organic synthesis, ion/mass transport through 2D membranes, (reverse) osmosis, nanofabrication, electron microscopy, material growth, surface chemistry, supramolecular chemistry, quantum chemistry, quantum physics, electrical engineering, surface analysis, probe microscopies, but also industries.

• Master’s degree in Chemistry, Physics, Engineering or equivalent with excellent grades;
• Good to excellent proficiency in English;
• The candidate must have a keen interest in carrying research at the frontier of chemistry and physics in a multidisciplinary environment and should be able to work independently;
• The candidate should be strongly interested to expand their horizon beyond the specific field of their major and should have demonstrated an excellent educational track record;
• Position #I: For the synthesis/preparation part of the project, the candidate should have an outstanding knowledge of organic chemistry and organic synthesis skills (experience with the synthesis of large polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons – hexabenzocoronene at least – constitutes a large asset). Ideally the candidate will also have a sound knowledge in physical chemistry and/or be keen on studying ion/mass transport through the membranes and/or electrochemistry (i.e., fuel cells);
• Position #II: For the computational part of the project, the candidate should have strong computational chemistry and/or molecular modeling background. Experience in molecular dynamics simulations and density functional theory calculations is a plus;
• The PhD research needs to start before December 2018.

We offer a position for initially one year. After a positive evaluation of the progress of the thesis, personal capabilities and compatibility the appointment will be extended by a further three years. Salary range from €2,222 to €2,840 gross per month (pay scale P in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. For international spouses we have set up a dual career programme. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. More at https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at/job-application-procedure-and-employment-conditions.  

All our PhD students are embedded in the Leiden University Graduate School of Science. Our graduate school offers several PhD training courses at three levels: professional courses, skills training and personal effectiveness. In addition, advanced courses to deepen scientific knowledge are offered by the research school.

Diversity
Leiden University is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups.

Universiteit Leiden

Leiden is a typical university city, hosting the oldest university in the Netherlands (1575). The University permeates the local surroundings; University premises are scattered throughout the city, and the students who live and study in Leiden give the city its relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere.

Leiden University is one of Europe's foremost research universities. This prominent position gives our graduates a leading edge in applying for academic posts and for functions outside academia. More at https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at.

https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/werken-bij

Faculty of Science

Leiden University is ranked in the top 70 of leading Universities worldwide and belongs to the highest ranked European Universities. Leiden University is the oldest university in the Netherlands, offering education to about 15,000 students in a wide range of studies.
The Faculty of Science is a world-class faculty where staff and students work together in a dynamic international environment. It is a faculty where personal and academic development are top priorities. Our people are committed to expand fundamental knowledge by curiosity and to look beyond the borders of their own discipline; their aim is to benefit science, and to make a contribution to addressing the major societal challenges of the future.
The research carried out at the Faculty of Science is very diverse, ranging from mathematics, information science, astronomy, physics, chemistry and bio-pharmaceutical sciences to biology and environmental sciences. The research activities are organized in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelor’s and twelve master’s programs. The faculty has grown strongly in recent years and now has more than 1,300 staff and almost 4,000 students. We are located at the heart of Leiden’s Bio Science Park, one of Europe’s biggest science parks, where university and business life come together.

The chemistry and life science research in the Leiden Institute of Chemistry (LIC) is organized around two major research areas: ‘Chemical Biology’ and ‘Energy & Sustainability’. The institute’s research themes illustrate the central position of chemistry between biology, medicine and physics. The various research topics carried out within these themes are ideal for executing interdisciplinary research. For more information, see www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science.

https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science