4 Postdoctoral Researchers in AI for Sustainable Molecules and Materials programme

23 May 2023
Job Information

Organisation/Company

University of Amsterdam (UvA)

Research Field

Physics

Researcher Profile

Recognised Researcher (R2)

Country

Netherlands

Application Deadline

10 Jun 2023 - 21:59 (UTC)

Type of Contract

Temporary

Job Status

Not Applicable

Hours Per Week

38.0

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?

Not funded by an EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?

No

Offer Description

Would you enjoy working in a multidisciplinary research team to discover new molecules and materials that contribute to a more sustainable society? The Faculty of Science is looking for four ambitious postdoctoral researchers for its recently launched Research Priority Area "Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Molecules and Materials ". This new RPA AI4SMM combines several core strengths of the Faculty, including pioneering molecular and material science, broad knowhow and expertise in sustainability and circular economy development, and world-leading competence in data science and artificial intelligence.

The urgent need for humanity to transition our society into a circular sustainable economy requires interdisciplinary collaborative efforts to investigate and develop new molecules and materials that are not dependent on fossil fuels, are safe and sustainable by design, and help us quickly forward towards a sustainable society. In the new AI4SMM laboratory, we develop and apply artificial intelligence to design sustainable molecules, materials, and the processes to make them, in a team with physicists, chemists, biologists, ecologists, and informatics scientists. You will work on one of four starting projects on the topics of

Metamaterials for sustainable steel or;

Salt hydrates for thermal energy storage or;

Chemical additives in plastics or;

Plant protein mixtures for sustainable food design.

What are you going to do?
Four ambitious interdisciplinary projects have been set to kick-start the RPA. You can choose the project that fits your experience and personal drive most, but all have in common the combination of computational theory, modelling, and experimental data at the molecular scale. Project descriptions can be downloaded here .

Tasks and responsibilities:

• Conducting independent research in this project, resulting in academic publications in peer-reviewed international journals, conference proceedings, and/or books;
• Actively contributing to the research activities of the Research Priority Area Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Molecules and Materials ;
• Contributing to outreach activities of the AI4SMM laboratory;
• Supervising Bachelor and Master projects and tutoring students.

Requirements
Specific Requirements

You enjoy learning about new molecular systems and AI algorithms. You are able to explain your work to both scientists with experimental as well as with theoretical and informatics background. You work independently and can reflect on your own results and conclusions.

Your experience and profile:

• PhD in science, preferably in domains of physics, chemistry, biology or computational science with a specialization in natural sciences / related to the project of your choice;
• Good programming skills (e.g. in C, C++ or Python);
• Experience with either machine learning or molecular dynamics simulations is required. High-calibre candidates with experience in both fronts are preferred;
• Motivated to closely collaborate with experimentalists, and possibly perform experiments. Experience with lab work or collaboration with experimentalist is preferred;
• Flexible, readiness to participate in interdisciplinary cooperation and multidisciplinary development (verifiably focused on collaboration with other disciplines);
• Committed researcher, demonstrated by publications in international refereed academic journals and academic publishers;
• Strong initiative and good time management skills;
• Professional communication skills in oral and written English.

Additional Information
Benefits

We offer a temporary employment contract for 38,00 hours per week for a period of 12 months. After an assessment this can be extended by 12 months. The preferred starting date is ultimately September 1, 2023, but can be discussed. The appointment is full time (38 hours per week), but part-time employment (0,8 FTE) implicating a longer extension as compensation is negotiable.

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 2,960.- to € 4,670.- (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;
• Help with housing for a studio or small apartment when you're moving from abroad.

Are you curious to read more about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits, take a look here .

Selection process

If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your application. You can apply online via the button below. We accept applications until and including June 10, 2023 and will recruit until all positions are filled.

Applications should include the following information (maximum pdf files):

• A detailed CV including the months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience, including a list of publications;
• The names and email addresses of two references who can provide letters of recommendation;
• A letter of motivation mentioning the specific project(s) (1,2,3 or 4) you apply for.

Only complete applications received within the response period via the link below will be considered.

Additional comments

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

• Dr.ir. Bernd Ensing , coordinator of AI4SMM research priority area

Website for additional job details

https://www.academictransfer.com/328160/

Work Location(s)

Number of offers available

4

Company/Institute

Faculty of Science

Country

Netherlands

City

Amsterdam

Postal Code

1098XH

Street

Science Park 904

Where to apply

Website

https://www.academictransfer.com/328160/4-postdoctoral-researchers-in-ai-for-su…

Contact

City

Amsterdam

Website

http://www.uva.nl/

Street

Spui 21

Postal Code

1012 WX

STATUS: EXPIRED