PhD Position in Electrocatalysis

Join the Electrochemistry team, part of the Heterogeneous Catalysis and Sustainable Chemistry Group, in tackling one of the most pressing challenges in sustainable energy. This PhD position focuses on advancing efficient electrochemical processes by deepening our understanding of atomic-scale reactions.

A large-scale energy transition of society requires efficient electrochemical processes for generating, converting, and storing sustainable energy. Unfortunately, existing electrochemical processes have serious limitations and are inadequate to meet the grand challenges ahead. At present there is insufficient knowledge of the processes occurring in electrochemical systems at the smallest scale to fundamentally improve these processes. The Electrochemistry team as part of the Heterogeneous Catalysis and Sustainable Chemistry Group combines electrochemistry and electrocatalysis to understand electrochemical reaction at atomic and mechanistic level. This position is linked to the ANION project (Advanced Nano-electrochemistry Institute of the Netherlands). In this multidisciplinary fundamental research programme, chemists and physicists lay the foundation for new efficient electrochemical technologies designed to dramatically reduce humanity's carbon footprint.

What are you going to do
The successful candidate will combine classical electrochemical methods with advanced in situ spectrocopic characterisation including infrared and raman spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy to investigate the properties of the double-layer of confined materials during the electrochemical reduction of CO2 in organic solvent. The candidate will develop in situ electrochemical methods for real time detection of intermediates and products during the reaction. Additionally, the structure and changes of the electrode material during operando conditions will be investigated as well.
The candidate will collaborate with other ANION institutes and researcher, it will carry out independent research under supervision, write scientific papers for publication in peer-reviewed journals, and disseminate their work in international conferences.

Tasks and responsibilities:

• To carry out independent research;
• Data analysis;
• To write scientific papers;
• To disseminate their research;
• To supervise bachelor and master students;
• To attend do group meetings;
• To attend to consortium meetings;
• To collaborate with the maintenance of the laboratory;
• To write a thesis.

Your experience and profile

• A recent MSc degree in chemistry, chemical engineering or related field.
• 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 and the Anion consortium;
• Experience in electrochemistry and spectroscopic analysis is a plus.

What we can offer you
We offer 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 a soon as possible. 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 dependent on relevant experience, ranges between €2,872.- €3,670.- (scale P). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance.

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;
• a complete educational program for PhD students;
• 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;
• help with housing for a studio or small apartment when you’re moving from abroad.

Where will you work
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 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 Heterogeneous Catalysis and Sustainable Chemistry Group’s mission is to discover new catalysts and materials for sustainable chemistry and energy applications.

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.

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 January 3rd, 2025. You may apply online by using the link below.

Applications in .pdf should include:

• a curriculum vitae;
• a letter of motivation.

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

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

• Dr. Amanda Garcia – Assistant Professor in Electrochemistry and Electrocatalysis
• Email: a.c.garcia@uva.nl

38 hours per week

Science Park 904