University of Amsterdam
2 weeks ago
PhD in Automated Spectroscopy of Photoactive Molecules and Thin Films University of Amsterdam in Netherlands
Degree Level
PhD
Field of study
Computer Science
Funding
Paid PhD employment at the University of Amsterdam for 38 hours per week, with a gross monthly salary of €3,204 in the first year rising to €4,051 in the last year, plus 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% year-end allowance. The contract is for 4 years total, initially 18 months and extendable after satisfactory evaluation. The post mentions a favourable 30% ruling may apply to non-Dutch applicants.
Deadline
Oct 31, 2026
Country
Netherlands
University
University of Amsterdam
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About this position
PhD opening at the University of Amsterdam (Faculty of Science, Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences) in automated spectroscopy, photochemistry, physical chemistry, materials science, and laboratory automation. The project focuses on building a self-driving laboratory platform for photoactive molecules and porous/photoactive thin films, combining spectroscopy, flow technology, AI-driven optimization, and functional materials research.
You will work on two main research directions: (1) implementing reliable and quantitative diffusion-ordered optical spectroscopy for rapid automated measurement of optical spectra, quenching, and quantum yields; and (2) developing a flow-based ATR-UV–Vis spectroscopy platform to monitor the formation, orientation, and evolution of porous or photoactive thin films in real time. The materials focus includes organic cages and metal–organic framework (MOF) thin films.
The position is supervised by Dr Tomáš Šolomek, Dr Bettina Baumgartner, and Prof Tim Noël. The broader goal is to create robust, transferable spectroscopic workflows that connect molecular structure, organization, properties, and function. The project is highly interdisciplinary and hands-on, with significant emphasis on building, automating, troubleshooting, and improving experimental setups.
Eligibility highlights: a Master's degree in chemical engineering, physical chemistry, materials science, or a closely related field; practical experience with experimental setups and spectroscopy; comfort with optics, fluidics, detectors, and light sources; and experience with Python, LabVIEW, or Matlab for automation/data analysis. Strong documentation, safe lab practice, clear communication, and enthusiasm for collaborative research are expected.
Funding and conditions: this is a paid PhD employment contract for 38 hours/week, with a gross monthly salary from €3,204 to €4,051 depending on experience and year, plus holiday allowance and year-end bonus. The appointment is for 4 years total, initially 18 months and extendable after evaluation. The post also mentions training opportunities, conference participation, teaching duties, and possible application of the Dutch 30% tax ruling for non-Dutch applicants.
Application window: apply by 31 October 2026. Submit a motivation letter, CV with months and publications, and contact details of at least one academic reference. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Funding details
Paid PhD employment at the University of Amsterdam for 38 hours per week, with a gross monthly salary of €3,204 in the first year rising to €4,051 in the last year, plus 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% year-end allowance. The contract is for 4 years total, initially 18 months and extendable after satisfactory evaluation. The post mentions a favourable 30% ruling may apply to non-Dutch applicants.
What's required
Applicants should have a Master's degree in chemical engineering, physical chemistry, materials science, or a closely related field. Hands-on experience building experimental setups is expected, ideally involving experimental spectroscopy, along with the ability to prepare and handle molecular solutions and photosensitive samples accurately and reproducibly. Comfort with optics, fluidics, detectors, light sources, or related laboratory hardware is required. Experience with instrument automation and quantitative data analysis is required, with Python, LabVIEW, or Matlab for instrument control/data processing. Candidates should document experiments carefully, work safely with chemical samples and solvents, communicate clearly across disciplines, show strong initiative, and be open to collaborating with BSc/MSc students, PhDs, and postdocs.
How to apply
Apply via the vacancy page using the red button before 2026-10-31. Submit a motivation letter (max 1 A4 page), a CV with months included and publication list, and contact details of at least one academic reference. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
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