Publisher
source

University of Amsterdam

Three PhD Positions in Homogeneous Catalysis and Photochemical Conversions University of Amsterdam in Netherlands

Degree Level

PhD

Field of study

Computer Science

Funding

Temporary PhD contract for 38 hours per week for 4 years total, with an initial 18-month contract subject to satisfactory evaluation. Gross monthly salary ranges from €3,059 in the first year to €3,881 in the last year, plus 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% year-end allowance. Additional benefits include pension contributions, vacation hours, leave schemes, and possible 30% ruling for non-Dutch applicants.

Deadline

Oct 2, 2026

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Country

Netherlands

University

University of Amsterdam

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Keywords

Computer Science
Machine Learning
Chemistry
Chemical Engineering
Materials Science
Spectroscopy
Artificial Intelligence
Computational Chemistry
Photochemistry
Automation
Homogeneous Catalysis
Photoelectrocatalysis
Flow Chemistry

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About this position

Three PhD positions in Homogeneous Catalysis and Photochemical Conversions at the University of Amsterdam, Faculty of Science, Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS).

These PhD projects sit in the Synthesis and Catalysis cluster and are linked to the Homogeneous, Supramolecular and Bio-Inspired Catalysis (HomKat) group and the Flow Chemistry group. The research is part of a larger national team financed by GroenvermogenNL (WP6) and combines fundamental and applied chemistry with industrial collaboration.

Project themes: (1) development of robust novel hydrogenation catalysts for terpenoids and/or carboxylic acids using base metals such as Mn, Co, Fe, and Ni; (2) development of visible-light photo-activated catalysts and crosslinking strategies for paint curing; (3) next-generation photochemical methodologies and reactor technologies using flow chemistry, automation, AI, and the RoboChem self-driving laboratory platform.

Research methods and interests include catalysis, photochemistry, spectroscopy (EPR, NMR, IR/Raman), kinetics, computational investigations, machine learning, photonics, reactor engineering, and scalable continuous-flow processes. Industrial partners mentioned include Signify and Bronkhorst, and the work aims to support sustainable chemical manufacturing and advanced materials development.

Eligibility: an MSc in chemistry with substantial experimental synthetic chemistry is required. Experience or affinity with photochemistry, coordination chemistry/catalysis, and physical/spectroscopic methods is preferred. Strong English communication skills and the ability to work in an international team are required; Dutch is optional. Candidates currently in Europe are preferred.

Funding and conditions: this is a paid PhD employment position for 4 years total (initial 18 months, then extension after positive evaluation), with a gross monthly salary of €3,059 to €3,881 plus holiday allowance and year-end bonus. Additional benefits include pension, vacation hours, training opportunities, and leave schemes.

Deadline: apply by 2 October 2026. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and may close earlier if a suitable candidate is found.

How to apply: submit a motivation letter, CV with months listed for education and work experience, and contact details of at least one academic reference via the vacancy page. For questions, contact Prof. Bas de Bruin at [email protected].

Funding details

Temporary PhD contract for 38 hours per week for 4 years total, with an initial 18-month contract subject to satisfactory evaluation. Gross monthly salary ranges from €3,059 in the first year to €3,881 in the last year, plus 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% year-end allowance. Additional benefits include pension contributions, vacation hours, leave schemes, and possible 30% ruling for non-Dutch applicants.

What's required

Applicants must have an MSc degree in chemistry with a substantial experimental synthetic chemistry component. Preferred background includes synthesis and catalysis, homogeneous catalysis and/or photochemistry, and physical/spectroscopic chemical methods such as NMR, EPR, UV-Vis, IR/Raman, GC, HPLC, and kinetics. Experience or affinity with photochemistry and coordination chemistry/catalysis is an advantage. Good oral and written English skills and the ability to collaborate in an international team are required. Dutch is helpful but not required. For PhD 3, machine learning, data-driven optimisation workflows, and automation experience are a bonus. Candidates currently in Europe are preferred.

How to apply

Apply via the red button on the vacancy page by 2026-10-02. Submit a motivation letter, CV with months for education and work experience plus publications, and contact details of at least one academic reference. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so apply early.

More information can be found here

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