In this research project, you will design, synthesise and test adsorbent materials, such as metal-organic frameworks, for the separation and flexible buffer storage of CO2. This research is part of the large consortium project “Hydrogen and green electrons for carbon-based chemistry” (HyCarb) of the National Growth Fund program GroenvermogenNL involving knowledge institutions and companies in the Netherlands.

Tasks and responsibilities:

• You will synthesise and characterise existing and novel metal-organic frameworks using state-of-the art methodologies;
• You will characterise the materials using spectroscopic and surface characterisation techniques;
• You will identify and implement optimal methods for the integration and testing of materials in real-life conditions;
• You will perform structure-property correlations and unravel the physical and chemical characteristics that determine the functional properties of the materials;
• You will collaborate with universities and industry and report and present your work-progress on a regular basis to the research partners and stakeholders within the project;
• You will participate in the activities of the Functional Materials group and work in close collaboration with colleagues at HIMS.

• You have a creative, curious and driven nature;
• You have a recent PhD degree in Chemistry, Materials Science or related field;
• You have relevant experience with the synthesis and characterisation of metal-organic frameworks; expertise in adsorptive separations and materials processing is a pro;
• You have skills in solid-state chemistry and materials characterisation;
• You have a keen interest to investigate structure-property relationships of the synthesized materials both from fundamental point of view and for industrial application in CO2 separation and storage processes;
• You are open to contribute to scaling up metal-organic frameworks for application tests by industrial project partners;
• You are expected to stay acquainted with the recent scientific literature in the field of metal-organic frameworks, develop research ideas and valorise the research in the form of research articles;
• You have excellent analytical and communication skills and a demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment;
• You have a good team spirit and like to work in interdisciplinary and internationally oriented environment and to work with academic and industrial partners.
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English.

 A temporary contract for 38 hours per week, preferably starting as soon as possible, but latest on February 1st, 2026, for the duration of 12 months. An extension for an additional 12 months may be granted subject to satisfactory performance.

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.