Stimuli-responsive (latent) catalysts are attracting increasing attention to achieve spatial and temporal control of chemical transformations. Switchable catalysts provide ample opportunities in external control of material properties, with photo-switching being an especially attractive functionality. While light-triggered activation of latent catalysts holds tremendous potential, this approach has thus far received limited attention in paint curing. Previous work in our group has shown that light-activated catalysts can be successfully applied in latent alkyd paint curing. This project aims to improve the current system.

The project is an active collaboration with industry. The PhD candidate will be appointed at the University of Amsterdam (UvA), at the Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Science in the Homogeneous catalysis group. We will recruit the candidate until the position is filled

Introduction
Do you enjoy working in an interdisciplinary research setting and do you want to be active in a collaboration between academia and industry? The Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences is looking for an ambitious PhD student. Your research is part of the Homogeneous Catalysis group. You will collaborate with the Molecular Photonics group and with an Industrial partner.

What are you going to do

The main challenge of this new project will be to tune the activation behaviour of new latent and light-triggered catalyst for paint curing. You are expected to synthesize new catalyst for paint curing, test them in real paint and to investigate mechanistic aspects. You will need a creative mind to develop light-activated catalyst that work in dark-coloured paints. You will make several new Fe-based catalysts, with different physical properties and different catalytic activities. The goal is to tune the activity and the wavelength of activation. You will need to make sure that the catalyst also works in paints containing dark-coloured pigments. To make this possible we need your creativity, enthusiasm and passion. This should result in sustainable, latent alkyd paint drying processes. These challenges offer ample opportunities for catalyst tuning and catalyst design, which will be guided by advanced computational and spectroscopic studies.

Tasks and responsibilities

• conducting independent research in synthesis & catalys, resulting in academic publications in peer-reviewed international journals and/or books;
• collaborating with the Molecular Photonics group (UvA);
• collaborating and with our industrial partner, including reporting and presenting your work to them;
• writing research reports, papers and a PhD thesis;
• presenting your work at national and international conferences;
• actively contributing to and developing national and international research networks and other forms of cooperation;
• supervising Bachelor and Master students;

You are a creative thinker who likes challenging projects. You should preferably have a background in synthesis and catalysis, with affinity for physical chemical methods (e.g. NMR, ITC, UV-Vis, Fluorescence, GC, HPLC, kinetics) to evaluate the properties of novel catalyst systems.

A MSc. degree in chemistry with a substantial organic chemistry component is required. Applicants with experience/affinity in coordination chemistry and/or catalysis have a clear advantage. The ability to collaborate and adapt in an international team is required and therefore you must possess good communication skills in oral and written English.

Your experience and profile

• MSc degree in chemistry with a substantial organic chemistry component;
• a passionate researcher, with a creative mind;
• excellent communication skills in oral and written English;
• experience and affinity with physical methods and characterisation techniques;
• flexible, readiness to participate in interdisciplinary cooperation and multidisciplinary research;

Applicants with experience/affinity in coordination chemistry and catalysis have a clear advantage.

A temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 years (the initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended for a total duration of 4 years). The preferred starting date is October 2022. 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 master students.

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between €2,443 to €3,122 (scale P). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. The UFO profile Promovendus is applicable. A favourable tax agreement, the '30% ruling', may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities is applicable.

Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at Science Park we offer you multiple fringe benefits:

• 232 holiday hours per year (based on fulltime) and extra holidays between Christmas and 1 January;
• multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre;
• a complete educational program for PhD students;
• multiple courses on topics such as leadership for academic staff;
• multiple courses on topics such as time management, handling stress and an online learning platform with 100+ different courses;
• 7 weeks birth leave (partner leave) with 100% salary;
• partly paid parental leave;
• the possibility to set up a workplace at home;
• a pension at ABP for which UvA pays two third part of the contribution;
• the possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch;
• help with housing for a studio or small apartment when you're moving from abroad.

Are you curious to read more about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits, take a look here.

Faculty of Science

The University of Amsterdam is the Netherlands' largest university, offering the widest range of academic programmes. At the UvA, 30,000 students, 6,000 staff members and 3,000 PhD candidates study and work in a diverse range of fields, connected by a culture of curiosity.

The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 8,000, as well as 1,800 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.

Institute/Department
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 Homogeneous, Supramolecular and Bio-Inspired Catalysis Group main research objective is the development of novel catalytic processes driven by our knowledge of the relationship between structure and performance of the catalyst. Research projects span from fundamental to applied catalysis, the latter in collaboration with industry and via spin-off companies.

Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.