Are you interested in supramolecular chemistry, catalysis, and sustainable chemistry? Are you looking for a challenging PhD project, then we may have the ideal position for you. In the HomKat-group that is at the forefront in the field of supramolecular catalysis, we are looking for a motivated PhD student, who under the direct supervision of Dr. Sonja Pullen will work on the border between supramolecular coordination cages and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). The newly designed and prepared systems will be used as catalysts for the conversion of small molecules using orthogonal tandem catalysis.

What are you going to do

You will be part of the HomKat group (www.homkat.nl), providing a stimulating environment with knowledge in the area of homogeneous catalysis, supramolecular chemistry, and solar fuel devices. In the subgroup of Sonja Pullen, you will develop novel materials based on coordination cages, introduce catalysts as building blocks or guests, and perform functional and mechanistic studies. For this, we utilize advanced techniques such as (spectro-) electrochemistry, spectroscopy, and gas-chromatography. The envisioned research is highly interdisciplinary with several promising potential applications. You will have sufficient freedom to shape the project in the direction of your experience and or your interest . The working conditions are excellent with state-of-the-art research facilities.

• MSc degree in chemistry or chemical engineering;
• A strong background in inorganic chemistry, supramolecular chemistry and/or homogeneous catalysis;
• Practical experience in one or more of the following: organic/inorganic synthesis, structural characterization (NMR, MS and/or XRD, PXRD), electrochemistry and/or spectroscopy (UV-vis, emission, spectro-electrochemistry)
• Excellent communication skills in English;
• Self-motivation, eagerness to learn.

A temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 years (initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended for a total duration of 4 years) and should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). We will draft an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. We also expect you to assist in teaching undergraduates and master students.

The position is available now, we will recruit until a suitable candidate has been found. The first round of interviews will already take place in the second half of July.

Based on a full-time contract (38 hours per week) the gross monthly salary will range from €2,443 in the first year to €3,122 (scale P) in the last year. This is exclusive 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus. A favourable tax agreement, the '30% ruling', may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities is applicable.

Are you curious about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits like our excellent opportunities for study and development? Take a look here.

What else do we offer

• a function in which initiative is strongly valued;
• an enthusiastic team that welcomes new members;
• an inspiring academic and international environment in the heart of Amsterdam.

Faculty of Science

The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 8,000, as well as 1,800 members of staff working in education, research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, be it elementary particles, the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain.

The Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS) is one of eight institutes of the University of Amsterdam (UvA) Faculty of Science. HIMS performs internationally recognized chemistry and molecular research, curiosity driven as well as application driven. This is done in close cooperation with the chemical, flavour & food, medical and high-tech industries. Research is organized into four themes: Synthesis & Catalysis, Computational Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry and Molecular Photonics.

To work at the University of Amsterdam is to work in a discerning, independent, creative, innovative and international climate characterized by an open atmosphere and a genuine engagement with the city of Amsterdam and society. Here you can read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.