Are you a highly motivated MSc graduate with a strong affinity for inorganic chemistry and materials? The
Functional Materials group is seeking a curious and ambitious PhD candidate to perform fundamental and applied research on the synthetic design and application of metal-organic frameworks for hydrogen purification.
Come work at the largest university of the Netherlands Proton-exchange membrane (PEM) electrolysis represents a promising technology for hydrogen production and is well-suited for integration with intermittent renewable energy sources. Hydrogen production by electrolysis produces oxygen as a byproduct. Producing hydrogen at a purity level suitable for various applications, including fuel cell vehicles, power generation, and industrial processes requires the removal of oxygen. An efficient hydrogen/oxygen separation would enable to obtain hydrogen at a high purity level and to capture oxygen which can be used in industrial applications or released safely into the atmosphere. Despite many research efforts, an oxygen-selective adsorbent is not commercially viable at present. In this research project, you will design, synthesise and test materials, such as metal-organic frameworks for their application in the purification of hydrogen produced by PEM electrolysis. This research is part of the large consortium project “Towards flexible, durable, and high-performance Hydrogen Production Technology” (HyPro) R&D project of the National Growth Fund program GroenvermogenNL involving knowledge institutions and companies in the Netherlands.
What you will doTasks and responsibilities: - You will synthesise and characterise existing and novel metal-organic frameworks using state-of-the art methodologies;
- You will characterise the materials using spectroscopic and surface characterisation techniques;
- You will identify and implement optimal methods for the integration and testing of materials for hydrogen purification in PEM applications;
- You will perform structure-property correlations and unravel the physical and chemical characteristics that determine the functional properties of the materials;
- You will collaborate with universities and industry and report and present your work-progress on a regular basis to the research partners and stakeholders within the project;
- You will participate in the activities of the Functional Materials group and work in close collaboration with colleagues at HIMS.
This is what we look for - You have a creative, curious and driven nature;
- You have a recent Master degree in Chemistry, Materials Science or related field;
- You have skills in synthetic inorganic chemistry. Experience with metal-organic frameworks is a pro;
- You have skills in solid-state chemistry and materials characterization;
- You have a strong interest to investigate structure-property relationships of the synthesized materials both from fundamental point of view and for industrial application in hydrogen purification processes;
- You are open to contribute to scaling up metal-organic frameworks for application tests by industrial project partners;
- You are expected to stay acquainted with the recent scientific literature in the field of metal-organic frameworks, develop research ideas and valorise the research in the form of research articles;
- You have excellent analytical and communication skills and a demonstrated ability to work both independently and in collaboratively in a team environment;
- You have a good team spirit and like to work in interdisciplinary and internationally oriented environment and to work with academic and industrial partners;
- Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English.
What we offer A temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 years (the initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended for a total duration of 4 years). The preferred starting date is as soon as possible/to be discussed. 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 you to assist in teaching undergraduates and master students.
The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 2,901 and € 3,707 (scale P). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. The
Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities is applicable.
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;
- a complete educational program for PhD students;
- 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.
Where you will work 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.
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
Functional Materials research group focuses on developing fundamental knowledge and materials, among which metal-organic frameworks, that enable low-energy routes for efficient molecular separations, the synthesis of chemicals, and selective chemical sensing. We are part of the
Synthesis & Catalysis research theme at the
Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS) and contribute to the activities of
Amsterdam Centre for Electrochemistry. HIMS is one of eight institutes of the Faculty of Science, performing 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.
Want to know more about our organisation? Read more about
working at the University of Amsterdam.
If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your application by
March 31st, 2025. You can apply online via the button below.
Applications should include the following information (all files besides your cv should be submitted in one single pdf file):
- a detailed CV including the months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience;
- a letter of motivation;
- the names and email addresses of two references who can provide letters of recommendation.
Only complete applications received within the response period via the link below will be considered. We will recruit until the position is filled and close the position when a suitable candidate is found.
Do you have any questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:
- Dr. Stefania Grecea, Associate Professor and Group Leader, Functional Materials for Sustainable Applications
- s.grecea@uva.nl
- +31 (0)20 525 7245