The research in the subgroup of Jarl Ivar van der Vlugt is centered around innovative ligand design and cooperative catalysis, with a major goal to develop first row transition metal based small molecule activation processes and catalysis based thereon. Funded by a prestigious ERC research grant, we look forward to expand our research in this exciting and emerging area and are now looking for enthusiastic and creative PhD students to join the team. The work is multi-facetted and conceptual in nature, with aspects of organic and inorganic synthesis, organometallic chemistry, coordination chemistry, analysis (NMR, IR, UV-vis, EPR, CV, XRD, spectroelectrochemistry), reactivity studies (supported by DFT calculations) and homogeneous catalysis interwoven to solve specific challenging issues in small molecule activation and functionalization. The research group is young, ambitious and focused on success and the team is embedded within the larger working group Supramolecular Catalysis, directed by prof. Joost Reek, which is well-known for concepts in (supramolecular) homogeneous catalysis.

Requirements

The successful applicants have excellent qualifying degrees in Chemistry with experience in synthetic (in)organic chemistry and interest in high-level research in a friendly, competitive environment. Good command of English and good communication skills are required.

Further information

Project information can be obtained from Dr. J.I. van der Vlugt E-mail: j.i.vandervlugt@uva.nl

Please do not send your application to dr. Van der Vlugt. The application address can be found below.

Appointment

The appointment will be on a temporary basis for a maximum period of four years (1½ year plus a further 2½ years after a positive evaluation) and should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). An educational plan that includes attendance of courses and national and international meetings will be drafted. Every year there will be an evaluation. The salary is in accordance with the university regulations for academic personnel, and will range from € 2.042,- (first year) before tax, up to a maximum of € 2.612,- (last year) per month. The Collective Employment Agreement of the Dutch Universities is applicable.

Job application

To save paper and the environment, all applications and responses will be sent by e-mail only. Applications must include a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, and a cover letter. All these should be grouped in one PDF attachment. Please e-mail your application to application-science@uva.nl, quoting the vacancy number in the subject line.

The earliest date for commencement of a PhD position is January 1st 2012.