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Post-doc Position in Applied Polymer Research

  • Faculty of Science
  • 15062
  • PhD
  • €3.546 - €5.538
  • Closes on
    31-05-2026
Apply

Post-doc Position in Applied Polymer Research

  • Faculty of Science
  • 15062
  • PhD
  • €3.546 - €5.538
  • Closes on
    31-05-2026
Apply

Working at the UvA

Join our research team!

In the face of climate change, there is a need to use more biobased feedstocks to produce the materials in and around our buildings. There are promising uses for polymers based on vegetable drying oils, which spontaneously oxidize to form complex polymer networks. These are already applied in, for example, linoleum flooring and alkyd paints, but they also form the binder in historical oil paintings. In all these applications, a common challenge is to accurately control the properties of these sensitive polymer systems. The goal of this project is to study how surface characteristics (efflorescence/deposition of material on the surface, acidity, polarity, surface roughness, etc.) of complex drying oil polymer networks change under influence of environmental conditions like humidity, temperature and air flow. The research will support both industrial process development as well as paintings conservation efforts.

You will work at the Van ‘t Hoff Insititute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS) in a research team that includes HIMS researchers specialized in oil paint chemistry and industrial researchers from Forbo Flooring BV.

 

Working at the UvA

Join our research team!

In the face of climate change, there is a need to use more biobased feedstocks to produce the materials in and around our buildings. There are promising uses for polymers based on vegetable drying oils, which spontaneously oxidize to form complex polymer networks. These are already applied in, for example, linoleum flooring and alkyd paints, but they also form the binder in historical oil paintings. In all these applications, a common challenge is to accurately control the properties of these sensitive polymer systems. The goal of this project is to study how surface characteristics (efflorescence/deposition of material on the surface, acidity, polarity, surface roughness, etc.) of complex drying oil polymer networks change under influence of environmental conditions like humidity, temperature and air flow. The research will support both industrial process development as well as paintings conservation efforts.

You will work at the Van ‘t Hoff Insititute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS) in a research team that includes HIMS researchers specialized in oil paint chemistry and industrial researchers from Forbo Flooring BV.

 

All about this vacancy

This is what you are going to do

  • Familiarize yourself with the chemistry of linoleum and oil paint, and relevant surface phenomena
  • Design and prepare model systems of drying oil polymers of increasing complexity
  • Build and validate an environmental exposure chamber for conditioning/weathering of polymer systems
  • Carry out and/or interpret bulk material characterization (infrared spectroscopy, dynamic vapour sorption experiments, etc.)
  • Select and optimize surface characterization techniques (optical/UV/polarized light microscopy, electron microscopy, micro-IR spectroscopy, contact angle measurements, etc.)

 

This is what we ask of you

  • A PhD (working and thinking level) in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science or equivalent;
  • A few or more years of experience with studying complex polymer systems and/or polymer degradation is an advantage;
  • You are motivated to take ownership of (parts of) the project and work independently to find good solutions to research problems;
  • You collaborate effectively with partners across disciplines, and communicate effectively (in Dutch or English) with academic and industrial partners;
  • You are able to prioritize tasks and research questions to achieve results with impact quickly.

 

This is what we offer you

We offer a temporary employment contract for 38 hours per week for a period of 16 months. An extension may be possible based on available funding combined with adequate performance. The preferred starting date is September 2026.

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 3,546 - € 5,538 (scale 10). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. The UFO profile Researcher 4 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

  • Familiarize yourself with the chemistry of linoleum and oil paint, and relevant surface phenomena
  • Design and prepare model systems of drying oil polymers of increasing complexity
  • Build and validate an environmental exposure chamber for conditioning/weathering of polymer systems
  • Carry out and/or interpret bulk material characterization (infrared spectroscopy, dynamic vapour sorption experiments, etc.)
  • Select and optimize surface characterization techniques (optical/UV/polarized light microscopy, electron microscopy, micro-IR spectroscopy, contact angle measurements, etc.)

 

This is what we ask of you

  • A PhD (working and thinking level) in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science or equivalent;
  • A few or more years of experience with studying complex polymer systems and/or polymer degradation is an advantage;
  • You are motivated to take ownership of (parts of) the project and work independently to find good solutions to research problems;
  • You collaborate effectively with partners across disciplines, and communicate effectively (in Dutch or English) with academic and industrial partners;
  • You are able to prioritize tasks and research questions to achieve results with impact quickly.

 

This is what we offer you

We offer a temporary employment contract for 38 hours per week for a period of 16 months. An extension may be possible based on available funding combined with adequate performance. The preferred starting date is September 2026.

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 3,546 - € 5,538 (scale 10). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. The UFO profile Researcher 4 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

This position is based within a small team of researchers (2 PIs, 3 PhDs and several students) working on the chemistry of oil paintings within HIMS, with close ties to the Science team and research facilities at the Rijksmuseum. The project itself is carried out in close collaboration with specialists from Forbo Flooring BV, and will include meetings and site visits at the Forbo production facility in Assendelft. 

The research is embedded in the Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS), 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.

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

This position is based within a small team of researchers (2 PIs, 3 PhDs and several students) working on the chemistry of oil paintings within HIMS, with close ties to the Science team and research facilities at the Rijksmuseum. The project itself is carried out in close collaboration with specialists from Forbo Flooring BV, and will include meetings and site visits at the Forbo production facility in Assendelft. 

The research is embedded in the Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS), 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.

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 May 31st, 2026.
Please include the following documents in your application (as PDF files):

  • A motivation letter (max. 2 pages A4) that explains your motivation for this project and highlights relevant parts of your CV that make you suitable for this position;
  • A detailed CV, including the 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 strongly advise against the use of GenAI for writing the motivation letter. We would like to get an unfiltered impression of your personality and motivations, not those of a language model.

The first interviews will be scheduled in the first half of June 2026. 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:

Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.

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 May 31st, 2026.
Please include the following documents in your application (as PDF files):

  • A motivation letter (max. 2 pages A4) that explains your motivation for this project and highlights relevant parts of your CV that make you suitable for this position;
  • A detailed CV, including the 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 strongly advise against the use of GenAI for writing the motivation letter. We would like to get an unfiltered impression of your personality and motivations, not those of a language model.

The first interviews will be scheduled in the first half of June 2026. 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:

Acquisition in response to this vacancy is not appreciated.
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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