PhD in Industrial Sustainable Chemistry

The Industrial Sustainable Chemistry Group of HIMS (University of Amsterdam) is currently exploring various new concepts in the production and application of existing (drop-in) building blocks in a sustainable way from CO2. In the next 4 years we will work in a project with multiple European partners to scale up polyester synthesis from CO2 based building blocks. This particular position relates to end-of-life and recyclability research. We are looking for a PhD that will perform research on the synthesis, biodegradability and recyclability of glycolic acid based polyesters.
The project is executed in close collaboration with industry (Avantium ). 

What are we looking for

The PhD candidate should be a creative thinker that likes challenging projects and has a background in organic/polymer chemistry or chemical engineering (related to polymers). The candidate is also interested in using analytical methods (e.g. NMR, DSC, TGA, GPC, etc.) to evaluate the properties of novel building blocks or polymeric materials.

What are you going to do

Tasks and responsibilities: 

• Perform polyester synthesis;
• Perform biodegradation experiments on polyesters;
• Perform analyses (NMR, DSC, TGA, etc.) on these materials;
• Perform research on chemical recycling of polyesters;
• Write publications and reports;
• Work in a group that combines industry and academia.

What do we require

• MSc. degree in chemistry with a substantial (organic) chemistry/ polymer chemistry component;
• Ability to collaborate and adapt in an international team, within and outside the institute and industry;
• Takes initiative and has good time management skills.

Due to limitations in recruitment budget we will preferably consider candidates that are currently in Europe.

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 on September 1, 2023 , for the duration of four years (the initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended to a total duration of four years). 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 the Phd candidate to assist in teaching undergraduates and Masters students. 

Based on a full-time contract (38 hours per week) the gross monthly salary will range from € 2,541.- in the first year to € 3,247.- (scale P) 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. Curious about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits? Take a look here .

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.

About us

The Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS) is one of eight institutes of the University of Amsterdam 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, flavour & food, medical and high-tech industries. Research is organised into four themes: Sustainable Chemistry , Analytical Chemistry , Computational Chemistry and Molecular Photonics . 

The group Industrial Sustainable Chemistry is headed by prof. Gert-Jan Gruter and is part of the Sustainable Chemistry theme of HIMS. The group operates in close collaboration with industry. Most of the PhD students have the possibility to work in the Avantium lab’s located in MATRIX VI at the Amsterdam Science Park (next to HIMS location) or in the Avantium Zekeringstraat labs in Amsterdam.
The general aim of the group is the development of synthetic strategies for new and existing building blocks for sustainable materials with a focus on those that have large scale (>100,000 tons) application potential. Additionally the group develops novel sustainable plastics produced from bio-based building blocks, a challenge that we approach in a multidisciplinary fashion. Important issues when developing building blocks with bulk application potential are competitiveness on cost and, when new, possibly also on performance. Furthermore we look into issues such as end-of life and recyclability to complement our research.

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 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.

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:

Job application

Do you recognize yourself in the job profile? Then we look forward to receiving your application by July 1, 2023. 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.

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.

LI-A-NP