You will be part of a dynamic, interdisciplinary team working to develop novel robotic platforms that transform how chemical synthesis is performed. The project aims to tackle key challenges in scalability, reproducibility, and efficiency by integrating lab automation, algorithmic decision-making, and modular, programmable hardware.

For more context on the vision behind this work, we recommend reading this recent publication in Science: https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adj1817 and our team’s behind-the-scenes blog post: https://www.noelresearchgroup.com/2024/01/25/the-story-behind-the-science-paper-how-our-team-created-robochem.

As a PhD candidate, you will contribute to the design, development, and validation of this new synthesis platform. Depending on your background and interests, your specific tasks may include:

• Designing and assembling modular robotic systems for automated chemical operations, including liquid handling, reaction monitoring, and data acquisition.
• Developing software to control robotic workflows and interface with analytical instruments.
• Implementing machine learning algorithms to optimize reaction conditions, predict outcomes, and interpret complex datasets.
• Collaborating with synthetic chemists to design experiments and validate automated protocols in real-world reaction settings.
• Exploring novel approaches to reaction discovery using data-driven methodologies and self-optimizing loops.

You’ll work at the interface of chemistry, engineering, and computer science, gaining valuable experience in modern tools that are reshaping scientific research.

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 between May 2025 and April 2026. 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, ranges between €2,901 (1st year) to €3,707 (last year), 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;
• 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.