Join our team!
We are looking for a motivated PhD candidate to join the INCEPTION project, a collaborative research initiative between Zuyd University of Applied Sciences and the Noël Research Group at the University of Amsterdam. In this project, you will work on the development and implementation of next-generation automated research platforms for chemical innovation, together with academic and industrial partners. The exact application areas are intentionally broad, offering you room to shape your research while contributing to a larger vision.
What you'll be doing
- Conduct PhD-level research within an interdisciplinary project combining chemistry, automation and data-driven experimentation.
- Design, execute and analyse experimental studies using advanced laboratory platforms.
- Collaborate closely with researchers, engineers and students from academia and industry.
- Publish your results in peer-reviewed scientific journals and present them at conferences.
- Contribute to supervision of bachelor’s and master’s students and assist in teaching activities where appropriate.
What we're asking you
- You have a strong interest in experimental research at the interface of chemistry and technology.
- You work independently, but actively seek collaboration and feedback within a team.
- When research plans change or challenges arise, you adapt and keep sight of the scientific goals.
- You communicate clearly in English, both orally and in writing.Bottom of Form
What we're offering you
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 will be agreed upon with the selected candidate. This position leads to a PhD dissertation.
The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week, ranges between €3,059 (first year) and €3,881 (final year), scale P, excluding 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% year-end bonus. A favourable tax agreement (30% ruling) may apply for non-Dutch candidates. The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities is applicable.
You will also benefit from:
- A vibrant international research environment.
- Extensive training and development opportunities.
- A generous holiday allowance and additional university-wide benefits.
- Access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities at both UvA and partner locations.
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.
Are you curious to read more about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits, take a look here.
Where you'll be working
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.
You will be embedded in the Noël Research Group, an internationally recognised team active in modern chemical synthesis and enabling technologies, and collaborate closely with applied research groups at Zuyd University of Applied Sciences. The project brings together researchers with backgrounds in chemistry, engineering and data science, and is characterised by a collaborative, open and ambitious research culture.
The position is formally hosted at the Van ’t Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS), part of the Faculty of Science of the University of Amsterdam. HIMS is known for its high-quality fundamental and applied research and its strong connections with industrial partners.
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.
Are you fascinated by the future of chemical research and curious about how automation and data-driven approaches are reshaping laboratories? Do you want to contribute to an ambitious, interdisciplinary research project at the interface of chemistry, technology and industry? Then this PhD position within the INCEPTION project may be for you.
What you'll be doing
- Conduct PhD-level research within an interdisciplinary project combining chemistry, automation and data-driven experimentation.
- Design, execute and analyse experimental studies using advanced laboratory platforms.
- Collaborate closely with researchers, engineers and students from academia and industry.
- Publish your results in peer-reviewed scientific journals and present them at conferences.
- Contribute to supervision of bachelor’s and master’s students and assist in teaching activities where appropriate.
What we're asking you
- You have a strong interest in experimental research at the interface of chemistry and technology.
- You work independently, but actively seek collaboration and feedback within a team.
- When research plans change or challenges arise, you adapt and keep sight of the scientific goals.
- You communicate clearly in English, both orally and in writing.Bottom of Form
What we're offering you
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 will be agreed upon with the selected candidate. This position leads to a PhD dissertation.
The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week, ranges between €3,059 (first year) and €3,881 (final year), scale P, excluding 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% year-end bonus. A favourable tax agreement (30% ruling) may apply for non-Dutch candidates. The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities is applicable.
You will also benefit from:
- A vibrant international research environment.
- Extensive training and development opportunities.
- A generous holiday allowance and additional university-wide benefits.
- Access to state-of-the-art laboratory facilities at both UvA and partner locations.
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.
Are you curious to read more about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits, take a look here.
Where you'll be working
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.
You will be embedded in the Noël Research Group, an internationally recognised team active in modern chemical synthesis and enabling technologies, and collaborate closely with applied research groups at Zuyd University of Applied Sciences. The project brings together researchers with backgrounds in chemistry, engineering and data science, and is characterised by a collaborative, open and ambitious research culture.
The position is formally hosted at the Van ’t Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS), part of the Faculty of Science of the University of Amsterdam. HIMS is known for its high-quality fundamental and applied research and its strong connections with industrial partners.
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.
If you recognise yourself in this profile and are interested in this position, we invite you to apply by submitting:
- A motivation letter (max. 2 pages).
- A detailed CV.
- Contact details of at least one academic reference.
Deadline for applications is January 15th, 2026. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
For questions about the position, please contact:
