The Flow Chemistry Group headed by Prof. Timothy Noel is looking for new postdocs with chemistry or engineering skills to strengthen the RoboChem project.

Join us!
We are seeking a talented and motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our team and contribute to cutting-edge developments in self-driving laboratories. The ideal candidate will have expertise in synthetic organic chemistry, automation, Python coding, and optimization algorithms (e.g., Bayesian optimization). As this is an inherently multidisciplinary role, strong collaborative skills are essential to effectively work with a diverse team. Additionally, leadership qualities are crucial to align team efforts towards shared goals and drive innovative progress. If you are passionate about pushing the boundaries of automation and chemistry, we encourage you to apply!

What are you going to do
You are going to be part of a multidisciplinary team of chemists, chemical engineers and data engineers. Your specific role will gravitate around the technological aspects of RoboChem, including writing code, assembling the hardware and executing the chemistry experiments inside the self-driving lab.

Tasks and responsibilities:

• Write code (python);
• Assemble the hardware (inline NMR, UPLC, liquid handlers, Syring pumps);
• Optimizing the reaction conditions using machine learning algorithms;
• Carry out cutting-edge synthetic transformations in RoboChem;
• Function in a small interdisciplinary team.

What we look for
A recent PhD degree in chemistry/Chemical Engineering or related with strong technological skills.

Your experience and profile:

• PhD in chemistry or chemical engineering;
• Strong communication skills;
• Team player;
• Strong problem solving skills.

What we can offer you
A temporary contract for 38 hours per week, preferably starting as soon as possible, but latest on 1 January, 2025, for the duration of 8 months.
The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between €3,345 and €5,278 (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.

What else do we offer
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.

Where will you work
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 recognized 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 organized into four themes: Analytical Chemistry, Computational Chemistry, Synthesis & Catalysis and Molecular Photonics.

The Flow Chemistry Group’s mission is to expand the available chemical space by embracing technology to the fullest extent. The aim of the Flow Chemistry group (a.k.a. the Noël Research Group) is to build bridges between chemical engineering and organic synthetic chemistry. Consequently, long-standing problems in synthetic chemistry can be overcome, which includes scalability, gas-liquid reactions, photochemistry, electrochemistry and the generation and use of hazardous reagents. This allows us to effectively expand the available chemical space by bringing overlooked or avoided reagents into play.

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.

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

• Prof. dr. ing. T. (Timothy) Noël
• E-mail: t.noel@uva.nl
• Tel: +31 20525 2184

Do you recognize yourself in the job profile? Then we look forward to receiving your application by 1 January, 2025 at latest. You may apply online by using the link below.

Applications in .pdf should include:

• a curriculum vitae including the list of publications (please put in the months and not just years when referring to your education and work experience;
• a short overview (max 2 pages A4) of specific past research contributions
• a letter of motivation (max 2 pages A4);
• a reference (email, phone number) to the direct supervisor in the previous academic position.

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