The Chinese sign for Catalyst is marriage broker, as it decreases the energy for two molecules to react. Many intermediates in the reaction process are too short-lived to detect. The aim is here, to heat the catalysts extremely fast with femtosecond laser pulses to jumpstart the reaction such that the intermediates can be detected with pump-probe spectroscopy. The Dutch Research Foundation NOW has awared a prestigious VIDI grant to Monique A. van der Veen for this research.
Catalysts, especially solid, heterogeneous catalysts are the workhorses of the chemical industry as they lower the energy needed for a reaction to occur. To this end we need to develop a tremendous amount of new catalytic processes that are energy-efficient and selective. Detailed insight into the reaction mechanism can accelerate the development of radically new catalytic processes

So far, heterogeneous catalysis can be followed only on time scales that are too slow. Only very long-lived reaction intermediates can be detected. The limitation is the speed by which a reaction can be turned on (via e.g. a rise in temperature, or addition of reactants). In this project you will focus on detecting intermediates during heterogenous catalysis with pump probe spectroscopy via a ultrafast optical heating scheme. You will mainly use mid-infrared probes, as these provide the most information on the intermediate chemical species. You will also be expected to write proposals for synchrotron beamtime so that you can also use X-ray absorption probes, which will track the state of the catalyst. You will work together with a PhD student with similar aims, but a different focus in types of reactions.

The candidate must hold a PhD, or will have submitted a PhD thesis prior to taking up the appointment. Experience with pump-probe spectroscopy, or at least spectroscopy based on femtosecond pulsed lasers is a must. As the position will also involve you synthesizing catalytic materials with a material with a high photothermal response embedded, some experience with synthesizing materials is greatly appreciated.

Fixed-term contract: 3 jaar.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, a discount on health insurance and sport memberships, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

For international applicants we offer the Coming to Delft Service and Partner Career Advice to assist you with your relocation. An International Children's Centre offers childcare and there is an international primary school.

Delft University of Technology

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context. At TU Delft we embrace diversity and aim to be as inclusive as possible (see our Code of Conduct). Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale.

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Faculty Applied Sciences

With more than 1,000 employees, including 135 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,400 passionate students, the Faculty of Applied Sciences is an inspiring scientific ecosystem. Focusing on key enabling technologies, such as quantum- and nanotechnology, photonics, biotechnology, synthetic biology and materials for energy storage and conversion, our faculty aims to provide solutions to important problems of the 21st century. To that end, we train students in broad Bachelor's and specialist Master's programmes with a strong research component. Our scientists conduct ground-breaking fundamental and applied research in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Engineering Physics. We are also training the next generation of high school teachers and science communicators.

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