Postdoctoral Position in Catalysis Engineering

The Catalysis Engineering group focuses on developing sustainable chemical processes by combining chemical engineering, chemistry and materials science. We are looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral candidate to work in a project funded by a company.

Plasma-assisted methods can be used to drive chemical reactions to produce fuels, chemicals, for waste treatment, for making nanomaterials etc. It is a growing research area within the broader sustainability research, as plasma reactors can be powered by renewable electricity. The increasing demand for clean water requires new techniques to purify the waste water. This research aims to investigate the feasibility of plasma-assisted methods to purify the waste water to generate clean water and any value-added byproducts together with it.

What are you going to do

As part of this project, you will investigate the feasibility of plasma-assisted methods to treat pure/waste water. You will analyze the factors that impact the efficiency of water treatment using plasma reactor and will optimize plasma parameters to improve the water treatment. The project also involves the modifications of an existing reactor, as and when required, to achieve the objectives of the project.

You will/tasks:
•    Conduct experiments in the lab for treating water with plasma, analysis of the products, studying the mechanism of the reactions in the plasma reactor etc;
•    Modification and troubleshooting of the reactor as and when necessary;
•    Understand the process and implement new ideas;
•    Maintain good practices for the data recording, management, analysis and presentation;
•    Reporting the progress and the results to the group leader and industrial partner, dissemination of the results in peer-reviewed journals and conferences as when necessary;
•    Supervising the students and teaching duties as stipulated by the institute.

What do we require?

• A recent PhD degree in chemical engineering, physics, applied chemistry or related field; 
• Practical experience in operating plasma reactors is compulsory;
• Experience in analytical techniques ;
• Willingness to approach the problem creatively and critically;
• Ability to work independently and to plan tasks effectively to meet deadlines;
• Willingness to supervise student projects including PhD and Masters.

Your experience and profile:
•    Good communication skills in oral and written English;
•    Takes initiative and has good time management skills;
•    Interest in collaborating with students and colleagues in within and outside the institute;
•    Interest in sustainability, passion for research and motivation to help the society through your research.
Knowledge, skills and experiences which are a plus (pre) are mentioned separately from the summary in a sentence.

Our offer

A temporary contract for 38 hours per week, preferably starting as soon as possible, but latest on January 1st 2025, for the duration of 12 months. 
The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 3,345 - € 5,278 (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 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;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 recognised 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 organised into four themes: Analytical Chemistry, Computational Chemistry, Synthesis & Catalysis and Molecular Photonics.

The Analytical Chemistry Group focuses on the development of new or greatly improved techniques or methods for the analysis of complex mixtures. The technical focus is on one- and two-dimensional separation methods, on hyphenation with detection and sample-preparation systems and on chemometric techniques for data handling and optimization. The application focus is on macromolecules, forensic science and a variety of other fields.

The Computational Chemistry Group is one of the research groups within the Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences at the University of Amsterdam. Our research focuses on the development and application of advanced molecular simulation and multiscale modelling methodology to obtain novel and improved understanding of the behaviour of (bio)materials, and of complex (bio)chemical and physical processes that are of technological and scientific importance.

The Molecular Photonics Group aims to advance the fundamental knowledge of the dynamics of excited states in molecules and nano-sized objects, and to contribute with its expertise to applications of the photosciences.

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 Synthesis & Catalysis represents these research groups:
-    The Biocatalysis Group is part of the UvA Research Priority area in “Sustainable Chemistry” and carries out cutting-edge research at the interphase between the chemical and the biological sciences.
-    The Catalysis Engineering Group focus to develop sustainable chemical processes. We combine knowledge from the fields of Materials Science and Chemical Science with expertise in the field of Reactor Engineering. 
-    The Flow Chemistry Group’s 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 Functional Materials Group focuses on developing fundamental knowledge and materials that enable low-energy routes for the synthesis of chemicals, efficient molecular separations and selective chemical sensing.
-    The Heterogeneous Catalysis and Sustainable Chemistry Group’s mission is to discover new catalysts and materials for sustainable chemistry and energy applications.
-    The Homogeneous, Supramolecular and Bio-Inspired Catalysis Group main research objective is the development of novel catalytic processes driven by our knowledge of the relationship between structure and performance of the catalyst. Research projects span from fundamental to applied catalysis, the latter in collaboration with industry and via spin-off companies.
-    The Industrial Sustainable Chemistry Group focuses on the transition to a circular economy and more specifically the transition from a fossil-based to a bio-based economy, connecting sustainable development and production of energy and chemicals. The group’s focus is on future polymers with bulk volume potential. We are active in projects involving biorefinery technology (industrial sugars), and monomers from biomass and from CO2 (the only two alternatives for fossil feedstock when making polymers).
-    The Synthetic Organic Chemistry Group aims at the development of new synthetic methodologies and the (enantioselective) synthesis of biologically active molecules, using methodologies developed in our own group or in other groups.
In several research projects they cooperate with national and international chemical and pharmaceutical companies, sharing their expertise.

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:

• Dr. N.R. (Shiju Raveendran) Shiju
• Email: n.r.shiju@uva.nl
• Tel: +31 (0)20 525 6515

Job application

Do you recognize yourself in the job profile? Then we look forward to receiving your application by January 1st 2025 at latest. 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 reference (email, phone number) to the direct supervisor in the previous academic position.

We will recruit until the position is filled and close the position when a suitable candidate is found.

A knowledge security check can be part of the selection procedure.
(for details: national knowledge security guidelines)

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.