2 Post-doc positions in RoboChem initiatives and solar-driven reactor technology

Join the dynamic and innovative team at the Noël Research Group, where we focus on pioneering catalytic strategies and cutting-edge technologies for chemical synthesis. Our mission is to develop novel tools that address challenges across various specialty applications, including organic synthesis, chemical biology, and material science. By bridging the gap between chemical engineering and organic synthetic chemistry, we tackle longstanding issues such as scalability, gas-liquid reactions, photochemistry, electrochemistry, and the handling of hazardous reagents. Through our work, we expand the chemical space by harnessing overlooked and underutilized reagents, driving forward impactful advancements in the field. Join us in shaping the future of chemistry and making a difference in the scientific community.

What are you going to do

We currently have two one-year postdoctoral positions available, centered on our RoboChem initiatives and solar-driven reactor technology. This research offers a unique opportunity for highly multidisciplinary exploration within a diverse and collaborative team environment. We're looking for colleagues who embrace challenges with enthusiasm and are team players. If you're passionate about pushing boundaries and contributing to groundbreaking research, we encourage you to join us in shaping the future of innovative technologies.

You will/tasks:

•    Working in a multidisciplinary team that aims to impact synthetic organic chemistry using technological innovations;
•    Leading a small subgroup of PhD and MSc students;
•    Writing papers relevant to the topic you will be working on; 
•    Collaborating closely with industry partners to translate research findings into practical applications;
•    Presenting research findings at international conferences and seminars, contributing to the dissemination of knowledge and fostering connections within the scientific community.

Requirements

We are looking for candidates who hold a recent PhD degree in chemistry or chemical engineering. The ideal candidate will thrive in a collaborative team environment and possess strong leadership skills to effectively guide a small subgroup of PhD and MSc students. While a robust publication record is valued, we prioritize qualities such as high self-motivation, drive, and resilience over the quantity of publications. We seek individuals who are passionate about making meaningful contributions to the field of synthetic organic chemistry through technological innovation and are eager to tackle challenges with determination and enthusiasm.

Your experience and profile:

We highly value candidates with a background in synthetic organic chemistry, although expertise in other relevant fields such as chemical engineering, machine learning, automation, analytical chemistry, and programming (e.g., Python) are also highly regarded. Additionally, strong leadership skills and proficiency in both spoken and written English are essential requirements for this role.

Our offer

A temporary contract for 38 hours per week, preferably starting as soon as possible, for the duration of 12 months. 
The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between €3,226 - € 5,090 (scale 10). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. The UFO profile Researcher 4 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;
Are you curious to read more about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits, take a look here.

About us

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 Synthesis & Catalysis encompasses organic synthesis and all aspects of catalysis, including homogeneous catalysis, heterogeneous catalysis, biocatalysis, organocatalysis, and catalysis engineering. Projects range from fundamental to applied research, with strong valorization aspects. 

The Flow Chemistry Group’s (part of Synthesis & Catalysis theme) mission is to expand the available chemical space by embracing technology to the fullest extent. The aim of the Flow Chemistry group (a.k.a. the Noël Research Group) is to build bridges between chemical engineering and organic synthetic chemistry. Consequently, long-standing problems in synthetic chemistry can be overcome, which includes scalability, gas-liquid reactions, photochemistry, electrochemistry and the generation and use of hazardous reagents. This allows us to effectively expand the available chemical space by bringing overlooked or avoided reagents into play.

The University of Amsterdam is the Netherlands' largest university, offering the widest range of academic programmes. At the UvA, 30,000 students, 6,000 staff members and 3,000 PhD candidates study and work in a diverse range of fields, connected by a culture of curiosity.

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. 

To work at the University of Amsterdam is to work in a discerning, independent, creative, innovative and international climate characterized by an open atmosphere and a genuine engagement with the city of Amsterdam and society. Here you can read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.

Questions

Do you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:

• Prof. Dr. Ing Timothy Noël, Professor
• Tel: 020525 2184

Job application

The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritise diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.

Do you recognize yourself in the job profile? Then we look forward to receiving your application ASAP. You may apply online by using the link below.

Applications in .pdf should include:
•    a curriculum vitae including the list of publications (please put in the months and not just years when referring to your education and work experience;
•    a short overview (max 2 pages A4) of specific past research contributions;
•    a letter of motivation (max 2 pages A4);
•    a list of names who can provide more insight in your background, e.g. PhD mentor, etc.

The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritize diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for everyone. We value a spirit of enquiry and perseverance, provide the space to keep asking questions, and promote a culture of curiosity and creativity.

No agencies please.