Join the Catalysis Engineering Group of the University of Amsterdam!
The Catalysis Engineering Group, led by Dr. Shiju Raveendran, is seeking a PhD candidate motivated to shape the future of biomaterials from waste!
This position is part of the newly funded national NWA-ORC project, Ab-initio Biowaste Loop (ABEL), which is funded by NWO (Dutch Research Council).
To close material loops in the Dutch bioeconomy, ABEL brings together a large multidisciplinary consortium from industry, academia, policymakers, and societal partners to tackle one of the most pressing challenges of our time: making high-value, sustainable, and circular biomaterials from low-value waste streams that can compete and even outperform traditional alternatives. The target sectors for this project are agriculture sector, construction sector, asphalt paving sector, aviation sector, and household sector.
The successful candidate will join a dynamic research team with access to facilities for materials synthesis and parallel reactor testing. This position offers extensive training in sustainable chemistry and engineering.
This is what you are going to do
- Synthesize novel, heat-stable solid catalysts designed convert low-value waste streams to high-value, sustainable, and circular biomaterials.
- Conduct experiments flow/batch reactors for the conversion of waste streams.
- Characterize materials using different techniques, and link properties to performance.
- Optimize reaction conditions and explore scale-up potential.
- Document experiments systematically, publish results in relevant and reputed journals, and present findings at conferences.
- Collaborate with the Catalysis Engineering Group members and interdisciplinary teams/consortium partners to advance project goals.
- Help with educational and organisational activities, as needed by the group/institute.
- Participate in consortium meetings, workshops and meetings related to the project.
- Be up-to-date with the recent developments in the field by consulting with literature.
- Take own initiatives to plan the experiments creatively and safely as well as to meet the deadlines.
This is what we ask of you
- Masters degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related fields.
- Strong passion for scientific research and to contribute to societythrough innovative technologies.
- Good scientific writing and communication skills.
- Willingness to take initiative, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines.
- Experience in data-analysis and documentation tools such as Excel and Origin, and you use them to organize, analyze, and present experimental results effectively.
- Ability to work in interdisciplinary research teams, and willingness to learn from others.
- Creative and critical problem-solving approachto research and technical challenges.
- Proactive approach to learn, seek input from colleagues and clearly communicate the experimental procedures and safety considerations.
- Research experience in heterogeneous catalysis or nanomaterials synthesis is desirable.
- Experience with material characterization techniques (e.g., XRD) is desirable.
- Experience in operating labscale batch/flow reactors is desirable.
This is what we offer 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 is ultimately April 1st, 2026. 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 ranges between €3,059 (1st year) to €3,881 (last year), scale P. This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. The UFO profile Promovendus is applicable. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universitiesis applicable.
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.
This is where you will work
The candidate will work in the Catalysis Engineering group led by Dr. Shiju Raveendran in HIMS. The Catalysis Engineering Group aims to develop sustainable chemical processes/products. We combine knowledge from the fields of Materials Science and Chemical Science with expertise in the field of Reactor Engineering to achieve this target. We currently work on a number of societally relevant and industrially important topics such as chemical recycling of waste, CO2 conversion, sustainable fuels, renewable H2 etc.
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.
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 passionate about advancing sustainable chemical technologies? Keep reading!
Join the Catalysis Engineering Group of the University of Amsterdam!
The Catalysis Engineering Group, led by Dr. Shiju Raveendran, is seeking a PhD candidate motivated to shape the future of biomaterials from waste!
This position is part of the newly funded national NWA-ORC project, Ab-initio Biowaste Loop (ABEL), which is funded by NWO (Dutch Research Council).
To close material loops in the Dutch bioeconomy, ABEL brings together a large multidisciplinary consortium from industry, academia, policymakers, and societal partners to tackle one of the most pressing challenges of our time: making high-value, sustainable, and circular biomaterials from low-value waste streams that can compete and even outperform traditional alternatives. The target sectors for this project are agriculture sector, construction sector, asphalt paving sector, aviation sector, and household sector.
The successful candidate will join a dynamic research team with access to facilities for materials synthesis and parallel reactor testing. This position offers extensive training in sustainable chemistry and engineering.
This is what you are going to do
- Synthesize novel, heat-stable solid catalysts designed convert low-value waste streams to high-value, sustainable, and circular biomaterials.
- Conduct experiments flow/batch reactors for the conversion of waste streams.
- Characterize materials using different techniques, and link properties to performance.
- Optimize reaction conditions and explore scale-up potential.
- Document experiments systematically, publish results in relevant and reputed journals, and present findings at conferences.
- Collaborate with the Catalysis Engineering Group members and interdisciplinary teams/consortium partners to advance project goals.
- Help with educational and organisational activities, as needed by the group/institute.
- Participate in consortium meetings, workshops and meetings related to the project.
- Be up-to-date with the recent developments in the field by consulting with literature.
- Take own initiatives to plan the experiments creatively and safely as well as to meet the deadlines.
This is what we ask of you
- Masters degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, or related fields.
- Strong passion for scientific research and to contribute to societythrough innovative technologies.
- Good scientific writing and communication skills.
- Willingness to take initiative, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines.
- Experience in data-analysis and documentation tools such as Excel and Origin, and you use them to organize, analyze, and present experimental results effectively.
- Ability to work in interdisciplinary research teams, and willingness to learn from others.
- Creative and critical problem-solving approachto research and technical challenges.
- Proactive approach to learn, seek input from colleagues and clearly communicate the experimental procedures and safety considerations.
- Research experience in heterogeneous catalysis or nanomaterials synthesis is desirable.
- Experience with material characterization techniques (e.g., XRD) is desirable.
- Experience in operating labscale batch/flow reactors is desirable.
This is what we offer 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 is ultimately April 1st, 2026. 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 ranges between €3,059 (1st year) to €3,881 (last year), scale P. This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. The UFO profile Promovendus is applicable. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universitiesis applicable.
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.
This is where you will work
The candidate will work in the Catalysis Engineering group led by Dr. Shiju Raveendran in HIMS. The Catalysis Engineering Group aims to develop sustainable chemical processes/products. We combine knowledge from the fields of Materials Science and Chemical Science with expertise in the field of Reactor Engineering to achieve this target. We currently work on a number of societally relevant and industrially important topics such as chemical recycling of waste, CO2 conversion, sustainable fuels, renewable H2 etc.
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.
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 the profile and are interested in the position, we look forward to receiving your motivation letter and CV. You can respond via the red button up to and including the 15th of March, 2026.
Please include the following documents in your application (as PDF files):
- A motivation letter (max. 2 pages A4)
- Your CV, including the months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience, including a list of publications
- Contact details of at least one academic reference
We will review applications on a rolling basis and continue recruiting until the position is filled.
A knowledge security check can be part of the selection procedure (for details: national knowledge security guidelines). If you receive an error message while applying from abroad, please try again later or contact us for assistance.
For questions about the position, please contact:
Dr. Shiju Raveendran, n.r.shiju@uva.nl ]
Associate Professor and Group leader- Catalysis Engineering
