PhD Position: Ab initio Catalyst Design for Biomass Conversion

Do you want to shape the future of biomaterials from waste? We are seeking a highly self-motivated PhD candidate to join our team working on ab initio catalyst design for catalytic biomass conversion processes.

We have a new PhD vacancy in our group on Ab initio Catalyst Design for Biomass Conversion. This PhD position is part of the newly funded national NWA-ORC project, Ab-initio Biowaste Loop (ABEL), which is funded by NWO (Dutch Research Council).

To close material loops in the Dutch bioeconomy, ABEL brings together a large multidisciplinary consortium. Consisting of industry, academia, policymakers, and societal partners, with the goal to tackle one of the most pressing challenges of our time: making high-value, sustainable, and circular biomaterials from low-value waste streams that can compete and even outperform traditional alternatives. This project targets applications across agriculture, asphalt paving, aviation, construction and the built environment.

The project focuses on understanding structure–reactivity relationships in heterogeneous catalysis using a combination of DFT, AIMD, and machine-learning methods. The PhD position is embedded in a broader research consortium on sustainable catalysis and bio-based chemical transformations, with close collaboration with experimental catalysis.

Your duties and responsibilities include:

• atomic-scale modeling of biomass conversion on heterogeneous catalysts;
• reaction mechanisms, kinetics, and dynamics under realistic conditions;
• development and application of machine-learning methods;
• ab initio design of noble-metal-free catalysts.

You will work here
The research is embedded within the chair [Biobased Chemistry and Technology] (https://www.wur.nl/en/chair-groups/biobased-chemistry-technology), and member of the [Computational Catalysis and Surface Chemistry] team, which is led by Dr. [Guanna Li] (https://www.wur.nl/en/chair-groups/biobased-chemistry-technology/research/modelling-technology).

• hold (or will soon obtain) a MSc degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, physics, or a related field;
• you have a strong interest in computational chemistry and catalysis, and you are highly self-motivated to take on challenging, high-risk-high-gain research projects;
• experience with AIMD and MLP calculations;
• enjoy working at the interface of theory, data, and catalysis;
• good programming or scripting skills (Python, Bash, etc.);
• strong communication skills in English, both written and spoken;
• strong teamwork spirit and commitment.

You also possess:
For this position your command of the English language is expected to be at C1 level. Sometimes it is necessary to submit an internationally recognised Certificate of Proficiency in the English Language. More information can be found here.

Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment. A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:

• partially paid parental leave;
• working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
• there is a strong focus on vitality and you can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee;
• a fixed year-end bonus of 8.3%;
• excellent pension scheme.

In addition to these first-rate employee benefits, you will receive a fully funded PhD position and you will be offered a course program tailored to your needs and the research team.
The gross salary for the first year is € 3.059,- per month rising to € 3.881,- in the fourth year in according to the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (scale P). This is based on a full-time working week of 38 hours. We offer a temporary contract for 18 months which will be extended for the duration of the project if you perform well.

We encourage development and internal mobility within our organisation. Our recruitment and selection policy sets out the conditions that apply specifically to you as a (former) employee. If you have any questions, we are happy to help.

You will work on the greenest and most innovative campus in the Netherlands, in an international and open working environment.

The mission of Wageningen University & Research is “To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life”. Under the banner Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen University and the specialised research institutes of the Wageningen Research Foundation have joined forces in contributing to finding solutions to important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment. With its roughly 30 branches, 7,600 employees (6,700 fte) and 13,100 students and over 150,000 participants to WUR’s Life Long Learning, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. The unique Wageningen approach lies in its integrated approach to issues and the collaboration between different disciplines.

Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR and watch the video below to get an idea of our green campus!

We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves, so no employment agencies please. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.

Wageningen University & Research is the university and research centre for life sciences. The themes we deal with are relevant to everyone around the world and Wageningen, therefore, has a large international community and a lot to offer to international employees.

Because we expect you to work and live in the Netherlands our team of advisors on Dutch immigration procedures will help you with the visa application procedures for yourself and, if applicable, for your family.

Feeling welcome also has everything to do with being well informed. We can assist you with any additional advice and information about for example helping your partner to find a job, housing, or schooling. Finally, certain categories of international staff may be eligible for a tax exemption on a part of their salary during the first five years in the Netherlands.