"PhD Position in Catalysis Engineering Group-CO2 Conversion to Valuable Products"

Job description

Are you passionate in advancing sustainable chemical technologies? We are looking for a motivated researcher to strengthen our efforts in advancing CO2 conversion through the development of innovative solid catalysts. You will join a collaborative team of chemists, engineers, and materials scientists working together to design, synthesize, and test catalytic materials that can transform CO2 into valuable chemicals and fuels. We offer a stimulating environment where curiosity, passion and scientific rigor drive our research forward.

Join the Catalysis Engineering group of the University of Amsterdam!

The Catalysis Engineering Group, led by Dr. Shiju Raveendran, is seeking a PhD candidate motivated to tackle the efficient conversion of CO2 to valuable chemicals and fuels. This project will develop novel materials with engineered catalytic sites, as part of the HyCARB project. The successful candidate will join a dynamic research team with access to facilities for materials synthesis and parallel catalytic reactor testing. This position offers extensive training in sustainable chemistry and engineering.

This is what you are going to do

• Synthesize novel, heat-stable solid catalysts designed to activate CO2 and H2 or other feedstocks.
• Conduct experiments flow/batch reactors to test catalyst performance and durability at appropriate temperatures.
• Characterize materials using different techniques, and link properties to performance.
• Optimize reaction conditions and explore scale-up potential.
• Document experiments, publish results, and present findings at conferences.
• Collaborate with the Catalysis Engineering Group members and interdisciplinary teams to advance project goals.
• Help with educational and organisational activities, as needed by the group/institute.

This is what we ask of you

• Masters degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related fields.
• Research experience in heterogeneous catalysis or nanomaterials synthesis is desirable.
• Experience with material characterization techniques (e.g., XRD) is desirable.
• Experience in data-analysis and documentation tools such as Excel and Origin, and you use them to organize, analyze, and present experimental results effectively.
• Good scientific writing and communication skills.
• Ability to work in interdisciplinary research teams and willingness to learn from others.
• Takes initiative, manages time effectively, and meets deadlines.
• Creative and critical problem-solving approach to research and technical challenges.
• Proactive approach to learn, seek input from colleagues and clearly communicate the experimental procedures and safety considerations.
• Passion for sustainability, scientific research, and contributing to society through innovative technologies.

This is what we offer you

A temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 years (the initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended for a total duration of 4 years). The preferred starting date is ultimately 01-02-2026. This should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). We will draft an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. We also expect you to assist in teaching undergraduates and master students.

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and ranges between €3,059 (1st year) to €3,881 (last year), scale P. This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. The UFO profile Promovendus is applicable. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities is applicable.

Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at Science Park we offer you multiple fringe benefits: 232 holiday hours per year (based on fulltime) and extra holidays between Christmas and 1 January; multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre; multiple courses on topics such as leadership for academic staff; multiple courses on topics such as time management, handling stress and an online learning platform with 100+ different courses; 7 weeks birth leave (partner leave) with 100% salary; partly paid parental leave; the possibility to set up a workplace at home; a pension at ABP for which UvA pays two third part of the contribution; the possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch.

This is where you will work

The Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS) is one of eight institutes of the University of Amsterdam (UvA) Faculty of Science. HIMS performs internationally recognized chemistry and molecular research, curiosity driven as well as application driven. This is done in close cooperation with the chemical, flavor & food, medical and high-tech industries. Research is organized into four themes: Analytical Chemistry, Computational Chemistry, Synthesis & Catalysis and Molecular Photonics.

The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 8,000, as well as 1,800 members of staff working in education, research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, be it elementary particles, the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain.

The candidate will work in the Catalysis Engineering group led by Dr. Shiju Raveendran in HIMS. The Catalysis Engineering Group aims to develop sustainable chemical processes/products. We combine knowledge from the fields of Materials Science and Chemical Science with expertise in the field of Reactor Engineering to achieve this target. We currently work on a number of societally relevant and industrially important topics such as chemical recycling of waste, CO2 conversion, sustainable fuels, renewable H2 etc.

How to apply

If you recognize yourself in the profile and are interested in the position, we look forward to receiving your motivation letter and CV. You can respond via the red button up to and including 31-12-2025.

Please include the following documents in your application (as PDF files):

• A motivation letter (max. 2 pages A4)
• Your CV, including the months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience, including a list of publications
• Contact details of at least one academic reference

We will review applications on a rolling basis and continue recruiting until the position is filled. In the event of equal suitability, preference will be given to the internal candidate.

A knowledge security check can be part of the selection procedure (for details: national knowledge security guidelines). If you receive an error message while applying from abroad, please try again later or contact us for assistance.

For questions about the position, please contact: Dr. Shiju Raveendran, n.r.shiju@uva.nl Associate Professor and Group leader- Catalysis Engineering