Assistant Professor (tenure track) in Synthetic Organic Chemistry

Do you want to chemical reactions with diverse applications? Do you want to contribute to a better understanding of chemical reactivity? Then please apply for this Assistant Professor (tenure track) position at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU). 

Location: AMSTERDAM
FTE: 1

As an Assistant Professor in the Synthetic Organic Chemistry & Catalysis group, your work involves research, education and management tasks (40%, 40%, 20%). You develop a creative research line and strengthen the related MSc programs. These are Chemistry (Joint Degree with the University of Amsterdam) and Drug Discovery and Safety. You also teach basic organic chemistry courses for several BSc programs. Management tasks are a part of your work as well.

You work in an inspiring and dynamic team. We offer access to state-of-the art organic chemistry laboratories and structure elucidation facilities (X-ray and NMR), and a wide range of analytical instrumentation.

Our research group focuses on developing new methodology for the synthesis of complex small molecules with high biological/medicinal relevance. We aim to develop efficient catalytic cascade reactions with diverse applications, ranging from natural product synthesis to medicinal chemistry.

Your work includes the following responsibilities:

• developing a creative research line in your field of expertise and eventually building up a successful group around it. You pursue a continuous output by publishing in journals as first and/or main author
• acquiring external funding for research
• coordinating and lecturing in relevant courses in the department of Chemistry & Pharmaceutical Sciences
• supervising BSc and MSc research projects
• (co-)supervising PhD students, junior researchers/lecturers and postdoctoral researchers
• participating in department or faculty committees (e.g. Examinations Board, Program Committee)
• actively promoting the group’s research to gain (international) visibility

• We are seeking a candidate with the following profile:
• a completed PhD in the field of synthetic organic chemistry (or closely related)
• several years of postdoctoral research experience in a relevant field, preferably outside of the institute where you earned your PhD
• a solid track record in the field of synthetic organic chemistry (and/or homogeneous catalysis). You have multiple publications as the first and/or corresponding author
• a basic teaching qualification (BKO) or equivalent, or willingness to acquire such a qualification. Prior experience in teaching (development and coordination of courses) in the field of organic chemistry is an asset

• you are willing to collaborate with other researchers (e.g. theoretical chemists, life science researchers) in a multidisciplinary team. Prior experience with this is an asset
• you are able to initiate and build up a line of research. You have experience in e.g. acquiring external funding, PhD/master student supervision, and/or publications as corresponding author
• you have a good command of the Dutch language, or you are willing to learn it during the first three years of your appointment

A challenging position in a socially involved organization. The salary will be in accordance with university regulations for academic personnel and amounts €3,807 (scale 11) per month during the first year and increases to €5,211 (scale 11) per month during the fourth year, based on a full-time employment. The job profile is based on the university job ranking system and is vacant for at least 1 FTE.

This is a tenure track position; the initial appointment will be for a period of five years. Based on performance indicators agreed on at the start of the appointment, a tenure track position will lead to a tenured position of assistant professor 1 (scale 12)  in a period of normally 5 years. In the fifth year of the appointment the tenure decision will be taken and a midterm review will take place in 2,5 years’ time after the starting date.

Do not hesitate to contact us if you want to discuss whether your qualifications are satisfactory for applying to the position. We encourage women to apply for this position.

Additionally, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers excellent fringe benefits and various schemes and regulations to promote a good work/life balance, such as:

• a maximum of 41 days of annual leave based on full-time employment
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• solid pension scheme (ABP)
• possibility to save holiday hours, for sabbatical leave
• child daycare facilities available on campus

The ambition of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is clear: to contribute to a better world through outstanding education and ground-breaking research. We strive to be a university where personal development and commitment to society play a leading role. A university where people from different disciplines and backgrounds collaborate to achieve innovations and to generate new knowledge. Our teaching and research encompass the entire spectrum of academic endeavor – from the humanities, the social sciences and the natural sciences through to the life sciences and the medical sciences.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is home to more than 26,000 students. We employ over 4,600 individuals. The VU campus is easily accessible and located in the heart of Amsterdam’s Zuidas district, a truly inspiring environment for teaching and research.

Diversity
We are an inclusive university community. Diversity is one of our most important values. We believe that engaging in international activities and welcoming students and staff from a wide variety of backgrounds enhances the quality of our education and research. We are always looking for people who can enrich our world with their own unique perspectives and experiences.

The Faculty of Science
The Faculty of Science inspires researchers and students to find sustainable solutions for complex societal issues. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to medicines and from molecules to the moon: our teaching and research programmes cover the full spectrum of the natural sciences. We share knowledge and experience with leading research institutes and industries, both here in the Netherlands and abroad.

Working at the Faculty of Science means working with students, PhD candidates and researchers, all with a clear focus on their field and a broad view of the world. We employ more than 1,250 staff members, and we are home to around 6,000 students.

About the Department of Chemistry & Pharmaceutical Sciences
The Department of Chemistry & Pharmaceutical Sciences (CPS) has approximately 140 employees and actively participates in a wide range of educational programs in the Faculty of Science, including BSc and MSc programs in the fields of Chemistry (joint degree with the University of Amsterdam), Pharmaceutical Sciences, and the interdisciplinary Science, Business & Innovation. The department is highly integrated in the Amsterdam Institute for Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), fostering multidisciplinary research efforts in diverse fields ranging from the fundamental understanding of molecular reactivity to drug discovery.

Are you interested in this position? Please apply via the application button and upload your curriculum vitae and cover letter until 

Applications received by e-mail will not be processed.

Vacancy questions
If you have any questions regarding this vacancy, you may contact:

Name: Eelco Ruijter
Position: Full Professor
E-mail: [email protected]
Telephone: +31 (0)20 59 87462

Relocation support
If you have any questions regarding moving to Amsterdam, and working at VU Amsterdam, you may contact:
Name: Sara Veldhorst
Position: Relocation Advisor
E-mail: [email protected]
Telephone:  +31 (20) 59 86212

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