Postdoc Researcher - Catalytic Approaches toward Bio-Based Peptide Surfactants (1.0 FTE)

In the Feringa lab, sustainable molecular design and green chemical processes are two of the central research themes. We are particularly interested in developing next-generation bio-based materials that align with industrial and environmental goals. As part of this effort, the current project supported by NWO (within the BigChemistry consortium) is devoted to the creation of fully renewable peptide-based surfactants.

What are you going to do?

The postdoc will focus on the design, synthesis, and characterization of novel peptide surfactants derived from amino acids and fatty alcohols/acids using hydrogen-borrowing catalysis as a waste-free, green methodology. This includes exploring catalytic space through ligand and catalyst screening for efficient C–N bond formation. In parallel, the postdoc will engage with AI- and robotics-driven workflows to optimize both catalytic performance and surfactant properties within complex multiparameter systems (e.g., surface tension, foamability, formulation behavior, biodegradability).

The postdoc will work closely with an interdisciplinary team, including industrial partner and collaborators involved in AI/robotics development, to deliver a family of new bio-based peptide surfactants and establish a sustainable, scalable synthesis platform.

We are looking for candidates who meet the following requirements:

• A PhD degree in Chemistry.
• Solid knowledge and demonstrated skills in synthetic organic chemistry are essential; expertise in catalysis and peptide chemistry are strongly recommended.
• A proven publication record showcasing your ability to produce high-quality research published in international, peer-reviewed journals, preferably in top-tier outlets.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Experience supervising BSc/MSc/PhD students is an advantage.
• A proactive and motivated approach to identifying research opportunities and contributing to the success of the project and team.

• 232 vacation hours per year, based on a 38-hour workweek (1.0 FTE). You can also work more or fewer hours in exchange for more or fewer free hours. For example, with a 40-hour workweek, you save 96 extra free hours, and with a 36-hour workweek, you lose 96 hours.
• End-of-year bonus of 8.3% and 8% holiday allowance.
• Extensive opportunities for personal and professional development.

The Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) provides teaching and research across a wide range of disciplines, from physics and biology to artificial intelligence, mechanical engineering, and pharmacy. In close collaboration with partners from industry, healthcare, and society, we contribute to the urgent challenges of our time, such as energy, sustainability, digitization, and medical technology. Our community is open and informal, with more than 7,000 students, 1,000 PhD students, and 1,400 staff members from all over the world. If you would like to learn more about the Faculty of Science and Engineering, visit rug.nl/fse. 

The positions we are offering will be within the group of prof. Ben Feringa, embedded within the Stratingh Institute for Chemistry, which is part of the Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) at the University of Groningen.

The University of Groningen, established in 1614, is one of the oldest and largest research universities in the Netherlands, offering diverse programs across various disciplines. Located in the lively and historic provincial capital, the university has a vibrant international community, with students and staff from all over the world contributing to a dynamic and multicultural environment. Due to its innovative research initiatives and high-quality education, the University of Groningen is currently in or around the top 100 on several influential ranking lists.

The mission of the Stratingh Institute for Chemistry is to perform excellent research and teaching in molecular and supramolecular chemistry. It focuses on a broad range of topics, including synthetic organic chemistry, catalysis, chemical biology, molecular inorganic chemistry, systems chemistry and materials science. The institute fosters an interdisciplinary approach, encouraging collaboration between researchers from different fields to drive innovation and address complex scientific challenges.

The research programme of the Feringa group focuses on synthetic and physical organic chemistry, inspired by Nature's principles of molecular assembly, recognition, transport, motion, and catalysis. The goal is to create new structures and functions, with an emphasis on molecular switches and motors, dynamic molecular systems, responsive materials, photopharmacology and biohybrid systems. The group also develops sustainable synthesis methods and asymmetric catalysis. Chirality is a leading theme, and over the years, a unique and broad expertise in fundamental aspects of stereochemistry has been acquired including chiroptical phenomena, chiral amplification and the origin of chirality.

Do you have any questions or need more information?

Questions about the content of the job?
Alexander Ryabchun (Education and Research Technician- O profile): A.Ryabchun@rug.nl

Questions about your application process?
Alexander Ryabchun (Education and Research Technician- O profile): A.Ryabchun@rug.nl