Utrecht University’s rapidly expanding microscopy facilities comprise state-of-the-art scanning and transmission electron microscopes with a full range of imaging modes and analytical tools. In addition to existing facilities (EM square), Utrecht University has consolidated funding to install a double-aberration corrected transmission electron microscope with advanced analytical tools (NEMI facilities). Strongly emerging topics in this field include in-situ TEM following, in real time, phase transformations related to the genesis of catalytically active phases, atomic (re)distributions for catalysts in action, lifetime-limiting processes in energy materials, and fundamentals of processes in liquids such as particle nucleation, growth and dynamics.

We are looking for an excellent scientist to strengthen our research programme with a unique research profile at the interface between Electron Microscopy, Catalysis and Materials Science. The position is embedded in the group of Inorganic Chemistry an Catalysis and research will be performed together with existing staff in the field of materials and catalysis, and in collaboration with other materials and electron microscopy groups within the Debye and Bijvoet Research Institutes, thereby profiting from the strong scientific and experimental infrastructure in Utrecht. The researcher is also expected to be involved in our teaching programmes in Chemistry and Nanomaterials Science, by teaching in the curriculum of the department of Chemistry at the Bachelor’s and Master’s levels.

The candidate:

• holds a PhD degree in the area of Materials Science, Catalysis, Chemistry, or a closely related field;
• has in-depth experience with electron microscopy;
• has an outstanding track record in scientific research;
• has a vision and interest to develop new ideas and research lines;
• is willing to, and capable of, attracting external research funding;
• has a proven ability, or strong potential, to teach.

We strongly encourage women to apply. The Faculty’s policy is to improve gender, as well as cultural diversity.

The staff position can be on the Full, Associate, or Assistant Professor level, depending on the qualifications of the candidate. The position will be a tenure track position, when filled at the Assistant or Associate Professor level. After a positive evaluation the position will become permanent. The candidate will be provided access to laboratory infrastructure, coaching for teaching and supervision of researchers, and training and support regarding the acquisition of external funds. We offer flexible employment conditions (individual choices model), working from home facilities, partially paid parental leave, a pension scheme and collective insurance schemes. Facilities for sports and childcare are available on our campus, which is only 15 minutes away from the historical city centre of Utrecht.

The candidate is offered a full-time position, with a 70/30 research/teaching load. The gross salary is in the range between €3,545 and €6,567 per month for a full-time employment, depending on qualifications and experience (scale 11-14 of the Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities). The salary is supplemented with a holiday bonus of 8% and an end-of-year bonus of 8,3% per year. 

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major societal themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Sustainability.

At Utrecht University, we work together towards a better future for all of us. With more than 6,000 members of staff, we provide socially relevant research and high-quality education. The University is an actively involved and committed part of our society, with the added value of an open mind about societal issues. We cooperate with other (international) universities, trade and industry, the authorities, the cultural sector and societal organisations. Working at Utrecht University means working at the best University in the Netherlands.

The Faculty of Science consists of six Departments: Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Information and Computing Sciences, Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. The Faculty is home to 5,600 students and nearly 1,500 staff and is internationally renowned for the quality of its research. The Faculty's academic programmes reflect developments in today's society.

At the Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science, Chemistry and Physics meet to study the properties of materials at the nanoscale. The Debye Institute specifically focuses on three themes: Catalysis, Colloid Science and Nanophotonics. Part of the Institute is the group of Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis, with research focused on the synthesis, characterization and performance of well-defined solid catalysts and related functional materials, as well as advanced spectroscopy for the study of catalyst materials under working conditions. The group avails of state-of-the-art infrastructure, both for advanced materials characterization and for testing under realistic temperature and pressure conditions. Next to industrial catalysis, topics of interest include catalysts for the sustainable production of chemicals and fuels, and energy conversion and storage materials including battery materials and electro- and photocatalysts.