NL
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PhD Position in Catalytic Conversion of Syngas into Fine Chemicals

  • Faculty of Science
  • 13846
  • Master's
  • €2.901 - €3.707
  • 38 hours
  • Closes on
    15-03-2025
Apply

PhD Position in Catalytic Conversion of Syngas into Fine Chemicals

  • Faculty of Science
  • 13846
  • Master's
  • €2.901 - €3.707
  • 38 hours
  • Closes on
    15-03-2025
Apply

Working at the UvA

Join our team!

The Flow Chemistry Group at the Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS) is seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to contribute to cutting-edge research on the catalytic conversion of syngas into fine chemicals. This project is part of a broader effort to establish a sustainable production chain for green chemicals, with a particular focus on utilizing a syngas stream rich in unreacted CO₂.

Working at the UvA

Join our team!

The Flow Chemistry Group at the Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS) is seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to contribute to cutting-edge research on the catalytic conversion of syngas into fine chemicals. This project is part of a broader effort to establish a sustainable production chain for green chemicals, with a particular focus on utilizing a syngas stream rich in unreacted CO₂.

All about this vacancy

This is what you are going to do

•    Investigating catalytic processes that can efficiently convert syngas into high-value fine chemicals;
•    Exploring the direct use of syngas with residual CO₂ to minimize separation costs;
•    Conducting proof-of-concept experiments using commercial syngas mixtures, followed by validation with pilot plant-generated syngas;
•    Contributing to the industrial viability of photocatalytic syngas production by identifying high-margin applications in fine chemicals.

 

Additionally, the project will involve the development of new technology in continuous-flow methodologies for sustainable processing. This includes optimizing process control, reactor scalability, and light-assisted reaction efficiency for syngas conversion. The work will build on recent advances in photoreactor systems, leveraging automation and modular design to accelerate catalyst screening and reaction optimization.
 

This is what we ask of you

  • A MSc in chemistry or chemical engineering or related fields;

  • The ability and willingness to work in an interdisciplinary team;

  • A strong desire to work with the newest technologies, e.g. flow chemistry or automation technology;

  • Motivated to solve challenging research questions;

  • You are a team player;

  • Strong knowledge in written and spoken English.

 

This is what 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 to be discussed with  Prof. Noel. 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 €2,901 (1st year) to €3,707 (last year). 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 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;
•    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

•    Investigating catalytic processes that can efficiently convert syngas into high-value fine chemicals;
•    Exploring the direct use of syngas with residual CO₂ to minimize separation costs;
•    Conducting proof-of-concept experiments using commercial syngas mixtures, followed by validation with pilot plant-generated syngas;
•    Contributing to the industrial viability of photocatalytic syngas production by identifying high-margin applications in fine chemicals.

 

Additionally, the project will involve the development of new technology in continuous-flow methodologies for sustainable processing. This includes optimizing process control, reactor scalability, and light-assisted reaction efficiency for syngas conversion. The work will build on recent advances in photoreactor systems, leveraging automation and modular design to accelerate catalyst screening and reaction optimization.
 

This is what we ask of you

  • A MSc in chemistry or chemical engineering or related fields;

  • The ability and willingness to work in an interdisciplinary team;

  • A strong desire to work with the newest technologies, e.g. flow chemistry or automation technology;

  • Motivated to solve challenging research questions;

  • You are a team player;

  • Strong knowledge in written and spoken English.

 

This is what 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 to be discussed with  Prof. Noel. 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 €2,901 (1st year) to €3,707 (last year). 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 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;
•    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 Chemistry, Computational Chemistry, Synthesis & Catalysis and Molecular Photonics.

 

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.

 

The Flow Chemistry Group’s mission is to expand the available chemical space by embracing technology to the fullest extent. The aim of the Flow Chemistry group (a.k.a. the Noël Research Group) is to build bridges between chemical engineering and organic synthetic chemistry. Consequently, long-standing problems in synthetic chemistry can be overcome, which includes scalability, gas-liquid reactions, photochemistry, electrochemistry and the generation and use of hazardous reagents. This allows us to effectively expand the available chemical space by bringing overlooked or avoided reagents into play.

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

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 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.

 

The Flow Chemistry Group’s mission is to expand the available chemical space by embracing technology to the fullest extent. The aim of the Flow Chemistry group (a.k.a. the Noël Research Group) is to build bridges between chemical engineering and organic synthetic chemistry. Consequently, long-standing problems in synthetic chemistry can be overcome, which includes scalability, gas-liquid reactions, photochemistry, electrochemistry and the generation and use of hazardous reagents. This allows us to effectively expand the available chemical space by bringing overlooked or avoided reagents into play.

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

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 15.03.2025.  We will recruit until the position is filled and when a suitable candidate is found.

 

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.
Read more

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. You can respond via the red button up to and including 15.03.2025.  We will recruit until the position is filled and when a suitable candidate is found.

 

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.

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