"PhD Position in Homogeneous Catalysis"

Are you interested in supramolecular chemistry, catalysis, and sustainable chemistry? Are you looking for a challenging PhD project? In that case, read on quickly!

Join our research team! In the HomKat-group, we are looking for a motivated PhD student, who under the supervision of Dr. Sonja Pullen and Prof. Joost Reek will work on the integration of homogeneous catalysts with gas-diffusion electrodes for selective conversion of direct-air captured CO2 to ethylene and formaldehyde. The project is part of the HyCarb consortium under the umbrella of the National Growth fund program Groenvermogen. Join us in developing molecular electrocatalysts for selective conversion of direct air captured CO2 to ethylene and formaldehyde.

This is what you will do: As a PhD student, you will be part of the HomKat group, providing a stimulating environment with knowledge in the area of homogeneous catalysis, supramolecular chemistry, and molecular electrochemistry. You will use supramolecular strategies to immobilize molecular CO2RR catalysts on gas-diffusion electrodes and study their mechanism and performance in electrochemical reduction to ethylene and formaldehyde. For mechanistic studies and performance testing, we utilize advanced techniques such as (spectro-) electrochemistry, spectroscopy, and HPLC. The envisioned research is highly interdisciplinary and within the HyCarb consortium you will work together with other researchers focusing on engineering aspects and large-scale implementation. Within the framework of the overarching goal to realize selective conversion of direct-air-captured CO2 to ethylene and formaldehyde, the PhD candidate has sufficient freedom to shape the project in the direction of the experience and interest of the candidate. The working conditions are excellent with state-of-the-art research facilities.

This is what we ask of you: MSc degree in chemistry or chemical engineering; A strong background in electrochemistry, supramolecular chemistry and/or homogeneous catalysis; Practical experience in one or more of the following: organic/inorganic synthesis, structural characterization (NMR, MS and/or XRD, PXRD), electrochemistry and/or spectroscopy (UV-vis, emission, spectro-electrochemistry); Excellent communication skills in English; willingness to represent the project within a larger interdisciplinary consortium; Candidates should be self-motivated, eager to learn.

This is what we offer you: A temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 years (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) and 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 salary, depending on relevant experience before the beginning of the employment contract, will be € 3,059 to € 3,881 (scale P) gross per month, based on a fulltime contract (38 hours a week), exclusive 8 % holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus. A favorable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities is applicable.

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.