1. 2 PhD Positions in Redox Efficient Phosphorus Chemistry
To meet the growing demand for phosphorus derivatives, whilst complying with increasingly stringent environmental regulations and sustainability issues, this NWO VICI research programme will advance P(III)/P(V) redox cycling and modernise the use of phosphorus by developing novel one-electron processes that minimise unnecessary redox reactions.
This interdisciplinary approach in organophosphorus chemistry exploits all facets of physical (in)organic chemistry, with a key focus on synthesis, molecular and mechanistic design, and sustainability.
In this project, we
will develop:
- the controlled generation of
P-radicals and their reactivity to establish novel open-shell (radical)
pathways, thereby advancing P-sustainability and the eco-friendly
production of benign phosphorus compounds;
- and novel redox reactions of
phosphines, spent phosphine oxides, phosphoric acid and waste phosphates
to enable their use as renewable feedstocks for chemicals traditionally
synthesised from elemental white phosphorus (P4), which will prevent their
constant spillage in the environment.
We will implement these innovations into a broader context and develop scalable protocols, which are needed to realize sustainable phosphorus chemistry on a large scale, introducing recycling, clean, and ‘cradle-to-cradle’ technologies as ground-breaking changes in the field to ensure the continued beneficial use of phosphorus.
The project has significant relevance for the Dutch National Research Agenda on Circular economy and resource efficiency: it will enforce a paradigm shift by developing efficient redox cycling methods to convert waste phosphates directly into high-value products using novel synthetic methodologies, and hence, contribute to modernising phosphorus chemistry by setting new frontiers.
What are you going to
do
You are expected:
- To be active in the fundamental
research of our sustainable main-group chemistry group, publishing in high
level international journals, presenting at leading conferences and
supervising BSc and MSc students;
- To study P(III) to P(V)
oxidation processes to enable the design of novel, highly efficient
methodologies for the production of value-added P-chemicals from
alternative resources;
- To design radically new methodologies
for P(V) to P(III) reduction to enable recycling and reuse of phosphorus
oxides, hence, advancing P-sustainability and the eco-friendly production
of key phosphorus compounds;
- Develop novel, scalable protocols for the direct, redox neutral conversion of renewable inorganic phosphates into essential and benign organophosphate products, thereby eliminating unnecessary waste at the outset
What do we require
- A MSc in Molecular Chemistry;
- A strong scientific expertise
in physical organic chemistry;
- Demonstrated experience in
synthesis (ideally using Schlenk-line and glovebox techniques),
spectroscopy, electrochemistry and computational chemistry;
- The ability and willingness to
acquire all skills needed for molecular phosphorus chemistry;
- You are able to show enthusiasm
and scientific rigor that meets the requirements of the project.
Questions
Do you have any
questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:
- Dr. Chris Slootweg, Associate Professor in Chemistry
- T: +31 (0)20 525 8367
View and Apply
2. PhD Position on
Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers
Hydrogen is becoming one of the key energy carriers for the future to deal with the challenge of climate change and achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement, also because it can help to compensate for the intermittency of renewable energy resources, while it can be sustainably produced from e.g. solar and wind power through the electrolysis of water. Large-scale usage of H2, however, will necessitate its storage at massive scales.
As part of the Sustainable Hydrogen Integrated Propulsion Drives (SH2IPDRIVE) consortium, the two PhD students working at the University of Amsterdam (UvA) will conduct research into various types of experimental hydrogen carriers in collaboration with a number of SME companies. This creates hydrogen storage solutions with a much greater volumetric energy density and potentially fewer safety risks than by using hydrogen at high pressure or low temperature. The prospects for hydrogen carriers are promising, but the technology is far from mature; the activities in this work package must therefore also be regarded as highly innovative in an international context. Specifically, the focus is on Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers (LOHCs); the most promising solution is worked out in detail and validated on a laboratory scale and in test setups.
The partners within
the SH2IPDRIVE consortium are:
Future Proof Shipping B.V. | Technische Universiteit Delft | Nedstack Fuel Cell Technology B.V. | Maritiem Research Instituut Nederland MARIN | Koedood Dieselservice B.V. | Scheepvaartonderneming Van Dam | Holland Shipyards B.V. | Nederlandse Organisatie voor toegepast-natuurwetenschappelijk onderzoek TNO |Bosch Rexroth B.V. | Cryovat Internationaal B.V. | H2Storage B.V. | H2 Circular Fuel B.V. | H2FUEL | Royal Roos B.V. | Solid Hydrogen B.V. | Universiteit van Amsterdam | Voyex B.V. | Encontech B.V. | Technische Universiteit Eindhoven | Universiteit Twente | Rivermaas B.V.| IHC Holland B.V. | Royal Dutch Shell | Concordia Damen Shipbuilding B.V.| Defensie Materieel Organisatie.
What are you going to do
- You will be active in the
fundamental research of our sustainable, circular liquid organic hydrogen
carriers, publishing in high level international journals, presenting at
leading conferences and supervising BSc and MSc students.
- You will interact with companies of the SH2IPDRIVE consortium and to convert their questions to new research questions and answers.
Your tasks will be:
- design and synthesize novel
circular hydrogen carriers;
- test their full propensity as
functional hydrogen carriers (H2 release and uptake) incl. recyclability;
- test the developed hydrogen
carriers in large scale case studies in collaboration with several
industries;
- publish and present the
findings in scientific journals and international conferences.
What do we require
Your experience and
profile:
- a MSc in Molecular Chemistry;
- a strong scientific expertise
in physical organic chemistry;
- demonstrated experience in
synthesis (ideally using hydrogenation chemistry, homogeneous catalysis
and glovebox techniques), spectroscopy, electrochemistry and computational
chemistry;
- the ability and willingness to
acquire all skills needed for molecular hydrogen carrier chemistry;
- you are able to show enthusiasm
and scientific rigor that meets the requirements of the project.
- good communication skills in
oral and written English;
- take initiative and has good
time management skills;
- interest in collaborating with
students and colleagues within and outside the institute.
Questions
Do you have any
questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:
Chris Slootweg, Associate Professor in Chemistry
T. + 31 (0)20 525 8367
3. 2 PhD Positions on the
(Electro)chemical Recycling of Solid Hydrogen Carriers
Hydrogen is becoming one of the key energy carriers for the future to deal with the challenge of climate change and achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement, also because it can help to compensate for the intermittency of renewable energy resources, while it can be sustainably produced from e.g. solar and wind power through the electrolysis of water. Large-scale usage of H2, however, will necessitate its storage at massive scales. Multiple H2 storage options exist, among which through the production and use of NaBH4, associated with the regeneration of the spent fuel NaBO2. It is the purpose of this research project to develop NaBH4 as circular H2 storage option.
It is imminent the transition from fossil-fuels to greener alternatives in order to meet the goals set by the Paris Agreement. Besides its zero-carbon foot-print and competitive price, the new generation of energy carriers must be sustainably recycled to avoid overmining and to eliminate waste at the outset. Alkali metal borohydrides have emerged as an attractive alternative to H2 technology, both as energy vector and hydrogen carrier, due to its high stability and enormous power density. However, the applicability at large-scale is hampered by the lack of economic synthetic routes to regenerate the spent fuel (metaborate).
The most realistic and
potentially scalable option is to modify the industrial Brown-Schlesinger
process, eliminating large amounts of sodium sulfate as undesired by-product.
Two parallel and complementary research projects with industrial cooperation
will assess the synthesis of borohydride:
- a) PhD 1: modernizing the
Brown-Schlesinger process via novel one-electron chemical pathways,
forming radicals in situ while improving the energy efficiency and atom
economy, and
- b) PhD 2: exploring novel electrochemical pathways for the Brown-Schlesinger process employing renewable energy and the spent fuel to enable NaBH4 as a circular H2 storage option.
What are you going to do
You will be expected
to:
- Actively search for literature
of related topics
- Design and develop novel
(electro)chemical synthetic routes, incl. mechanistic and kinetic studies
- Propose innovative alternatives
to reach the final goals
- Publish in high level
international journals, presenting at leading conferences
- Collaborate with university
colleagues and industrial partners
- Participate in the group
meetings and international conferences
- Mentor bsc and msc students in collaboration with the supervisor
What do we require
- MSc degree in molecular
chemistry, in particular main group/ inorganic chemistry or
electrochemistry
- A strong scientific expertise
in physical (in)organic chemistry;
- Demonstrated experience in
synthesis (ideally using Schlenk-line and glovebox techniques),
spectroscopy, electrochemistry and computational chemistry;
- Affinity for green energy,
electrosynthesis and circular chemistry
- Result-driven and willing to
transfer the knowledge for industrialization
- You are able to show enthusiasm
and scientific rigor that meets the requirements of the project.
Questions
Do you have any
questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:
- Dr. Chris Slootweg, Associate Professor
- T: +31 20 525 8367
Note : For Jobs for 1,2&3
Profile application
The UvA is an equal-opportunity employer. We prioritise 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.
Do you recognize
yourself in these jobs profile? Then we look forward to receiving your application
by August 15, 2022, the latest. You may apply online by using the link below.
Applications in .pdf should include:
- a curriculum vitae;
- a letter of motivation.
4. PhD Position in
Homogeneous Catalysis
Are you interested in supramolecular chemistry, catalysis, and sustainable chemistry? Are you looking for a challenging PhD project, then we may have the ideal position for you. In the HomKat-group that is at the forefront in the field of supramolecular catalysis, we are looking for a motivated PhD student, who under the direct supervision of Dr. Sonja Pullen will work on the border between supramolecular coordination cages and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). The newly designed and prepared systems will be used as catalysts for the conversion of small molecules using orthogonal tandem catalysis.
What are you going to do
You will be part of the HomKat group (www.homkat.nl), providing a stimulating environment with knowledge in the area of homogeneous catalysis, supramolecular chemistry, and solar fuel devices. In the subgroup of Sonja Pullen, you will develop novel materials based on coordination cages, introduce catalysts as building blocks or guests, and perform functional and mechanistic studies. For this, we utilize advanced techniques such as (spectro-) electrochemistry, spectroscopy, and gas-chromatography. The envisioned research is highly interdisciplinary with several promising potential applications. You will have sufficient freedom to shape the project in the direction of your experience and or your interest . The working conditions are excellent with state-of-the-art research facilities.
What do we require
- MSc degree in
chemistry or chemical engineering;
- A strong background
in inorganic chemistry, supramolecular chemistry and/or homogeneous
catalysis;
- Practical
experience in one or more of the following: organic/inorganic synthesis,
structural characterization (NMR, MS and/or XRD, PXRD), electrochemistry and/or
spectroscopy (UV-vis, emission, spectro-electrochemistry)
- Excellent
communication skills in English;
- Self-motivation,
eagerness to learn.
Do you have any
questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:
- Dr. Sonja Pullen, s.pullen@uva.nl
Job application
Do you recognize yourself in the job profile? Then we look forward to receiving your application by 31-8-2022, the latest. You may apply online by using the link below.
Applications in .pdf
should include:
- a curriculum vitae,
including a list of publications, and names of two referees;
- a letter of
motivation.
View and Apply
5. PhD Position in
Latent Paint Curing with Light-Triggered Catalysts
Stimuli-responsive
(latent) catalysts are attracting increasing attention to achieve spatial and
temporal control of chemical transformations. Switchable catalysts provide
ample opportunities in external control of material properties, with
photo-switching being an especially attractive functionality. While
light-triggered activation of latent catalysts holds tremendous potential, this
approach has thus far received limited attention in paint curing. Previous work
in our group has shown that light-activated catalysts can be successfully
applied in latent alkyd paint curing. This project aims to improve the current
system.
The project is an
active collaboration with industry. The PhD candidate will be appointed at the
University of Amsterdam (UvA), at the Van ‘t Hoff Institute for Molecular
Science in the Homogeneous catalysis group. We will recruit the candidate
until the position is filled
Introduction
Do you enjoy working in an interdisciplinary research setting and do you want
to be active in a collaboration between academia and industry? The Van ‘t Hoff
Institute for Molecular Sciences is looking for an ambitious PhD student.
Your research is part of the Homogeneous Catalysis group. You will collaborate
with the Molecular Photonics group and with an Industrial partner.
What are you going to do
The main challenge of
this new project will be to tune the activation behaviour of new latent and
light-triggered catalyst for paint curing. You are expected to synthesize new
catalyst for paint curing, test them in real paint and to investigate mechanistic
aspects. You will need a creative mind to develop light-activated catalyst that
work in dark-coloured paints. You will make several new Fe-based catalysts,
with different physical properties and different catalytic activities. The goal
is to tune the activity and the wavelength of activation. You will need to make
sure that the catalyst also works in paints containing dark-coloured pigments.
To make this possible we need your creativity, enthusiasm and passion. This
should result in sustainable, latent alkyd paint drying processes. These
challenges offer ample opportunities for catalyst tuning and catalyst design,
which will be guided by advanced computational and spectroscopic studies.
Tasks and
responsibilities
- conducting independent research
in synthesis & catalys, resulting in academic publications in
peer-reviewed international journals and/or books;
- collaborating with the
Molecular Photonics group (UvA);
- collaborating and with our
industrial partner, including reporting and presenting your work to them;
- writing research reports,
papers and a PhD thesis;
- presenting your work at
national and international conferences;
- actively contributing to and
developing national and international research networks and other forms of
cooperation;
- supervising Bachelor and Master
students;
What do you have to
offer
You are a creative
thinker who likes challenging projects. You should preferably have a background
in synthesis and catalysis, with affinity for physical chemical methods (e.g.
NMR, ITC, UV-Vis, Fluorescence, GC, HPLC, kinetics) to evaluate the properties
of novel catalyst systems.
A MSc. degree in chemistry with a substantial organic chemistry component is required. Applicants with experience/affinity in coordination chemistry and/or catalysis have a clear advantage. The ability to collaborate and adapt in an international team is required and therefore you must possess good communication skills in oral and written English.
Your experience and
profile
- MSc degree in chemistry with a
substantial organic chemistry component;
- a passionate researcher, with a
creative mind;
- excellent communication skills
in oral and written English;
- experience and affinity with
physical methods and characterisation techniques;
- flexible, readiness to participate in interdisciplinary cooperation and multidisciplinary research;
Applicants with
experience/affinity in coordination chemistry and catalysis have a clear
advantage.
Questions
Do you have any
questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:
- Bas de Bruin: b.debruin@uva.nl
T: +31 20 525 6495
Job application
If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your application. You can apply online via the button below. We accept applications until and including 8 August 2022.
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
View and Apply
6. PhD Positions in
Experimental Quantum Physics
Are you a eager to build state-of-the-art experiments and
use them to explore quantum physics in a lively, international group?
Our Strontium
Quantum Gases Group is looking for ambitious PhD students
who want to participate in exciting quantum simulation, sensing and computing
experiments. This group is headed by Prof. Florian Schreck and is part of the Quantum
Gases & Quantum Information (QG&QI) cluster at the Institute
of Physics (IoP) of the University
of Amsterdam (UvA) and also hosts the Quantum
Delta NL Ultracold Quantum Sensing Testbed. We use
ultracold Sr gases for quantum sensing, to study many-body quantum physics and
for quantum computing. We have four open PhD positions, one each on the
research projects described below. For more information about the projects take
a look at our website or contact Florian
Schreck.
What are you going to do
Project 1: Continuous atom laser
In this project you
will build the first continuous atom laser. An atom laser is a beam of atoms
that is described by a coherent matter wave. So far only short atom laser
pulses have been created by outcoupling a beam of atoms from a Bose-Einstein
condensate (BEC). The laser stops working when all atoms of the BEC have been
outcoupled, requiring the creation of a new BEC for the next atom laser pulse.
BEC creation is usually a lengthy process, requiring several cooling stages to
be executed one after the other in time. We have built a machine that can
execute these stages one after the other in space, enabling us to Bose-Einstein
condense continuously [1]. This allows us to create a BEC that lasts as long as
we want. It’s the atomic equivalent of an optical laser with perfectly
reflective cavity mirrors. Your goal will be to take the next step and
outcouple the first continuous atom laser beam from the BEC. Such a beam would
be an ideal source for continuous atom interferometry [2]. A second goal of the
project is to create interesting driven-dissipative quantum systems and study
their properties.
Project 2: Rb-Sr quantum gas mixtures and RbSr
ground-state molecules
In this project you
will create ultracold RbSr ground-state molecules and use them to perform
quantum simulations [3]. RbSr ground-state molecules have a large electric
dipole moment and a magnetic moment. These properties enable the tuning of
anisotropic long-range interactions between the molecules by applying electric
and magnetic fields. After creating the molecules using unusual magnetic
Feshbach resonances that we discovered [4], your first goal will be to transfer
them into their absolute ground state using laser pulses. Next you will study
the interactions between the molecules, also in order to stabilize them against
decay and create a quantum gas of molecules. Another research avenue is to
confine the molecules in a lattice and induce spin-dependent interactions
between them. This will allow you to study interesting models of magnetism. So
far all ultracold ground-state molecules are composed of two alkali atoms.
RbSr, composed of an alkali and an alkaline-earth, has a quite different
molecular structure, enabling novel quantum simulations.
Yet another
intriguing research avenue is to explore novel few- and many-body quantum
physics with Rb-Sr mixtures, exploiting interaction tuning and element-specific
optical lattices.
Project 3: Sr optical clocks
In this project you
will build and do research with one of the most precise optical clocks in the
world. Your clock would go wrong by only one second over the lifetime of the
universe and is capable of sensing the change in gravitational time dilation
originating from a height change of less than one centimeter [5]. This project
is very collaborative as it is not only a research project in itself, but also
a crucial part of other research projects. As a start, you will learn the ropes
from our superradiant clock team. You will be involved in every aspect of
building your clock, from electronics, over lasers, optics, frequency combs,
ultrastable resonators to vacuum chambers. Once the clock is operational you
will use it to collaborate with other research teams, enabling our superradiant
clock, precise qubit operations in our quantum computer (project 4), or
studying fundamental physics with precision spectroscopy (with our colleagues
at the Free University). For the latter you will participate in setting up a
frequency link through telecom fibres to the Free University in Amsterdam and
to the Eindhoven University of Technology. This project is part of the Quantum
Delta NL Ultracold Quantum Sensing Testbed, which will give you many
opportunities to work with industry, in particular to design photonic circuits
for optical clocks.
Project 4: Quantum simulation and computing with Rydberg
coupled single Sr atoms
Quantum computers
and simulators can solve problems that are utterly out of reach for traditional
computers. We are building two quantum computers/simulators based on arrays of
strontium atoms held in optical tweezers [6], one in our lab and one at the
Eindhoven University of Technology. Quantum bits are encoded in the internal
states of these atoms and quantum calculations are carried out by shining laser
beams onto the atoms in a well-orchestrated way. Quantum computers based on
neutral atoms profit from the fact that the atoms are naturally identical and
that it is quite easy to scale the computer to hundreds of quantum bits. Our
quantum computer is based on strontium atoms, an alkaline-earth element that is
also commonly used to build some of the best clocks in the world. Exploiting
the clock built in project 3 and supported by QuantumDelta NL and the Quantum
Software Consortium we are building quantum computers that
can demonstrate algorithms developed by QuSoft or solve quantum
chemistry problems. In Amsterdam we can currently trap strontium atoms in an
array of 49 tweezers [7]. You will extend this machine with the lasers
necessary to implement one- and two-qubit gates and perform quantum simulations
and computations with it.
What do we require
You hold a MSc. (or equivalent) in physics, have done an experimental master project (or equivalent) in an optical, atomic or molecular physics lab. Other skills and documents that would benefit your application are:
- hands-on experience with
experimental techniques used in an ultracold atom lab, such as
electronics, lasers, optics;
- working knowledge of a
programming language (C++, Python, matlab or equivalent);
- good English oral and written communication skills.
To foster diversity in our research group, we will especially appreciate applications from groups underrepresented in science.
Questions
Do you have any
questions or do you require additional information? Please contact:
- Prof. Florian Schreck,
schreck@uva.nl
Job application
If you feel the profile fits you, and you are interested in the job, we look forward to receiving your application. Please apply online via the button below and also submit your application by email to F.Schreck@uva.nl. We encourage applications at any time, as we continually open more PhD positions for the foreseeable future.
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 name and email address of
at least one reference who can provide a letter of recommendation.
View and Apply
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