Wageningen University & Research
7 months ago
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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
Netherlands
University
Wageningen University & Research
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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.
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Professors
Assistant Professor
Netherlands
Research Interests
Materials Chemistry
Biomaterials
Catalysis
Computational Chemistry
Machine Learning
Make your next move.
Prepare your application
Review drafts and confirm requirements with the university.