The focus of the research of the Hetterscheid group lies with fundamental and mechanistic understanding of multi-electron catalytic processes including water oxidation and dioxygen reduction. In this project new and challenging biomimetic systems are developed for multi-electron redox reactions that are of interest for a future renewable energy infrastructure. The group strongly believes in a synergy between experiment and theory to be able to address our research questions in great detail. For the theory aspect of the project, we seek a postdoctoral researcher.

To understand the water oxidation reaction and the oxygen reduction reaction is great detail it is important to map the potential energy landscape of the catalytic reaction path and to rationalize these findings by structure-reactivity studies. The postdoctoral researcher will be responsible for the computations and will largely supported by experimental data obtained in the group. 
Other tasks include computational support of experimental data and contribution to design of new and very efficient catalysts that are being developed in the group. 
The chemical work will be performed within the Metals in Catalysis, Biomimetics & Inorganic Materials (MCBIM) and Catalysis and Surface Chemistry (CASC) groups of the Leiden Institute of Chemistry in close collaboration with several theoretical chemistry groups at Leiden University. More details can be obtained by email.

• The candidate should hold a PhD in chemistry;
• Excellent computational skills and experience are absolute necessaries;
• Expertise with catalysis, coordination chemistry, physical chemistry and/or electrochemistry from a computational point of view is appreciated;
• Good spoken and written English level.

We offer a one year term position, with the possibility of renewal based on need, funding and performance. Salary range from € 2,552.- to € 4,028.- gross per month (pay scale 10 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. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. For more information, see workingat.leiden.edu/.

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.

Faculty of Science

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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 organised in eight institutes. These institutes offer eight bachelor’s and twelve master’s programmes. 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. For more information, see www.science.leidenuniv.nl.