PhD in Computational Electrochemistry (ANION)

PhD in Computational Electrochemistry (ANION)

Working at the UvA

Join us!

This PhD project focuses on understanding nanoscale electrochemistry, which is vital for next-generation devices in the electrification transition. It investigates how activity at one nanoelectrode site, or "hot spot," affects nearby sites via local fluctuations, such as in electrochemical potential or concentration. Using advanced simulations like transition path sampling with molecular dynamics and neural network potentials, the study aims to uncover molecular mechanisms behind these fluctuations and their impact on reaction rates. By modeling interactions between two hot spots under confined conditions, it will explore how correlations arise in non-equilibrium systems. The work involves developing novel simulation methodologies and collaborating with experimental research at the Advanced Nano-electrochemistry Institute of the Netherlands (ANION), contributing to sustainable electrochemical technologies to reduce carbon emissions.

Working at the UvA

Join us!

This PhD project focuses on understanding nanoscale electrochemistry, which is vital for next-generation devices in the electrification transition. It investigates how activity at one nanoelectrode site, or "hot spot," affects nearby sites via local fluctuations, such as in electrochemical potential or concentration. Using advanced simulations like transition path sampling with molecular dynamics and neural network potentials, the study aims to uncover molecular mechanisms behind these fluctuations and their impact on reaction rates. By modeling interactions between two hot spots under confined conditions, it will explore how correlations arise in non-equilibrium systems. The work involves developing novel simulation methodologies and collaborating with experimental research at the Advanced Nano-electrochemistry Institute of the Netherlands (ANION), contributing to sustainable electrochemical technologies to reduce carbon emissions.

All about this vacancy

What are you going to do

The successful candidate will develop and apply advanced path sampling simulations of classical molecular dynamics (MD), DFT-based MD and neural-net potentials to probe the activity at an electrode surface in general, and resolving the origin of the electrochemical fluctuations and correlations in particular.  Further, the candidate will set up a multiscale reaction-diffusion model to bridge larger scales. This will yield insight under which (non-equilibrium) conditions correlations can emerge. 
The candidate will collaborate with other ANION institutes and researchers, carry out independent research under supervision, write scientific papers for publication in peer-reviewed journals, and disseminate their work at (inter)national conferences.

Tasks and responsibilities:

  • To carry out independent research in computational chemistry at HIMS; 
  • To be an active member of computational chemistry and of ANION;
  • To contribute to the teaching and supervision of BSc/MSc students; 
  • To write scientific papers;
  • To disseminate research, including through research data management;
  • To write a thesis.

What do you have to offer?

A recent MSc degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, physics or related field.
Your experience and profile:

  • a creative, curious, and self-driven nature with an interest in fundamental and applied research;
  • good programming skills;
  • excellent written and oral communication skills in English;
  • good time management skills;
  • a collaborative spirit and capable of working with other team members.

A background in numerical methods or molecular simulations and/or affinity/experience with molecular simulations and/or DFT calculations is a plus.

What we can offer you

We offer 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 a 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 dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 2,872 and € 3,670 (scale P). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance.

All about this vacancy

What are you going to do

The successful candidate will develop and apply advanced path sampling simulations of classical molecular dynamics (MD), DFT-based MD and neural-net potentials to probe the activity at an electrode surface in general, and resolving the origin of the electrochemical fluctuations and correlations in particular.  Further, the candidate will set up a multiscale reaction-diffusion model to bridge larger scales. This will yield insight under which (non-equilibrium) conditions correlations can emerge. 
The candidate will collaborate with other ANION institutes and researchers, carry out independent research under supervision, write scientific papers for publication in peer-reviewed journals, and disseminate their work at (inter)national conferences.

Tasks and responsibilities:

  • To carry out independent research in computational chemistry at HIMS; 
  • To be an active member of computational chemistry and of ANION;
  • To contribute to the teaching and supervision of BSc/MSc students; 
  • To write scientific papers;
  • To disseminate research, including through research data management;
  • To write a thesis.

What do you have to offer?

A recent MSc degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, physics or related field.
Your experience and profile:

  • a creative, curious, and self-driven nature with an interest in fundamental and applied research;
  • good programming skills;
  • excellent written and oral communication skills in English;
  • good time management skills;
  • a collaborative spirit and capable of working with other team members.

A background in numerical methods or molecular simulations and/or affinity/experience with molecular simulations and/or DFT calculations is a plus.

What we can offer you

We offer 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 a 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 dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 2,872 and € 3,670 (scale P). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance.

Your place at the UvA

What else do 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;
  • a complete educational program for PhD students;
  • 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. 

Organisational unit

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

What else do 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;
  • a complete educational program for PhD students;
  • 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. 

Organisational unit

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

Do you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:
•    Prof. dr. P.G. Bolhuis, [email protected]

Do you recognise yourself in the job profile? Then we look forward to receiving your application by 1 February, 2025. You may apply online by using the link below.

Applications in .pdf should include:
•    a curriculum vitae 
•    a letter of motivation
•    any other required information

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

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.

Important to know

Your application & contact

Do you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:
•    Prof. dr. P.G. Bolhuis, [email protected]

Do you recognise yourself in the job profile? Then we look forward to receiving your application by 1 February, 2025. You may apply online by using the link below.

Applications in .pdf should include:
•    a curriculum vitae 
•    a letter of motivation
•    any other required information

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

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.

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