Within the Synthesis and catalysis cluster of the Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS), the Homogeneous catalysis group is looking to strengthen their research with a new Lab manager. The relatively large group explores a variety of research topics, including catalysis with ligand design, organometallic chemistry, supramolecular chemistry, radical mediated catalysis, electrocatalysis, in situ spectroscopy and kinetic analysis, DFT calculations, and solar to fuel chemistry and devices. We are looking for a Lan manager with proven experience in synthesis and catalysis, expertise in standard analytical techniques like GC, GCMS, IR, UV-VIS, VIS and affinity or expertise in one or more of the research topics. You should intensively collaborate with the research analists of the lab, as well as with the scientists that perform the daily research and communicate with the scientific staff members of the group. It is important that the you can translate scientific problems to the needs of the group, both in terms of infrastructure and in terms of laboratory research support, including safety aspects. 

As a Lab manager you will lead the support staff of the homogeneous catalysis group. You will work within a team of motivated students and scientists at different stages of academic training to conduct both research, and contribute to maintainance of the equipment. You advise the scientific staff about equipment and processes, as well as about their implementation and ordering of consumables and instrument parts. In addition, you ensure a safe and clean work environment and organize and perform routine laboratory duties, including maintenance and responsibility for instrument scheduling and usage.

Furthermore you will propose and/or carry out new developments that improve the analytical and/or spectroscopic tools or develop synthesis routes and device construction/experiments, for the general benefit of our research. You will make observations, analyze/document experimental data, and interpret results. You will train students in lab skills, safety and the use of equipment. You will participate in research discussions, including student supervision. Next to these type of teaching duties, you may be active in outreach activies.

You:

• have a University degree in chemistry (MsC or a PhD) with expertise in synthesis and catalysis;
• have affinity for using and maintance of typical laboratory equipment;
• are able to cooperate with an international group of researchers on one hand, and various support services on the other;
• have experience in leading a small team;
• exhibit the highest degree of reliability and accuracy to assure the scientific quality;
• feel at home in group discussions and seminars and you are an effective sparring partner who provides creative support to young researchers in setting up experiments;
• have excellent communication skills in the English and Dutch language, or have the motivation to learn these languages;
• are self-motivated, willing to learn new skills and have very good time management skills.

Fixed-term contract: One year.

You will be offered an initial contract for one year, with a probationary period of 2 months, with the prospect of permanent employment. A possible extension will be awarded depending on performance. The probation period is 2 months.

Based on a full-time appointment (38 hours per week) the gross monthly salary will range from €2,579 to €4,274 depending on level of education and experience. This is excl. 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% end of year bonus. The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities is applicable.

Are you curious about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits? Then find out more about working at the Faculty of Science.

University of Amsterdam

With over 5,000 employees, 30,000 students and a budget of more than 600 million euros, the University of Amsterdam (UvA) is an intellectual hub within the Netherlands. Teaching and research at the UvA are conducted within seven faculties: Humanities, Social and Behavioural Sciences, Economics and Business, Law, Science, Medicine and Dentistry. Housed on four city campuses in or near the heart of Amsterdam, where disciplines come together and interact, the faculties have close links with thousands of researchers and hundreds of institutions at home and abroad.  

The UvA’s students and employees are independent thinkers, competent rebels who dare to question dogmas and aren’t satisfied with easy answers and standard solutions. To work at the UvA is to work in an independent, creative, innovative and international climate characterised by an open atmosphere and a genuine engagement with the city of Amsterdam and society.

Faculty of Science – Van ‘t Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences

The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 6,500, as well as 1,600 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 located at the vibrant Amsterdam Science Park. HIMS is one of eight institutes of the Faculty of Science. With around 140 employees, HIMS carries out internationally high-quality chemical research and provides education within various university programs. This is done in close cooperation with the medical, biotech, chemical, flavour & food, and high-tech industries.