Faculty: Faculty of Science
Required qualification: Master's degree
Employment: 38 hours per week
Vacancy ID: 15332
Salary: €3,059 – €3,881 (gross per month)
Application deadline: 2 October 2026

Overview

Are you interested in contributing to a more sustainable chemical industry? We have three PhD projects, in collaboration with the chemical industry, where you'll do exactly that.

Join Our Team

The Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS) is one of the eight research institutes within the Faculty of Science at the University of Amsterdam (UvA). HIMS performs internationally recognised research in chemistry and molecular sciences, combining both curiosity-driven and application-oriented research.

As a PhD candidate, you will join the Synthesis and Catalysis cluster, either within:

• Flow Chemistry Group (FlowChem), or
• Homogeneous, Supramolecular and Bio-Inspired Catalysis Group (HomKat).

You will work within a larger national research consortium funded by GroenvermogenNL (Work Package 6).

Research at the University of Amsterdam focuses on:

• Developing robust hydrogenation catalysts.
• Designing widely applicable photochemical tools.
• Advancing both fundamental understanding and industrial applications.

The projects include mechanistic investigations using:

• EPR spectroscopy
• NMR spectroscopy
• IR/Raman spectroscopy
• Kinetic studies
• Computational chemistry

PhD Project 1 – HomKat Group

You will develop new hydrogenation catalysts for:

• Terpenoids
• Carboxylic acids

The catalysts will be based on paramagnetic base metals such as:

• Manganese (Mn)
• Cobalt (Co)
• Iron (Fe)
• Nickel (Ni)

The project involves innovative concepts including:

• Redox-active ligands
• Cooperative ligands
• Supramolecular catalysis
• Catalyst protection using cage compounds

Research activities include:

• Studying metalloradical reaction pathways.
• Spectroscopic investigations.
• Kinetic analyses.
• Computational modelling.
• Developing supramolecular ligand libraries.
• Contributing kinetic data to machine learning models in collaboration with TU Delft.
• Designing new catalysts using machine-learning feedback.

PhD Project 2 – HomKat Group

You will develop new photo-activated catalysts for the paint industry.

Current industrial curing methods rely heavily on:

• UV curing
• Thermal curing

These methods have high energy demands and environmental impacts.

The project aims to develop visible-light-induced photocatalytic approaches with:

• High atom economy.
• Fast curing.
• Minimal side products.
• Long storage stability (latency).

Research strategies include:

• Light-induced carbene insertion.
• Light-induced nitrene insertion.
• Photoactivation of latent catalysts.
• Direct photocatalysis.
• Radical-based oxidative curing.

A major objective is the development of catalysts and reagents that absorb strongly in the red and near-infrared (NIR) region to enable curing of pigmented paints.

During the project you will gain expertise in:

• Catalyst synthesis
• Photocatalysis
• Carbene and nitrene chemistry
• Spectroscopy
• Photochemistry
• Photonics
• Computational chemistry

PhD Project 3 – FlowChem Group

You will develop next-generation photochemical methodologies and reactor technologies by combining:

• Flow chemistry
• Laboratory automation
• Artificial Intelligence (AI)

The project will expand the RoboChem self-driving laboratory platform using:

• Advanced photoreactors
• Modular LED light sources
• Inline analytical systems
• Machine-learning algorithms

Research focuses on:

• Photon transport
• Catalyst performance
• Reaction scalability
• Process intensification

The developed platform will autonomously optimise photocatalytic reactions and facilitate translation from high-throughput screening to scalable continuous-flow production.

Applications include:

• Selective small-molecule functionalisation
• Polymer degradation
• Polymer modification
• Photocuring

The project is carried out in collaboration with academic and industrial partners, including:

• Signify
• Bronkhorst

For this position, experience with machine learning, automation and data-driven optimisation is considered an advantage.

Requirements

As a PhD candidate, you are a creative researcher who enjoys challenging scientific problems.

Applicants should have:

• A Master's degree in Chemistry with a substantial experimental synthetic chemistry component.
• A background in synthesis and catalysis.
• Affinity with homogeneous catalysis and/or photochemistry.
• Experience with physical and spectroscopic techniques such as:Good communication skills in spoken and written English.
  • NMR
  • EPR
  • UV-Vis
  • IR/Raman
  • Gas Chromatography (GC)
  • High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
  • Kinetic studies
• The ability to work collaboratively within an international research team.

Additional advantages include:

• Experience in photochemistry.
• Experience in coordination chemistry and catalysis.
• For PhD Project 3: experience with machine learning, laboratory automation and data-driven optimisation workflows.
• Knowledge of Dutch (not required).
• Being currently based in Europe (preferred due to recruitment budget limitations).

What We Offer

We offer a four-year PhD position (38 hours per week).

The initial appointment will be 18 months, followed by an extension to four years after a satisfactory evaluation.

The preferred starting date is 1 October, although later starting dates can be arranged if necessary.

The position includes:

• Conducting research leading to a PhD dissertation.
• An individual training and education plan.
• Participation in scientific courses and international conferences.
• Teaching responsibilities for Bachelor's and Master's students.

Salary

Based on full-time employment (38 hours/week):

• Year 1: €3,059 gross per month.
• Final year: €3,881 gross per month.

The position falls under the Promovendus (PhD Candidate) profile of the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities (CAO NU).

Additional benefits include:

• 8% holiday allowance.
• 8.3% year-end bonus.
• Possible eligibility for the Dutch 30% tax ruling for international employees.

Additional Employment Benefits

• 232 hours of annual leave (full-time).
• Additional leave between Christmas and New Year.
• Courses through the Teaching and Learning Centre.
• Professional development courses, including leadership training.
• Courses on time management, stress management and access to an online learning platform.
• Seven weeks of fully paid partner birth leave.
• Partially paid parental leave.
• Support for setting up a home office.
• Pension scheme through ABP, with approximately two-thirds of contributions paid by the University.

About the University

Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS)

HIMS is one of the eight research institutes within the Faculty of Science at the University of Amsterdam.

Research combines curiosity-driven and application-oriented chemistry in close collaboration with industries including:

• Chemical industry
• Food and flavour industry
• Medical sector
• High-tech industry

Research is organised around four themes:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Computational Chemistry
• Synthesis & Catalysis
• Molecular Photonics

These contribute to four strategic focus areas:

• Sustainability & Circularity
• Materials & Nanotechnology
• Life & Health
• DeepTech & Artificial Intelligence

Faculty of Science

The Faculty of Science consists of approximately:

• 8,000 students
• 1,800 staff members

Research spans fields ranging from elementary particles and cosmology to neuroscience and molecular sciences.

University of Amsterdam

Founded in 1632, the University of Amsterdam is the largest university in the Netherlands.

The university includes:

• Approximately 42,000 students
• Around 6,000 staff members
• More than 3,000 PhD candidates

The University promotes a culture of curiosity, creativity and international collaboration.

Application Procedure

Applicants should submit the following documents in PDF format:

• Motivation letter (maximum 2 A4 pages).
• Curriculum Vitae (including months as well as years for education and employment history, and a publication list if applicable).
• Contact details of at least one academic referee.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and recruitment will continue until the positions are filled. The recruitment process may close before the advertised deadline if suitable candidates are identified.

If candidates are equally qualified, preference will be given to internal candidates.

A knowledge security screening may form part of the selection procedure.

Applicants experiencing technical issues while applying from abroad are advised to try again later or contact the university for assistance.

Questions About the Position

Prof. Bas de Bruin
Email: [email protected]

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

The University of Amsterdam is committed to equal opportunities and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome.

The university values diversity and encourages curiosity, creativity and perseverance.

Studies indicate that women and members of underrepresented groups often apply only when they meet all listed qualifications. If you meet the educational requirements but do not yet possess all of the requested experience, the University of Amsterdam encourages you to apply.

Application Deadline

2 October 2026