Heterogeneous metal catalysts are of tremendous importance to chemical industry. Activity, selectivity and stability of catalysts during chemical reactions is largely determined by the size, location and composition of catalytically active metal nanoparticles typically supported on metal oxides such as silica, alumina or titania. Within the framework of ARC-CBBC consortium, this project aims to deepen the fundamental understanding of the preparation of supported bimetallic catalysts. Advanced transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques will be used, amongst others in situ liquid and gas-phase TEM to study in real time the stages of catalyst preparation with nanometer scale resolution. The supported bimetallic catalysts will be studied with several advanced analytical tools available within the consortium. Hydrogenation catalysis is the envisaged application of the prepared materials.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, motivated and skilled student holding an MSc in a relevant area of Chemistry, Materials Science or Chemical Engineering. The candidate preferably has some experience with catalysis, catalyst synthesis and/or electron microscopy.

The candidate is offered a full-time position for 4 years. The salary ranges from €2,226 to €2,897 (scale P according to the Collective Employment Agreement of the Dutch Universities) gross per month for a full-time employment. Salaries are supplemented with a holiday bonus of 8% and a year-end allowance of 8.3% per year. In addition, Utrecht University offers excellent secondary conditions, including an attractive retirement scheme, (partly paid) parental leave and flexible employment conditions (multiple choice model). Here you'll find more information about working at Utrecht University.

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.

The city of Utrecht is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands, with a charming old center and an internationally oriented culture that is strongly influenced by its century-old university. Utrecht city has been consistently ranked as one of the most livable cities in the Netherlands.

The Faculty of Science consists of six departments: Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Information and Computing Sciences, Physics and Astronomy, Chemistry and Mathematics. The Faculty is home to 5600 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. Read the overall impression 2016 of the Faculty of Science.

In the Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science, physicists and chemists work closely together on nanomaterials research. The group Inorganic Chemistry and Catalysis comprises of more than 100 people, with research focus on nanostructured solid materials for applications in catalysis, hydrogen storage, and sustainable production of fuels and chemicals.