Postdoctoral Researcher - RoboChem

Postdoctoral Researcher - RoboChem

Working at the UvA

Join us

The project aims advance how chemical research is performed by integrating robotic experimentation, advanced analytical analysis, kinetic monitoring, machine learning, and intelligent experiment planning into a unified autonomous platform, capable of optimizing and predicting reaction outcomes. The successful candidate will play a central role in designing and implementing this research infrastructure while applying it to challenging problems in chemistry.

Working at the UvA

Join us

The project aims advance how chemical research is performed by integrating robotic experimentation, advanced analytical analysis, kinetic monitoring, machine learning, and intelligent experiment planning into a unified autonomous platform, capable of optimizing and predicting reaction outcomes. The successful candidate will play a central role in designing and implementing this research infrastructure while applying it to challenging problems in chemistry.

All about this vacancy

This is what you are going to do

Key responsibilities

  • Design, build and update a modular self-driving laboratory platform for automated chemical experimentation.
  • Integrate laboratory hardware including robotic liquid handling, pumps, reactors, analytical instruments, and environmental sensors.
  • Implement optimization workflows combining automated experimentation with machine learning.
  • Collaborate closely with chemists, computer scientists, and engineers to develop new autonomous workflows.
  • Apply the platform to research questions in synthetic chemistry, catalysis, or related application domains.
  • Publish results in leading journals and present work at international conferences.
  • Mentor students contributing to the project.

What you bring

  • PhD degree in chemistry or a related discipline.
  • Written and oral proficiency in English, strong scientific writing skills.
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a multidisciplinary environment.
  • Fluent interdisciplinary communication skills with scientists in engineering and data science.
  • Keen interest in automation, HTE and machine learning.
  • Enthusiasm for scientific programming in Python.
  • Someone with a problem-solving mindset who focuses on finding solutions rather than dwelling on obstacles.

This is what we offer you

We offer a temporary employment contract for 38 hours per week for a period of 8 months. The preferred starting date is ultimately January 1st, 2027.

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 3,706 - € 5,760 (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;
  • a pension at ABP for which UvA pays two third part of the contribution.

Are you curious to read more about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits? Explore all the benefits.

All about this vacancy

This is what you are going to do

Key responsibilities

  • Design, build and update a modular self-driving laboratory platform for automated chemical experimentation.
  • Integrate laboratory hardware including robotic liquid handling, pumps, reactors, analytical instruments, and environmental sensors.
  • Implement optimization workflows combining automated experimentation with machine learning.
  • Collaborate closely with chemists, computer scientists, and engineers to develop new autonomous workflows.
  • Apply the platform to research questions in synthetic chemistry, catalysis, or related application domains.
  • Publish results in leading journals and present work at international conferences.
  • Mentor students contributing to the project.

What you bring

  • PhD degree in chemistry or a related discipline.
  • Written and oral proficiency in English, strong scientific writing skills.
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a multidisciplinary environment.
  • Fluent interdisciplinary communication skills with scientists in engineering and data science.
  • Keen interest in automation, HTE and machine learning.
  • Enthusiasm for scientific programming in Python.
  • Someone with a problem-solving mindset who focuses on finding solutions rather than dwelling on obstacles.

This is what we offer you

We offer a temporary employment contract for 38 hours per week for a period of 8 months. The preferred starting date is ultimately January 1st, 2027.

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 3,706 - € 5,760 (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;
  • a pension at ABP for which UvA pays two third part of the contribution.

Are you curious to read more about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits? Explore all the benefits.

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.

Research in the Noël Research Group encompasses the development of new catalytic strategies and technologies for chemical synthesis. We strive to develop new technological tools which are of interest to the organic chemistry community and can overcome challenges in a variety of specialty applications, e.g. organic synthesis, chemical biology, material science, etc.

The aim of the Noël group is to build bridges between chemical engineering and organic synthetic chemistry. Consequently, long-standing problems in synthetic chemistry can be overcome, which includes scalability, gas-liquid reactions, photochemistry, electrochemistry and the generation and use of hazardous reagents. This allows us to effectively expand the available chemical space by bringing overlooked or avoided reagents into play.

About the Faculty of Science

Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, whether it concerns elementary particles, the birth of the universe, or how the brain functions. The Faculty has a student population of approximately 8,000 students, as well as 1,800 staff members working in education, research, or support services.

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.

Research in the Noël Research Group encompasses the development of new catalytic strategies and technologies for chemical synthesis. We strive to develop new technological tools which are of interest to the organic chemistry community and can overcome challenges in a variety of specialty applications, e.g. organic synthesis, chemical biology, material science, etc.

The aim of the Noël group is to build bridges between chemical engineering and organic synthetic chemistry. Consequently, long-standing problems in synthetic chemistry can be overcome, which includes scalability, gas-liquid reactions, photochemistry, electrochemistry and the generation and use of hazardous reagents. This allows us to effectively expand the available chemical space by bringing overlooked or avoided reagents into play.

About the Faculty of Science

Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, whether it concerns elementary particles, the birth of the universe, or how the brain functions. The Faculty has a student population of approximately 8,000 students, as well as 1,800 staff members working in education, research, or support services.

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 November 1st.
Please include the following documents in your application (as PDF files):

  • A motivation letter (max. 2 pages A4)
  • Your 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 will review applications on a rolling basis and continue recruiting until the position is filled. In the event of equal suitability, preference will be given to the internal candidate.

A knowledge security check can be part of the selection procedure. (for details: national knowledge security guidelines)

For questions about the position, please contact:

Prof. dr. ing. T. (Timothy) Noël

Email: [email protected]

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.
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 November 1st.
Please include the following documents in your application (as PDF files):

  • A motivation letter (max. 2 pages A4)
  • Your 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 will review applications on a rolling basis and continue recruiting until the position is filled. In the event of equal suitability, preference will be given to the internal candidate.

A knowledge security check can be part of the selection procedure. (for details: national knowledge security guidelines)

For questions about the position, please contact:

Prof. dr. ing. T. (Timothy) Noël

Email: [email protected]

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.

Don't miss out on your dream job!

Sign up for a job alert and you'll receive automatic updates about new and relevant vacancies.

Don't miss out on your dream job!

Sign up for a job alert and you'll receive automatic updates about new and relevant vacancies.