Two PhD positions are available in the field of Electro catalysis in the group of Professor Marc Koper. The positions are financed within the Marie Sklodowska Curie Innovative Training Network (ITN) ELCOREL.

Project 1: Study, formulation and understanding of catalysts for the electrochemical CO2 reduction with specific selectivity to carbon monoxide, formic acid, methane and or methanol. The work will involve the usage of various in situ and online characterization techniques, and collaboration with computational researchers in the group and in the ELCOREL network.

Project 2: Study and understanding of electrolyte effects (pH, solvent, cations, anions) on the electrochemical CO2 reduction on selected electro catalysts. The work will involve the usage of various in situ and online characterization techniques, and collaboration with computational researchers in the group and in the ELCOREL network.

• A Master’s degree (at the time of the contract commencement) in Chemistry (Physical, Analytical), Chemical Engineering, or Physics;
• Be in the first 4 years of his/her research career;
• Meet the mobility eligibility criteria as outlined by the Marie Curie ITN rules (candidates may not have carried out their main activity in The Netherlands for more than 12 months in the previous 3 years);
• Experience in electrochemistry and electrochemical measuring techniques is an advantage. 

The positions are intended for 48 months. The positions provide a monthly salary and also cover the tuition fees for the enrolment in the PhD programme of Leiden University. PhD students are required to make a modest contribution in teaching to the Leiden BSc programmes in Chemistry. We offer a one year term position with the possibility of renewal based on need, funding and performance. 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. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. For more information, see workingat.leiden.edu/.

All our PhD students are embedded in the Leiden University Graduate School of Science https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science/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.

Faculty of Science

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 driven by curiosity to expand fundamental knowledge 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 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.

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’.

Our environment and quality of life is largely determined by chemistry, therefore research at the forefront of molecular and the life sciences is of utmost importance for our future. For example, the next generation of solar cells or batteries, and the improvement of existing as well as the development of new drugs rely on smart chemical solutions. Knowledge of catalysis, synthesis and biological processes on molecular scale will enable us to discover novel processes and products that range from new materials to pharmaceuticals. 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 https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/science/chemistry/fundamental-research-in-energy--sustainability.