3 PhD Positions in Photocatalysis and Electrochemistry

The development of new radical technologies, including photocatalysis and electrochemistry, enables chemists to develop new synthetic methods for constructing organic molecules. Are you interested in developing new flow technologies to construct these molecules in a more efficient fashion? If the answer is yes, then we might have something for you. We are looking for new PhD students with a background in either synthetic organic chemistry or chemical engineering to make this happen.

What are you going to do

We expect you to:

• Be active in organic synthetic chemistry and have an interest in photocatalysis (photoredox, energy transfer or HAT) and electrochemistry. You should also be interested in flow chemistry;
• Develop new flow technology to carry out and scale these synthetic methods;
• Publishing in high level international journals, presenting at leading conferences and supervising MSc and BSc students;
• Be open to collaborations with other institutes and/or companies by presenting your work to these collaborators and to transfer the technology to the company.

• An MSc in chemistry;
• The ability and willingness to work in an interdisciplinary team;
• A strong desire to work with the newest technologies, e.g. flow chemistry or automation technology;
• Motivated to solve challenging research questions;
• You are a team player;
• Strong knowledge in written and spoken English;
• A strong desire to work with the newest technologies, e.g. flow chemistry or automation technology.

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 January 1, 2023, 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.

The Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS) is one of eight institutes of the University of Amsterdam (UvA) Faculty of Science (FNWI). 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: Analytical Chemistry, Computational Chemistry, Synthesis & Catalysis and Molecular Photonics.

The Flow Chemistry Group's mission is to expand the available chemical space by embracing technology to the fullest extent. The aim of the Flow Chemistry group (a.k.a. the Noël Research Group) is to build bridges between chemical engineering and organic synthetic chemistry. Consequently, long-standing problems in synthetic chemistry can be overcome, which includes scalability, gas-liquid reactions, photochemistry, electrochemistry and the generation and use of hazardous reagents. This allows us to effectively expand the available chemical space by bringing overlooked or avoided reagents into play.

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.