Postdoctoral Position Optimizing Porous Thin Films for Enhanced Charge Transfer

We are looking for a candidate to fill an open postdoctoral position in a joint project between the groups of Dr. Sonja Pullen and Dr. Bettina Baumgartner (both HIMS) and Dr. Emilia Olsson (IoP), funded by the molecular materials design program (MMD Hub) of the Faculty of Science.

The position is fully-funded for 18 months with planned start date 1st of October 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter.

What are you going to do
The successful candidate will develop a theoretical framework to simulate and predict how hierarchical orientation of different building blocks, structural defects, and grain boundaries in metal-organic framework (MOF) based porous thin films influence charge carrier properties across the film. This model will then be implemented in the experimental automated synthesis and characterization of novel porous materials for solar energy conversion. You will have the unique opportunity to work at the interface of chemistry and physics, as the position will be located both at HIMS and IoP.

You will:

• employ periodic DFT simulations of MOFs;
• be involved in developing a flow-cell for automated synthesis and integrated analysis based on UV/vis and IR spectroscopy;
• test electrochemical properties and catalysis performance of the thin films;
• Supervision of MSc and PhD students in the team working on the project; reporting the results; communicating the results via peer-review publications and at conferences.

What do we require
A recent PhD degree in the simulation, characterization and/or synthesis of solar energy conversion materials. Ideally a combined experimental and theoretical expertise. Experience with (photo-) electrochemical characterization of MOFs or related porous materials will be an advantage.

Your experience and profile:

• Either: Excellent experience with DFT simulations (experience in simulating MOFs and catalysis is advantageous);
• Or: Excellent laboratory skills and a proven track record in photo-electrochemical small molecule conversion and/or material characterization (together with experience in simple DFT calculations);
• Good communication skills in oral and written English;
• Takes initiative and has good time management skills;
• Interest in collaborating with students and colleagues within the institute.

Our offer
A temporary contract for 38 hours per week, preferably starting on the 1st of October 2024 or as soon as possible afterwards, for the duration of 18 months. Support with writing applications for a personal PostDoc grants will be given as well.

Based on a full-time contract (38 hours per week) the gross monthly salary will range from € 3,226 in the first year to € 5,090 (scale 10) in the last year. This is exclusive 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities is applicable. The UvA offers excellent possibilities for further professional development and education. You will be employed by HIMS.

What else do we offer

• a function in which initiative is strongly valued;
• an enthusiastic team that welcomes new members;
• an inspiring academic and international environment in the heart of Amsterdam.

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 Homogeneous, Supramolecular and Bio-Inspired Catalysis Groups (HomKat) 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. We are part of the UvA Research Priority area in “Sustainable Chemistry”.

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. HIMS houses around 200 researchers, with over 30 nationalities. Together they publish around 200 peer reviewed scientific articles, 20 PhD theses and on average 4 patent application per year.

The mission of the Institute of Physics (IoP) is to carry out excellent research in the field of experimental and theoretical physics, to provide inspiring teaching within the physics and other curricula and to transfer our knowledge of and enthusiasm for physics to society. The IoP has over 50 faculty and 180 researchers in total. The combination with the NWO Institutes at Amsterdam Science Park constitutes the largest physics hub in the Netherlands and is an international centre of excellence.

The Materials Theory and Modelling group aim at atomic- and molecular-level understanding of structure property relationships from bulk to interfaces, from crystalline to amorphous, with a direct application focus. We employ and develop cutting-edge computational methodologies to predict and understand materials properties and how these change at interfaces and as a function of disorder. We are part of the Institute of Physics (IoP) and the Advanced Research Center for Nanolithography (ARCNL).

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 Sonja Pullen, Postdoc at HIMS – MMD project: s.pullen@uva.nl

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 by the 1st of September 2024 at latest. You may apply online by using the link below.

Applications in .pdf should include:

• a curriculum vitae including the list of publications;
• 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.

Please put in the months and not just years when referring to your education and work experience.

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

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.

38 hours per week

Science Park 904