What are you going to do
? This project focuses on developing and applying a state-of-the-art computational framework for studying electro-catalytic reactions and designing improved catalyst materials.
You will:
develop a protocol for setting up, training, and applying neural network potential based molecular dynamics simulations for catalyst screening; develop and apply machine learning techniques, e.g. based on “Collective Variable Free Sampling of Molecular Transition Paths”, to obtain reaction free landscapes; improve the integrated models for investigation of electron and proton transfer reactions at catalyst materials; propose new catalyst materials, working conditions, and experiments to our collaborators. Tasks and responsibilities:
complete a PhD thesis within the official appointment duration of four years; conduct independent research in the Computational Chemistry group; be an active member of the research group and take responsibility for shared tasks; discuss your work with the group members and during work discussion meetings, incorporate feedback and give input to others; collaborate with your colleagues in the Computational Chemistry group at HIMS, the AI4Science Laboratory at IvI, and in experimental groups at HIMS; take a leading role in writing manuscripts and publish and present your work in peer-reviewed international journals, books and conferences; participate in the Faculty of Science PhD training program; contribute to the supervision of BSc/MSc student projects; contribute to the teaching activities of the department.
What do you have to offer?
You are passionate about science and have a particular interest in modelling. You enjoy close collaboration with domain experts. You have a creative mind and look forward to work at the cutting-edge of computational technology. Finally, you are a team player and a pleasant colleague who enjoys being part of an interdisciplinary team of computational researchers and plant scientists.
Your experience and profile
You have/are:
a creative, curious and driven nature; a Master’s degree in science, preferably in chemistry, chemical engineering, physics, engineering physics, materials science, computational science, or artificial intelligence with a specialization in natural science; experience with molecular simulation is preferred; experience with machine learning is preferred; good programming skills; excellent communication skills in oral and written English; strong initiative and good time management skills; interest in collaborating with students, PhDs and postdoctoral researchers in related projects and research groups within and outside the Netherlands. Our offer
A temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of four years (the initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended to a total duration of four years). This should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). The preferred starting date is November to February . We will draft an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. We also expect you to assist in teaching undergraduates and Masters students.
Based on a full-time contract (38 hours per week) the gross monthly salary will range from €2, in the first year to €3, (scale P) in the last year. This is exclusive 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities is applicable.
Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at Science Park we offer you multiple fringe benefits:
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 + different courses; 7 weeks birth leave (partner leave) with % 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. Are you curious to read more about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits, take a look here.