Publisher
source

Wageningen University & Research

PhD Position in Ab initio Catalyst Design for Biomass Conversion at Wageningen University & Research Wageningen University & Research in Netherlands

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Machine Learning

Funding

The position is fully funded, offering a gross monthly salary of €3,059 in the first year, rising to €3,881 in the fourth year, plus an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus. Additional benefits include partially paid parental leave, sports facilities, pension scheme, and support for international staff with visa and relocation. The contract is temporary for 18 months, extendable based on performance.

Deadline

Expired

Country flag

Country

Netherlands

University

Wageningen University & Research

Suggested positions

Publisher
source

Dutch Institute for Fundamental Energy Research

Country flag

Netherlands

PhD position in nitrogen valorization in high-temperature electrochemical cells at the Dutch Institute for Fundamental Energy Research (DIFFER) , with the work location at TU Eindhoven in the Netherlands. The project focuses on sustainable ammonia production using renewable electricity and advanced electrochemical routes. Research topics include electrochemistry , materials science , catalysis , solid oxide electrochemical cells (SOEC/SOFC), and protonic ceramic electrochemical cells (PCEC/PCFC)...

Chemistry
Electrical Engineering
Chemical Engineering
+6 more

1 week ago

Publisher
source

University of the Basque Country

Country flag

Spain

PhD opportunity in computational chemistry at the University of the Basque Country (EHU) , within the Theoretical Chemistry group supervised by Dr Daniel Reta . The project focuses on organic radicals and single electron transfer in Lewis pairs , with the goal of creating new organic radicals. The research uses advanced electronic structure and simulation tools including DFT , multireference methods , QM/MM , and molecular dynamics , and includes access to the Hyperion supercomputer at DIPC . Th...

Chemistry
Materials Science
Computational Chemistry
+3 more

3 weeks ago

Publisher
source

Sudip Pan

Jilin University

Country flag

China

PhD opportunity in Computational Molecular Modelling and Catalysis at Jilin University, China , with a planned start date of 1 September 2027 . The position is in Professor Sudip Pan 's research group and focuses on research in computational chemistry , molecular modelling , and catalytic systems . The post highlights opportunities to build expertise in modelling approaches applied to catalysis and related chemical physics/materials science topics. Funding: The PhD is fully funded through the Ch...

Chemistry
Materials Science
Catalysis
+3 more

2 weeks ago

Publisher
source

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Country flag

United States

Postdoctoral position available on DOE Genesis and ARPA-e projects focused on accelerating materials design for catalysis , ionic conductors , and general materials synthesis . The opportunity is associated with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and appears to be part of research led by Anubhav Jain . This is a strong fit for candidates with interests in computational or data-driven materials discovery, catalyst development, solid-state ionics, and synthesis-oriented materials research. No d...

Chemistry
Chemical Engineering
Materials Science
+4 more

1 month ago

Publisher
source

Delft University of Technology

Country flag

Netherlands

PhD opening at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) in the Computational Materials Science section, working on hydrogen embrittlement , circular steels , atomistic simulation , density functional theory (DFT) , molecular dynamics (MD) , and machine-learned interatomic potentials . The project, CIRHY (Circularity as Opportunity: Engineering Hydrogen-Resistant Circular Steels), aims to develop next-generation recycled steels that can safely operate in hydrogen environments. The research focus...

Chemistry
Mechanical Engineering
Chemical Engineering
+6 more

1 month ago

Keywords

Machine Learning
Chemistry
Chemical Engineering
Materials Science
Catalysis
Computational Chemistry
Bioeconomy
Biomass Valorization
Dft
Physics
Biomaterials

About this position

Wageningen University & Research (WUR) is inviting applications for a fully funded PhD position in Ab initio Catalyst Design for Biomass Conversion, as part of the ABEL project funded by the Dutch Research Council (NWO). The project aims to develop sustainable, high-value biomaterials from low-value waste streams, focusing on ab initio catalyst design using DFT, AIMD, and machine-learning methods. The research is embedded within the Biobased Chemistry and Technology chair group and the Computational Catalysis and Surface Chemistry team, led by Dr. Guanna Li.

The successful candidate will model biomass conversion at the atomic level on heterogeneous catalysts, investigate reaction mechanisms, kinetics, and dynamics, and design noble-metal-free catalysts. The work involves close collaboration with experimental catalysis teams and has applications in agriculture, construction, aviation, and the circular bioeconomy. The position offers a multidisciplinary, international research environment with tailored training and excellent employee benefits, including a competitive salary, holiday allowance, year-end bonus, and support for international staff.

Applicants should hold or be about to obtain an MSc degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, physics, or a related field, with strong interest and experience in computational chemistry, catalysis, AIMD, and machine-learning approaches. Proficiency in programming (Python, Bash) and English (C1 level) is required. Applications are accepted via the WUR website, with a CV and motivation letter (max 3 pages total). The deadline is 25 May 2026, but applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

For more information, contact Dr. Guanna Li ([email protected]). For application details, visit the official vacancy page.

Funding details

The position is fully funded, offering a gross monthly salary of €3,059 in the first year, rising to €3,881 in the fourth year, plus an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end bonus. Additional benefits include partially paid parental leave, sports facilities, pension scheme, and support for international staff with visa and relocation. The contract is temporary for 18 months, extendable based on performance.

What's required

Applicants must hold or be about to obtain an MSc degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, physics, or a related field. They should have a strong interest in computational chemistry, catalysis, and machine-learning approaches, with experience in AIMD and MLP calculations. Strong programming skills (Python, Bash, etc.) and excellent communication skills in English at C1 level are required. Candidates should be highly self-motivated, team-oriented, and committed to innovative research. Sometimes, an internationally recognised Certificate of Proficiency in English may be required.

ApplyKite TwinLearns as you apply

Make your next move.

Prepare your application

Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.

Professors

Assistant Professor

University Name
Country flag

Netherlands

Research Interests

Materials Chemistry

Biomaterials

Catalysis

Computational Chemistry

Machine Learning