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Do you enjoy working in an interdisciplinary research setting and do you want to be active in a project that aims to impact the sustainability of plastics? Would you like to work at the interface between the creativity of academia and the relevance of industrially guided research? The Van ‘t Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences is looking for 2 ambitious PhD students. Your research is part of the Industrial Sustainable Chemistry group.
PhD position in NOvel REcyclable GREen polyesTers "NO-REGRET" project
- Faculty of Science
- 14211
- Master's
- €2.901 - €3.707
- 38 hours
- Closes on06-07-2025
Do you enjoy working in an interdisciplinary research setting and do you want to be active in a project that aims to impact the sustainability of plastics? Would you like to work at the interface between the creativity of academia and the relevance of industrially guided research? The Van ‘t Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences is looking for 2 ambitious PhD students. Your research is part of the Industrial Sustainable Chemistry group.
PhD position in NOvel REcyclable GREen polyesTers "NO-REGRET" project
- Faculty of Science
- 14211
- Master's
- €2.901 - €3.707
- 38 hours
- Closes on06-07-2025
Working at the UvA
Come join us!
The European chemical industry aims for climate neutrality by 2050. For polymers, widely used in products like plastics, this can be achieved with a biobased circular economy — maximizing recycling of current, fossil-based plastics as well as progressively increasing the use of biomass as feedstock. Converting biomass to drop-ins (bio-PE, bio-PET) is inefficient and resource-intensive as abundantly present oxygen in the biomass must be removed, which in most cases also means increasing the number of process steps required. Novel plastics have the potential for more efficient production and improved performance. Polyesters, known for their good recyclability and/or biodegradability, are ideal novel candidates but require development to match the properties of the incumbent fossil polymers.
NO-REGRET’s goal is to accelerate the development of new generations of cost-competitive polyesters with improved performance and circularity compared to today’s fossil polymers, by employing machine learning (ML). Within NO-REGRET, the existing ML-model “polySCOUT” — developed by the project partner TNO — will be improved by its involvement in the development, scale-up and prototyping of novel polyesters based on both commercially available and novel carbohydrate- derived monomers. The University of Amsterdam (UvA), in collaboration with Avantium under supervision of Prof dr Gert-Jan Gruter will develop technologies for the conversion of carbohydrates into novel building blocks (monomers) and the development of polyesters and corresponding polymerization technologies. Other partners and their main activities are: TNO (ML model development), Senbis Group (application development), Cure Technology (polyester recycling) and Ecoras (sustainability assessment).
Avantium will host and guide 2 PhD students in their Amsterdam labs.
Working at the UvA
Come join us!
The European chemical industry aims for climate neutrality by 2050. For polymers, widely used in products like plastics, this can be achieved with a biobased circular economy — maximizing recycling of current, fossil-based plastics as well as progressively increasing the use of biomass as feedstock. Converting biomass to drop-ins (bio-PE, bio-PET) is inefficient and resource-intensive as abundantly present oxygen in the biomass must be removed, which in most cases also means increasing the number of process steps required. Novel plastics have the potential for more efficient production and improved performance. Polyesters, known for their good recyclability and/or biodegradability, are ideal novel candidates but require development to match the properties of the incumbent fossil polymers.
NO-REGRET’s goal is to accelerate the development of new generations of cost-competitive polyesters with improved performance and circularity compared to today’s fossil polymers, by employing machine learning (ML). Within NO-REGRET, the existing ML-model “polySCOUT” — developed by the project partner TNO — will be improved by its involvement in the development, scale-up and prototyping of novel polyesters based on both commercially available and novel carbohydrate- derived monomers. The University of Amsterdam (UvA), in collaboration with Avantium under supervision of Prof dr Gert-Jan Gruter will develop technologies for the conversion of carbohydrates into novel building blocks (monomers) and the development of polyesters and corresponding polymerization technologies. Other partners and their main activities are: TNO (ML model development), Senbis Group (application development), Cure Technology (polyester recycling) and Ecoras (sustainability assessment).
Avantium will host and guide 2 PhD students in their Amsterdam labs.
All about this vacancy
This is what you will do
PhD1 will mostly focus on novel (not commercial) bio-based monomers to target specific polymer properties (such as rigidity, impact resistance, biodegradability). In addition PhD1 will study polyester depolymerization (chemical recycling). The candidate should have a background in organic chemistry. In this project, fundamental research and applied research will be combined.
PhD2 will mostly focus on polyester synthesis and application assessment. In addition PhD2 will study the biodegradability of the novel polyesters as well as collaborating with PhD1 on parts of the depolymerization (chemical recycling) work. PhD2 should have a background in organic- or preferably polymer chemistry/catalysis. In this project, fundamental research and applied research will be combined.
Tasks and responsibilities:
- conducting independent research in Industrial Sustainable Chemistry, resulting in patents and academic publications in peer-reviewed international journals and/or books;
- actively contributing to and developing national and international research networks and other forms of cooperation;
- teaching (practical) courses in English, in the bachelor and master programmes;
- supervising Bachelor and Master theses and tutoring students.
This is what we ask of you
Your experience and profile:
- MSc in organic chemistry (PhD1) or organic/polymer chemistry (PhD2);
- a motivated and committed researcher;
- flexible, readiness to participate in interdisciplinary cooperation and multidisciplinary development;
- Professional command of English.
Experience in chemical synthesis, catalysis, analysis (NMR, GC/LC-MS, DSC, GPC) is preferred.
This is what we offer you
A temporary contract for 38 hours a 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. 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. Both PhD students will be working on secondment in the Laboratories of Avantium at the Science Park (Amsterdam). The preferred starting date is September 1, 2025.
The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between €2,901 - € 3,707 (scale P). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. 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 will do
PhD1 will mostly focus on novel (not commercial) bio-based monomers to target specific polymer properties (such as rigidity, impact resistance, biodegradability). In addition PhD1 will study polyester depolymerization (chemical recycling). The candidate should have a background in organic chemistry. In this project, fundamental research and applied research will be combined.
PhD2 will mostly focus on polyester synthesis and application assessment. In addition PhD2 will study the biodegradability of the novel polyesters as well as collaborating with PhD1 on parts of the depolymerization (chemical recycling) work. PhD2 should have a background in organic- or preferably polymer chemistry/catalysis. In this project, fundamental research and applied research will be combined.
Tasks and responsibilities:
- conducting independent research in Industrial Sustainable Chemistry, resulting in patents and academic publications in peer-reviewed international journals and/or books;
- actively contributing to and developing national and international research networks and other forms of cooperation;
- teaching (practical) courses in English, in the bachelor and master programmes;
- supervising Bachelor and Master theses and tutoring students.
This is what we ask of you
Your experience and profile:
- MSc in organic chemistry (PhD1) or organic/polymer chemistry (PhD2);
- a motivated and committed researcher;
- flexible, readiness to participate in interdisciplinary cooperation and multidisciplinary development;
- Professional command of English.
Experience in chemical synthesis, catalysis, analysis (NMR, GC/LC-MS, DSC, GPC) is preferred.
This is what we offer you
A temporary contract for 38 hours a 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. 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. Both PhD students will be working on secondment in the Laboratories of Avantium at the Science Park (Amsterdam). The preferred starting date is September 1, 2025.
The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between €2,901 - € 3,707 (scale P). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. 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 Chemistry, Computational Chemistry, Synthesis & Catalysis and Molecular Photonics.
The Industrial Sustainable Chemistry Group focuses on the transition to a circular economy and more specifically the transition from a fossil-based to a bio-based economy, connecting sustainable development and production of energy and chemicals. The group’s focus is on future polymers with bulk volume potential. We are active in projects involving biorefinery technology (industrial sugars), and monomers from biomass and from CO2 (the only two alternatives for fossil feedstock when making polymers).
The University of Amsterdam is the Netherlands' largest university, offering the widest range of academic programmes. At the UvA, 30,000 students, 6,000 staff members and 3,000 PhD candidates study and work in a diverse range of fields, connected by a culture of curiosity.
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.
To work at the University of Amsterdam is to work in a discerning, independent, creative, innovative and international climate characterized by an open atmosphere and a genuine engagement with the city of Amsterdam and society. Here you can read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.
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 Chemistry, Computational Chemistry, Synthesis & Catalysis and Molecular Photonics.
The Industrial Sustainable Chemistry Group focuses on the transition to a circular economy and more specifically the transition from a fossil-based to a bio-based economy, connecting sustainable development and production of energy and chemicals. The group’s focus is on future polymers with bulk volume potential. We are active in projects involving biorefinery technology (industrial sugars), and monomers from biomass and from CO2 (the only two alternatives for fossil feedstock when making polymers).
The University of Amsterdam is the Netherlands' largest university, offering the widest range of academic programmes. At the UvA, 30,000 students, 6,000 staff members and 3,000 PhD candidates study and work in a diverse range of fields, connected by a culture of curiosity.
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.
To work at the University of Amsterdam is to work in a discerning, independent, creative, innovative and international climate characterized by an open atmosphere and a genuine engagement with the city of Amsterdam and society. Here you can read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.
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 feel one of the 2 profiles fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your application. You can apply online via the button below. We accept applications until and including 6 July, 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, indicating the interest in PhD1, PhD2 or both;
- a list of publications;
- the names and email addresses of two references who can provide letters of recommendation.
Only complete applications received within the response period via the link below will be considered. The interviews will be held in the course of 7-18 July 2025.
Do you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:
- Dr. Carlo Angelici, [email protected]
- Prof. dr. Gert-Jan Gruter, [email protected]
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.
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
If you feel one of the 2 profiles fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your application. You can apply online via the button below. We accept applications until and including 6 July, 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, indicating the interest in PhD1, PhD2 or both;
- a list of publications;
- the names and email addresses of two references who can provide letters of recommendation.
Only complete applications received within the response period via the link below will be considered. The interviews will be held in the course of 7-18 July 2025.
Do you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:
- Dr. Carlo Angelici, [email protected]
- Prof. dr. Gert-Jan Gruter, [email protected]
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.
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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PhD Position Thalamo-cortical Interactions in the Brain
- Faculty of Science
- €2.901 - €3.707
- Closes on30-06-2025
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Are you interested in how the neocortex and thalamus interact with each other in the mammalian brain? Do you like physiological and behavioral experiments in rodents and badly wish to make ground-breaking discoveries? Are you excited by new ideas, new techniques, and unconventional approaches? If your answers are all yes, this project might be for you!
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