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Postdoctoral Position in Redox Mediator Based Electrolysers

  • Faculty of Science
  • 13850
  • PhD
  • €3.378 - €5.331
  • 38 hours
  • Closes on
    18-03-2025
Apply

Postdoctoral Position in Redox Mediator Based Electrolysers

  • Faculty of Science
  • 13850
  • PhD
  • €3.378 - €5.331
  • 38 hours
  • Closes on
    18-03-2025
Apply

Working at the UvA

Join our team!

In order to deal with the increasing global energy shortage and serious climate issues caused by the usage of fossil fuels, technologies for production of renewable and clean energy on large scale are urgently required. One of the promising solutions is to use green electricity for the production of green hydrogen, typically produced by water electrolysis. Although there are various technologies available, electrolysis plants are currently being build, the processes are far from optimal. One of the issues is sensitivity of electrolyzers to variation of energy input. Therefore, further development of water electrolysis technologies is required and this is the main objective of a larger research program in the Netherlands (https://groenvermogennl.org/en/). In the context of this program, we will develop a new concept for electrolyzers that is based on redox mediators.  

Working at the UvA

Join our team!

In order to deal with the increasing global energy shortage and serious climate issues caused by the usage of fossil fuels, technologies for production of renewable and clean energy on large scale are urgently required. One of the promising solutions is to use green electricity for the production of green hydrogen, typically produced by water electrolysis. Although there are various technologies available, electrolysis plants are currently being build, the processes are far from optimal. One of the issues is sensitivity of electrolyzers to variation of energy input. Therefore, further development of water electrolysis technologies is required and this is the main objective of a larger research program in the Netherlands (https://groenvermogennl.org/en/). In the context of this program, we will develop a new concept for electrolyzers that is based on redox mediators.  

All about this vacancy

This is what you are going to do

Goal: Develop radically new electrolyzers in which electron transfer and catalysis is decoupled by using redox mediators. The research project will consist of the following steps:

1) Exploration of batch reactor set-up with redox mediators and molecular catalysts.

2) Exploration of batch reactor set-up with redox mediators and heterogeneous catalysts.

3) Development of flow reactor set-up with redox mediators and molecular catalysts/heterogeneous catalysts in which the hydrogen/oxygen gas formation is in a different compartment as the charging of the redox mediators.

4) Demonstration of redox mediator based electrolyzer under fluctuating power conditions. 

Your tasks will be:

  • Conducting independent research in this project, resulting in academic publications in peer-reviewed international journals
  • You will be involved in the preparation of catalysts and redox mediators, perform the related electrochemistry and batch electrolysis experiments and eventually design and develop a flow reactor (in collaboration with TU Delft)
  • Contribute to the general operation of the lab, including the guidance of students
  • Present work in Groen Vermogen meetings and have discussions with the stake holders
  • Write reports and papers on the obtained results.

This is what we ask of you

  • A recent PhD degree in electrochemistry, electrosynthesis or organometallic chemistry. Experience with engineering or the wish to learn this is a pre; 
  • PhD in chemistry with a specialization related to the project;
  • Flexible, readiness to participate in cooperation and multidisciplinary development; 
  • Committed researcher, demonstrated by publications in international refereed academic journals and academic publishers;
  • Strong initiative and good time management skills; 
  • Strong presentation skills;
  • Professional communication skills in oral and written English.

This is what we offer you

A temporary contract for 38 hours per week, preferably starting as soon as possible, but latest on June 1, 2025, for the duration of 12 months, with a possible extension of 12 months subject to a positive assessment and sufficient financial resources. 
The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 3,378 - € 5,331 (scale 10). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. The UFO profile Researcher 4 is applicable. A favorable 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

Goal: Develop radically new electrolyzers in which electron transfer and catalysis is decoupled by using redox mediators. The research project will consist of the following steps:

1) Exploration of batch reactor set-up with redox mediators and molecular catalysts.

2) Exploration of batch reactor set-up with redox mediators and heterogeneous catalysts.

3) Development of flow reactor set-up with redox mediators and molecular catalysts/heterogeneous catalysts in which the hydrogen/oxygen gas formation is in a different compartment as the charging of the redox mediators.

4) Demonstration of redox mediator based electrolyzer under fluctuating power conditions. 

Your tasks will be:

  • Conducting independent research in this project, resulting in academic publications in peer-reviewed international journals
  • You will be involved in the preparation of catalysts and redox mediators, perform the related electrochemistry and batch electrolysis experiments and eventually design and develop a flow reactor (in collaboration with TU Delft)
  • Contribute to the general operation of the lab, including the guidance of students
  • Present work in Groen Vermogen meetings and have discussions with the stake holders
  • Write reports and papers on the obtained results.

This is what we ask of you

  • A recent PhD degree in electrochemistry, electrosynthesis or organometallic chemistry. Experience with engineering or the wish to learn this is a pre; 
  • PhD in chemistry with a specialization related to the project;
  • Flexible, readiness to participate in cooperation and multidisciplinary development; 
  • Committed researcher, demonstrated by publications in international refereed academic journals and academic publishers;
  • Strong initiative and good time management skills; 
  • Strong presentation skills;
  • Professional communication skills in oral and written English.

This is what we offer you

A temporary contract for 38 hours per week, preferably starting as soon as possible, but latest on June 1, 2025, for the duration of 12 months, with a possible extension of 12 months subject to a positive assessment and sufficient financial resources. 
The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 3,378 - € 5,331 (scale 10). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. The UFO profile Researcher 4 is applicable. A favorable 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 Homogeneous, Supramolecular and Bio-Inspired Catalysis Groups main research objective is the development of novel catalytic processes driven by our knowledge of the relationship between structure and performance of the catalyst. We develop new conceptual strategies that often have a supramolecular component or are driven by inspiration from nature. Research projects span from fundamental to applied catalysis, the latter in collaboration with industry and via spin-off companies. We are part of the UvA Research Priority area in “Sustainable Chemistry” and actively contribute to the AMCEL program. Current topics include catalysis for green energy applications, sustainable CO2 conversion, catalysis for sustainable chemical conversions, (photo)electrochemical conversions, and catalysis in living systems for the treatment of diseases. We are part of HIMS.

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. 
 

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 Homogeneous, Supramolecular and Bio-Inspired Catalysis Groups main research objective is the development of novel catalytic processes driven by our knowledge of the relationship between structure and performance of the catalyst. We develop new conceptual strategies that often have a supramolecular component or are driven by inspiration from nature. Research projects span from fundamental to applied catalysis, the latter in collaboration with industry and via spin-off companies. We are part of the UvA Research Priority area in “Sustainable Chemistry” and actively contribute to the AMCEL program. Current topics include catalysis for green energy applications, sustainable CO2 conversion, catalysis for sustainable chemical conversions, (photo)electrochemical conversions, and catalysis in living systems for the treatment of diseases. We are part of HIMS.

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. 
 

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

Do you recognize yourself in the job profile? Then we look forward to receiving your application by 18 March, 2025 at latest. You may apply online by using the link below.

Applications in .pdf should include:

  • A curriculum vitae including the list of publications (please put in the months and not just years when referring to your education and work experience);
  • A short overview (max 2 pages A4) of specific past research contributions;
  • A letter of motivation (max 2 pages A4);
  • A reference (email, phone number) to the direct supervisor in the previous academic position.

The selection process commences immediately, but will close when a suitable candidate has been found, even if this is prior to the final date of the application window.  Any other correspondence in response to this advertisement will not be dealt with. 

Questions
Do you have any questions or do you require additional information?

Please contact:
•    Prof. Dr. J.N.H Reek

 

 

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

Do you recognize yourself in the job profile? Then we look forward to receiving your application by 18 March, 2025 at latest. You may apply online by using the link below.

Applications in .pdf should include:

  • A curriculum vitae including the list of publications (please put in the months and not just years when referring to your education and work experience);
  • A short overview (max 2 pages A4) of specific past research contributions;
  • A letter of motivation (max 2 pages A4);
  • A reference (email, phone number) to the direct supervisor in the previous academic position.

The selection process commences immediately, but will close when a suitable candidate has been found, even if this is prior to the final date of the application window.  Any other correspondence in response to this advertisement will not be dealt with. 

Questions
Do you have any questions or do you require additional information?

Please contact:
•    Prof. Dr. J.N.H Reek

 

 

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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