PhD Position in Homogeneous Catalysis

Are you interested in supramolecular chemistry, catalysis, and sustainable chemistry? Are you looking for a challenging PhD project? In that case, read on quickly!

Join our research team!
In the HomKat-group which is at the forefront in the field of supramolecular catalysis, we are looking for a motivated PhD student, who under the supervision of Dr. Sonja Pullen and Prof. Joost Reek will work on the integration of homogeneous catalysts with gas-diffusion electrodes for selective conversion of direct-air captured CO2 to ethylene and formaldehyde. The project is part of the HyCarb consortium under the umbrella of the National Growth fund program Groenvermogen. Join us in developing molecular electrocatalysts for selective conversion of direct air captured CO2 to ethylene and formaldehyde.

This is what you will do
As PhD student you will be part of the HomKat group, providing a stimulating environment with knowledge in the area of homogeneous catalysis, supramolecular chemistry, and molecular electrochemistry. You will use supramolecular strategies to immobilize molecular CO2RR catalysts on gas-diffusion electrodes and study their mechanism and performance in electrochemical reduction to ethylene and formaldehyde. For mechanistic studies and performance testing, we utilize advanced techniques such as (spectro-) electrochemistry, spectroscopy, and HPLC.The envisioned research is highly interdisciplinary and within the HyCarb consortium you will work together with other researchers focusing on engineering aspects and large-scale implementation.

Within the framework of the overarching goal to realize selective conversion of direct-air-captured CO2 to ethylene and formaldehye, the PhD candidate has sufficient freedom to shape the project in the direction of the experience and interest of the candidate. The working conditions are excellent with state-of-the-art research facilities.

This is what we ask of you

• MSc degree in chemistry or chemical engineering;
• A strong background in electrochemistry, supramolecular chemistry and/or homogeneous catalysis;
• Practical experience in one or more of the following: organic/inorganic synthesis, structural characterization (NMR, MS and/or XRD, PXRD), electrochemistry and/or spectroscopy (UV-vis, emission, spectro-electrochemistry)
• Excellent communication skills in English; willingness to represent the project within a larger interdisciplinary consortium;
• Candidates should be self-motivated, eager to learn.

This is what we offer you
A temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 years (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) and 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 salary, depending on relevant experience before the beginning of the employment contract, will be € 3,059 to € 3,881 (scale P) gross per month, based on a fulltime contract (38 hours a week), exclusive 8 % holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus. A favorable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities is applicable.

This is what more we offer
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;
• 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.

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

This is where you will work
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 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.

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.

If you recognize yourself in the profile and are interested in the position, we look forward to receiving your motivation letter and CV. You can respond via the red button up to and including October 31, 2025.

Applications should include the following information (all files besides your cv should be submitted in one single pdf file):

• a detailed CV including the months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience;
• a letter of motivation;
• a list of publications;
• the names and email addresses of two references who can provide letters of recommendation.

We will recruit until the position is filled and when a suitable candidate is found.

Do you have questions about this vacancy? Or do you want to know more about our organisation? Please contact: dr. Sonja Pullen s.pullen@uva.nl or Prof. Joost Reek, j.n.h.reek@uva.nl.