The Catalysis Engineering group focuses on developing sustainable chemical processes by combining chemical engineering, chemistry and materials science. We are looking for two highly motivated PhD candidates 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 and helping with the construction of on appropriate scale reactor.

Your tasks

• Conduct experiments in the lab-scale including catalyst synthesis, characterization, reactions, analysis of the products;
• Involvement in the team for the 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 MSc degree in chemical engineering, applied chemistry or related field;
• Practical experience in operating high temperature, high pressure reactors safely is desirable;
• Knowledge in process simulation is desirable;
• Experience in catalyst synthesis, characterization. Experience in analytical techniques is desirable;
• Willingness to approach the problem creatively and critically;
• Willingness to meet the deadlines.

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 four years (the initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended to a total duration of four years). This 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 Masters students.

Based on a full-time contract (38 hours per week) the gross monthly salary will range from € 2,541,- in the first year to € 3,247,- (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.

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.