This postdoctoral position is part of the EU-funded Future Emerging Technologies SOFIA project. The aim of this project is to develop photocatalytically active soap films for solar fuel production The candidate will have expertise in the synthesis of metal-based compounds and demonstrated experience in photocatalysis and/or supramolecular chemistry.

The postdoc position will be hosted within the group of Dr. Sylvestre Bonnet, whose research focus is on performing photochemistry in biomimetic supramolecular environments. Embedded within a multidisciplinary European project, the postdoctoral collaborator will also work within the coordination chemistry and catalysis group in Leiden (MCBIM), which houses excellent facilities for synthesis, photochemistry, and photocatalysis, and hosts several PhD students with expertise in the field of supramolecular photocatalysis.

The MCBIM group is internationally recognized for its work in biomimetic inorganic chemistry and photochemistry. Strong interaction between the postdoc and on the one hand the members of the MCBIM solar fuel team, and on the other hand the European teams of the SOFIA project, is expected.

• The candidate should hold a PhD degree in coordination or organometallic chemistry, synthetic photochemistry, or a related field;
• She/he should have a good knowledge and network of the solar fuel community;
• Excellent proficiency in English is required (as proven by IELTS: ≥ 6.5 or TOEFL: internet based 90, or equivalent);
• The candidate should have a convincing publication record;
• She/he should have proven ability to work in team and to communicate with people from other research fields;
• Previous experience in the synthesis and study of amphiphilic compounds is a plus;
• The starting date is as soon as possible in 2020.

We offer a full-time position for initially one year, with possible extension for another year after positive evaluation of the progress of the research. Salary range from €2,709.- to €4,274.- 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.

Leiden University

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.