3 PhD positions in Sustainable Technologies for Carbon Neutrality

3 PhD positions in Sustainable Technologies for Carbon Neutrality

Working at the UvA

Come and join our team!

In this collaboration, senior and junior researchers will develop new materials and technologies for selective oxidation, gas separation, and electrochemical CO2 reduction. In addition, the teams in Beijing and Amsterdam will share knowledge and experiences through mutual visits and research stays. There is much to done and much to be gained both on the scientific and personal level.

We are seeking three PhD candidates for the following projects:

Project 1. Designing selective catalysts for oxidation of small alkanes with air.

Project 2. Developing stable porous materials for gas separation.

Project 3. Researching paired electrocatalytic systems for sustainable conversion of CO2.

These projects are part of a large-scale collaboration with Tsinghua University and PhD students are expected to actively participate in this collaboration, also in the form of research and cultural exchange visits between the two institutions.

Working at the UvA

Come and join our team!

In this collaboration, senior and junior researchers will develop new materials and technologies for selective oxidation, gas separation, and electrochemical CO2 reduction. In addition, the teams in Beijing and Amsterdam will share knowledge and experiences through mutual visits and research stays. There is much to done and much to be gained both on the scientific and personal level.

We are seeking three PhD candidates for the following projects:

Project 1. Designing selective catalysts for oxidation of small alkanes with air.

Project 2. Developing stable porous materials for gas separation.

Project 3. Researching paired electrocatalytic systems for sustainable conversion of CO2.

These projects are part of a large-scale collaboration with Tsinghua University and PhD students are expected to actively participate in this collaboration, also in the form of research and cultural exchange visits between the two institutions.

All about this vacancy

This is what you are going to do

  • Develop (electro)catalysts and materials for sustainable technologies, focusing on small molecules and large volumes.
  • Research beyond the state-of-the-art by using the latest experimental and computational technologies.
  • Participate actively in teaching at university level, through practicals and tutorials, and through the (co)-supervision of master and bachelor project students.
  • Be part of an active research group, participating in meetings and discussion and helping and caring about your colleagues.

This is what we ask of you

We are looking for bright and enthusiastic team players who are result-oriented and are willing to invest much time and effort in reaching the project goals. You must have a master’s degree or equivalent in chemistry, physics, materials science or chemical engineering. This is an international collaborative project, so we are looking for open-minded persons who are willing to step out of their comfort zone.

This is what we offer you

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 as soon as possible. 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 ranges between €3,059 (1st year) to €3,881 (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.

All about this vacancy

This is what you are going to do

  • Develop (electro)catalysts and materials for sustainable technologies, focusing on small molecules and large volumes.
  • Research beyond the state-of-the-art by using the latest experimental and computational technologies.
  • Participate actively in teaching at university level, through practicals and tutorials, and through the (co)-supervision of master and bachelor project students.
  • Be part of an active research group, participating in meetings and discussion and helping and caring about your colleagues.

This is what we ask of you

We are looking for bright and enthusiastic team players who are result-oriented and are willing to invest much time and effort in reaching the project goals. You must have a master’s degree or equivalent in chemistry, physics, materials science or chemical engineering. This is an international collaborative project, so we are looking for open-minded persons who are willing to step out of their comfort zone.

This is what we offer you

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 as soon as possible. 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 ranges between €3,059 (1st year) to €3,881 (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.

Your place at the UvA

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 ChemistryComputational ChemistrySynthesis & Catalysis and Molecular Photonics. The projects will be carried out mainly in the Heterogeneous Catalysis & Sustainable Chemistry group.

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.

More about the UvA

The University of Amsterdam is ambitious, creative and committed. An inspiration to students since 1632, a vanguard player in international science and a partner in innovation.
The University of Amsterdam is the largest university in the Netherlands, with the broadest range of courses on offer. An intellectual hub with 42,000 students, 6,000 staff and 3,000 PhD students. Connected by a culture of curiosity.

Your place at the UvA

This is where you will be working

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 ChemistryComputational ChemistrySynthesis & Catalysis and Molecular Photonics. The projects will be carried out mainly in the Heterogeneous Catalysis & Sustainable Chemistry group.

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.

More about the UvA

The University of Amsterdam is ambitious, creative and committed. An inspiration to students since 1632, a vanguard player in international science and a partner in innovation.
The University of Amsterdam is the largest university in the Netherlands, with the broadest range of courses on offer. An intellectual hub with 42,000 students, 6,000 staff and 3,000 PhD students. Connected by a culture of curiosity.

Important to know

Your application & contact

If you recognize yourself in the profile and are interested in the position, we look forward to receiving your motivation letter and CV. Please include the following documents in your application (as PDF files):

  • A motivation letter (max. 2 pages A4), specifying which project you are applying for and what makes you a worthy candidate for this position.
  • Your CV, including the number of months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience, including a list of publications
  • Contact details of at least one academic reference

We will review applications on a rolling basis and continue recruiting until all three positions is filled. In the event of equal suitability, preference will be given to the internal candidate.

A knowledge security check can be part of the selection procedure (for details: national knowledge security guidelines). If you receive an error message while applying from abroad, please try again later or contact us for assistance.

For questions about the position, please contact:

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

As an employer, the UvA maintains an equal opportunities policy. We value diversity and are fully committed to being a place where everyone feels at home. We nurture inquisitive minds and perseverance and allow room for persistent questioning. With us, curiosity and creativity are the prevailing culture.
Studies show that women and members of underrepresented groups only apply for jobs if they meet 100% of the qualifications. Do you meet the educational requirements but not yet all of the requested experience? The UvA encourages you to apply anyway.

Important to know

Your application & contact

If you recognize yourself in the profile and are interested in the position, we look forward to receiving your motivation letter and CV. Please include the following documents in your application (as PDF files):

  • A motivation letter (max. 2 pages A4), specifying which project you are applying for and what makes you a worthy candidate for this position.
  • Your CV, including the number of months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience, including a list of publications
  • Contact details of at least one academic reference

We will review applications on a rolling basis and continue recruiting until all three positions is filled. In the event of equal suitability, preference will be given to the internal candidate.

A knowledge security check can be part of the selection procedure (for details: national knowledge security guidelines). If you receive an error message while applying from abroad, please try again later or contact us for assistance.

For questions about the position, please contact:

As an employer, the UvA maintains an equal opportunities policy. We value diversity and are fully committed to being a place where everyone feels at home. We nurture inquisitive minds and perseverance and allow room for persistent questioning. With us, curiosity and creativity are the prevailing culture.
Studies show that women and members of underrepresented groups only apply for jobs if they meet 100% of the qualifications. Do you meet the educational requirements but not yet all of the requested experience? The UvA encourages you to apply anyway.

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