The Catalysis Engineering group focuses on developing sustainable chemical processes by combining chemical engineering, chemistry and materials science. We are looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to work in a project funded by the European Union.

Plastics have become essential in our daily lives. However, at the same time, they create a serious waste problem. Recycling waste plastics is of great importance for a sustainable society. Chemical recycling is one of the promising options to close the loop of plastics use. In this project, which is part of the recently granted EU project PLASTICE, we will develop liquefaction route for recycling the plastics waste, in collaboration with other partners of the consortium. This applied project aims to translate the results from the lab to a larger scale.

What are you going to do

As part of this project, you will develop the liquefaction route for recycling plastics waste in collaboration with industrial partners. This involves lab-scale study/optimization, numerical simulation, conceptual design, basic engineering and construction of the reactor.

Your tasks

• Conduct experiments in the lab-scale including catalyst synthesis, characterization, reactions, analysis of the products;
• Numerical simulation, conceptual design and construction of an appropriate scale reactor;
• Reporting the progress and the results to the funding agency, consortium and dissemination of the results in peer-reviewed journals and conferences etc.;
• Supervising the students and teaching duties as stipulated by the institute.

• A recent PhD degree in chemical engineering, applied chemistry or related field;
• Practical experience in operating high temperature, high pressure reactors safely;
• Experience in chemical process simulations;
• Experience in catalyst synthesis, characterization. Experience in analytical techniques is desirable;
• Willingness to approach the problem creatively and critically;
• Ability to work independently and to plan tasks effectively to meet deadlines;
• Willingness to supervise student projects including PhD and Masters.

Your experience and profile

• Good communication skills in oral and written English;
• Takes initiative and has good time management skills;
• Interest in collaborating with students and colleagues in within and outside the institute;
• Interest in sustainability, passion for research and motivation to help the society through your research.

Knowledge, skills and experiences which are a plus (pre) are mentioned separately from the summary in a sentence.

A temporary contract for 38 hours per week, preferably starting on September 1, 2022, for the duration of 24 months. Initially, we will appoint you on a temporary basis for 12 months. We offer you subsequently an extension of the employment contract of 12 months if we assess your performance positively.

Based on a full-time contract (38 hours per week) the gross monthly salary will range from € 2,960,- to € 4,670,- (scale 10), depending on relevant experience before the beginning of the employment contract. 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.

The UvA offers excellent possibilities for further professional development and education.

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 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, flavor & food, medical and high-tech industries. Research is organized into four themes: Analytical Chemistry, Computational Chemistry, Synthesis & Catalysis and Molecular Photonics.

The Synthesis & Catalysis encompasses organic synthesis and all aspects of catalysis, including homogeneous catalysis, heterogeneous catalysis, biocatalysis, organocatalysis, and catalysis engineering. Projects range from fundamental to applied research, with strong valorization aspects. The Catalysis Engineering Group (part of the Synthesis & Catalysis) focus to develop sustainable chemical processes. We combine knowledge from the fields of Materials Science and Chemical Science with expertise in the field of Reactor Engineering.

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.