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PhD Position in Homogeneous Catalysis

  • Faculty of Science
  • 14439
  • Master's
  • €3.059 - €3.881
  • 38 hours
  • Closes on
    31-10-2025
Apply

PhD Position in Homogeneous Catalysis

  • Faculty of Science
  • 14439
  • Master's
  • €3.059 - €3.881
  • 38 hours
  • Closes on
    31-10-2025
Apply

Working at the UvA

Join our research team!

In the HomKat-group which is at the forefront in the field of supramolecular catalysis, we are looking for a motivated PhD student, who under the supervision of Dr. Sonja Pullen and Prof. Joost Reek will work on the integration of homogeneous catalysts with gas-diffusion electrodes for selective conversion of direct-air captured CO2 to ethylene and formaldehyde. The project is part of the HyCarb consortium under the umbrella of the National Growth fund program Groenvermogen. Join us in developing molecular electrocatalysts for selective conversion of direct air captured CO2 to ethylene and formaldehyde.

Working at the UvA

Join our research team!

In the HomKat-group which is at the forefront in the field of supramolecular catalysis, we are looking for a motivated PhD student, who under the supervision of Dr. Sonja Pullen and Prof. Joost Reek will work on the integration of homogeneous catalysts with gas-diffusion electrodes for selective conversion of direct-air captured CO2 to ethylene and formaldehyde. The project is part of the HyCarb consortium under the umbrella of the National Growth fund program Groenvermogen. Join us in developing molecular electrocatalysts for selective conversion of direct air captured CO2 to ethylene and formaldehyde.

All about this vacancy

This is what you will do

As PhD student you will be part of the HomKat group, providing a stimulating environment with knowledge in the area of homogeneous catalysis, supramolecular chemistry, and molecular electrochemistry. You will use supramolecular strategies to immobilize molecular CO2RR catalysts on gas-diffusion electrodes and study their mechanism and performance in electrochemical reduction to ethylene and formaldehyde. For mechanistic studies and performance testing, we utilize advanced techniques such as (spectro-) electrochemistry, spectroscopy, and HPLC.The envisioned research is highly interdisciplinary and within the HyCarb consortium you will work together with other researchers focusing on engineering aspects and large-scale implementation. 

Within the framework of the overarching goal to realize selective conversion of direct-air-captured CO2 to ethylene and formaldehye, the PhD candidate has sufficient freedom to shape the project in the direction of the experience and interest of the candidate. The working conditions are excellent with state-of-the-art research facilities.

This is what we ask of you

  • MSc degree in chemistry or chemical engineering;
  • A strong background in electrochemistry, supramolecular chemistry and/or homogeneous catalysis;
  • Practical experience in one or more of the following: organic/inorganic synthesis, structural characterization (NMR, MS and/or XRD, PXRD), electrochemistry and/or spectroscopy (UV-vis, emission, spectro-electrochemistry)
  • Excellent communication skills in English; willingness to represent the project within a larger interdisciplinary consortium;
  • Candidates should be self-motivated, eager to learn.

This is what we offer you

A temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 years (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) and 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 salary, depending on relevant experience before the beginning of the employment contract, will be  € 3,059 to € 3,881 (scale P) gross per month, based on a fulltime contract (38 hours a week), exclusive 8 % holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus. A favorable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities is applicable.

All about this vacancy

This is what you will do

As PhD student you will be part of the HomKat group, providing a stimulating environment with knowledge in the area of homogeneous catalysis, supramolecular chemistry, and molecular electrochemistry. You will use supramolecular strategies to immobilize molecular CO2RR catalysts on gas-diffusion electrodes and study their mechanism and performance in electrochemical reduction to ethylene and formaldehyde. For mechanistic studies and performance testing, we utilize advanced techniques such as (spectro-) electrochemistry, spectroscopy, and HPLC.The envisioned research is highly interdisciplinary and within the HyCarb consortium you will work together with other researchers focusing on engineering aspects and large-scale implementation. 

Within the framework of the overarching goal to realize selective conversion of direct-air-captured CO2 to ethylene and formaldehye, the PhD candidate has sufficient freedom to shape the project in the direction of the experience and interest of the candidate. The working conditions are excellent with state-of-the-art research facilities.

This is what we ask of you

  • MSc degree in chemistry or chemical engineering;
  • A strong background in electrochemistry, supramolecular chemistry and/or homogeneous catalysis;
  • Practical experience in one or more of the following: organic/inorganic synthesis, structural characterization (NMR, MS and/or XRD, PXRD), electrochemistry and/or spectroscopy (UV-vis, emission, spectro-electrochemistry)
  • Excellent communication skills in English; willingness to represent the project within a larger interdisciplinary consortium;
  • Candidates should be self-motivated, eager to learn.

This is what we offer you

A temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 years (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) and 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 salary, depending on relevant experience before the beginning of the employment contract, will be  € 3,059 to € 3,881 (scale P) gross per month, based on a fulltime contract (38 hours a week), exclusive 8 % holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus. A favorable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities is applicable.

Your place at the UvA

This is what more 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; 
•    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.

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 what more 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; 
•    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.

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. You can respond via the red button up to and including October 31, 2025.

Applications should include the following information (all files besides your cv should be submitted in one single pdf file):

  • a detailed CV including the months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience;
  • a letter of motivation;
  • a list of publications;
  • the names and email addresses of two references who can provide letters of recommendation.

 

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

Do you have questions about this vacancy? Or do you want to know more about our organisation? Please contact: dr. Sonja Pullen [email protected]  or Prof. Joost Reek, [email protected].

 

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
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. You can respond via the red button up to and including October 31, 2025.

Applications should include the following information (all files besides your cv should be submitted in one single pdf file):

  • a detailed CV including the months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience;
  • a letter of motivation;
  • a list of publications;
  • the names and email addresses of two references who can provide letters of recommendation.

 

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

Do you have questions about this vacancy? Or do you want to know more about our organisation? Please contact: dr. Sonja Pullen [email protected]  or Prof. Joost Reek, [email protected].

 

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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