PhD in Spectroscopy of Smart Self-Sealing Materials

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You will combine porous-material synthesis, thin-film preparation and in situ infrared spectroscopy to connect molecular reactions, peptide self-assembly and macroscopic sealing. Apply PhD in Spectroscopy of Smart Self-Sealing Materials Faculty of Science 15410 Master's €3,204 - €4,051 38 hours Closes on 15-10-2026 Apply PhD in Spectroscopy of Smart Self-Sealing Materials Faculty of Science Master's 38 hours 15410 €3,204 - €4,051 Closes on 15-10-2026 Can spectroscopy reveal how a breathable material knows when to seal? In this PhD project, you will develop responsive MOF-peptide coatings for adaptive protection and follow their chemistry in real time. You will combine porous-material synthesis, thin-film preparation and in situ infrared spectroscopy to connect molecular reactions, peptide self-assembly and macroscopic sealing. Apply PhD in Spectroscopy of Smart Self-Sealing Materials Faculty of Science 15410 Master's €3,204 - €4,051 38 hours Closes on 15-10-2026 Apply Working at the UvA Develop smart materials that sense danger and seal themselves We are looking for a PhD candidate to lead the experimental and spectroscopic track of an interdisciplinary project on breathable, self-sealing coatings. The concept combines porous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with fibril-forming peptides. MOFs will act as both reactive interfaces and peptide reservoirs: chemical reactions at the material can trigger peptide release and self-assembly into a sealing film. You will work closely with a second PhD candidate focused on molecular simulation, and with project partners at UvA and TNO. Your experiments will connect molecular-level reaction mechanisms to materials performance. Working at the UvA Develop smart materials that sense danger and seal themselves We are looking for a PhD candidate to lead the experimental and spectroscopic track of an interdisciplinary project on breathable, self-sealing coatings. The concept combines porous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with fibril-forming peptides. MOFs will act as both reactive interfaces and peptide reservoirs: chemical reactions at the material can trigger peptide release and self-assembly into a sealing film. You will work closely with a second PhD candidate focused on molecular simulation, and with project partners at UvA and TNO. Your experiments will connect molecular-level reaction mechanisms to materials performance. All about this vacancy This is what you are going to do Synthesize and characterize porous MOFs and MOF thin films, including tailoring pore and surface chemistry and loading selected peptides into the materials. Develop and run in situ ATR-FTIR experiments to follow adsorption, chemical reactions, peptide uptake and release, and amyloid-like fibril formation under controlled liquid and gas/vapour conditions. Quantify reaction kinetics, peptide loading/release and selectivity using complementary analytical methods such as UV/Vis spectroscopy, mass balance and, where appropriate, GC, NMR and HPLC. Relate spectroscopic signatures and reaction kinetics to film formation and sealing performance, including controls against benign environmental changes and chemical interferents. Collaborate closely with the computational PhD and consortium partners, contribute to validation experiments at TNO, publish and present your results, and assist in Bachelor and Master teaching. Publish and present your work within the project consortium and on international scientific platforms Contribute to the teaching activities of the department. This is what we ask of you Master’s degree (or equivalent) in chemistry, biochemistry, physical chemistry or a closely related field. You have hands-on laboratory experience with spectroscopy and/or the synthesis and characterization of functional materials. Experience with infrared spectroscopy, porous materials or thin films is an advantage. You are comfortable preparing and handling biochemical samples such as peptide or protein solutions, including accurate pipetting, preparation of buffers and solutions, pH adjustment You are interested in combining different types of experiments: preparing MOF materials and thin films, loading peptides into porous materials, following adsorption and release, and monitoring chemical reactions and peptide self-assembly using in situ spectroscopy. You work carefully and reproducibly, document experimental conditions and results clearly, and are motivated to analyse complex spectroscopic data and connect these results to molecular processes. Strong initiative and passion for science Open to collaborate with students (BSc/MSc), PhDs and PDs involved in related project and research groups within and outside the Netherlands. This is what we offer you You will join a highly interdisciplinary project at the interface of spectroscopy, porous materials, peptide self-assembly and adaptive materials. You will have access to custom in situ ATR-FTIR setups and materials-characterisation facilities at Amsterdam Science Park, work side by side with a computational PhD candidate, and gain experience through collaboration with TNO. You will become part of a supportive and collaborative research group (the Baumgartner group is embedded in the Homkat group) where curiosity and creativity are highly valued. We celebrate scientific progress—whether it’s a successful synthesis, a clever analysis, or a shared insight over coffee. As your supervisor, I will offer regular individual meetings and an open-door policy to ensure you have guidance when needed and space to grow independently. You’ll have access to excellent facilities for both organic and materials synthesis, as well as state-of-the-art spectroscopy. We value personal development: you will receive training in advanced spectroscopy, data analysis (e.g., Python or MATLAB), and scientific communication. You’ll have the opportunity to attend conferences, contribute to publications, and co-supervise Bachelor’s and Master’s students—building both your research and mentoring skills. 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 the end of 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 €3,204 (1st year) to €4,051 (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 Universities is 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. All about this vacancy This is what you are going to do Synthesize and characterize porous MOFs and MOF thin films, including tailoring pore and surface chemistry and loading selected peptides into the materials. Develop and run in situ ATR-FTIR experiments to follow adsorption, chemical reactions, peptide uptake and release, and amyloid-like fibril formation under controlled liquid and gas/vapour conditions. Quantify reaction kinetics, peptide loading/release and selectivity using complementary analytical methods such as UV/Vis spectroscopy, mass balance and, where appropriate, GC, NMR and HPLC. Relate spectroscopic signatures and reaction kinetics to film formation and sealing performance, including controls against benign environmental changes and chemical interferents. Collaborate closely with the computational PhD and consortium partners, contribute to validation experiments at TNO, publish and present your results, and assist in Bachelor and Master teaching. Publish and present your work within the project consortium and on international scientific platforms Contribute to the teaching activities of the department. This is what we ask of you Master’s degree (or equivalent) in chemistry, biochemistry, physical chemistry or a closely related field. You have hands-on laboratory experience with spectroscopy and/or the synthesis and characterization of functional materials. Experience with infrared spectroscopy, porous materials or thin films is an advantage. You are comfortable preparing and handling biochemical samples such as peptide or protein solutions, including accurate pipetting, preparation of buffers and solutions, pH adjustment You are interested in combining different types of experiments: preparing MOF materials and thin films, loading peptides into porous materials, following adsorption and release, and monitoring chemical reactions and peptide self-assembly using in situ spectroscopy. You work carefully and reproducibly, document experimental conditions and results clearly, and are motivated to analyse complex spectroscopic data and connect these results to molecular processes. Strong initiative and passion for science Open to collaborate with students (BSc/MSc), PhDs and PDs involved in related project and research groups within and outside the Netherlands. This is what we offer you You will join a highly interdisciplinary project at the interface of spectroscopy, porous materials, peptide self-assembly and adaptive materials. You will have access to custom in situ ATR-FTIR setups and materials-characterisation facilities at Amsterdam Science Park, work side by side with a computational PhD candidate, and gain experience through collaboration with TNO. You will become part of a supportive and collaborative research group (the Baumgartner group is embedded in the Homkat group) where curiosity and creativity are highly valued. We celebrate scientific progress—whether it’s a successful synthesis, a clever analysis, or a shared insight over coffee. As your supervisor, I will offer regular individual meetings and an open-door policy to ensure you have guidance when needed and space to grow independently. You’ll have access to excellent facilities for both organic and materials synthesis, as well as state-of-the-art spectroscopy. We value personal development: you will receive training in advanced spectroscopy, data analysis (e.g., Python or MATLAB), and scientific communication. You’ll have the opportunity to attend conferences, contribute to publications, and co-supervise Bachelor’s and Master’s students—building both your research and mentoring skills. 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 the end of 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 €3,204 (1st year) to €4,051 (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 Universities is 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. Your place at the UvA This is where you will work You will join a highly interdisciplinary project at the interface of simulations and theory of porous materials, peptide self-assembly and adaptive materials. You will have access to state of the art computational facilities at Amsterdam Science Park, work side by side with an experimental PhD candidate, and gain experience through collaboration with TNO and On2Quest. You will become part of a supportive and collaborative research group (the ILIE group is embedded in the Computational Chemistry group) where curiosity and creativity are highly valued. As your supervisor, I will offer regular individual meetings and an open-door policy to ensure you have guidance when needed and space to grow independently. We value personal development: you will receive training in advanced computational techniques, machine learning, data analysis and scientific communication. You’ll have the opportunity to attend conferences, contribute to publications, and co-supervise Bachelor’s and Master’s students—building both your research and mentoring skills. 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 the end of 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. You will join the Multiscale Simulation of Biomolecular Systems group of dr. ir. Ioana M. ILIE, part of the Computational Chemistry research group within the Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS) at the University of Amsterdam. Our research focuses on the development and application of advanced molecular simulation and multiscale modelling methodology to obtain novel and improved understanding of the behaviour of (bio)materials, and of complex (bio)chemical and physical processes that are of technological and scientific importance. The computational work will be closely integrated with the experimenta research led by Dr. Bettina Baumgartner. The two PhD candidates will work across the work packages in parallel so that experiments and computational simulations continuously inform each other. Part of the project includes research visits or secondments to TNO for specialised validation under certified safety conditions. The team is young, interdisciplinary, and collaborative. You will work alongside PhD candidates, postdocs, and students in a supportive environment where scientific curiosity is actively encouraged. We value open discussions, shared progress, and celebrating scientific achievements—whether they come from careful experimentation or creative thinking over coffee. Our goal is to train well-rounded researchers who can independently design, carry out, and reflect on experiments. 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. More about the UvA The University of Amsterdam is ambitious, creative and committed. An inspiration to students since 1632, a vanguard player in international science and a partner in innovation. The University of Amsterdam is the largest university in the Netherlands, with the broadest range of courses on offer. An intellectual hub with 42,000 students, 6,000 staff and 3,000 PhD students. Connected by a culture of curiosity. Your place at the UvA This is where you will be working This is where you will work You will join a highly interdisciplinary project at the interface of simulations and theory of porous materials, peptide self-assembly and adaptive materials. You will have access to state of the art computational facilities at Amsterdam Science Park, work side by side with an experimental PhD candidate, and gain experience through collaboration with TNO and On2Quest. You will become part of a supportive and collaborative research group (the ILIE group is embedded in the Computational Chemistry group) where curiosity and creativity are highly valued. As your supervisor, I will offer regular individual meetings and an open-door policy to ensure you have guidance when needed and space to grow independently. We value personal development: you will receive training in advanced computational techniques, machine learning, data analysis and scientific communication. You’ll have the opportunity to attend conferences, contribute to publications, and co-supervise Bachelor’s and Master’s students—building both your research and mentoring skills. 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 the end of 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. You

• You will join a highly interdisciplinary project at the interface of spectroscopy, porous materials, peptide self-assembly and adaptive materials.
• You will have access to custom in situ ATR-FTIR setups and materials-characterisation facilities at Amsterdam Science Park, work side by side with a computational PhD candidate, and gain experience through collaboration with TNO.
• We celebrate scientific progress—whether it’s a successful synthesis, a clever analysis, or a shared insight over coffee.
• As your supervisor, I will offer regular individual meetings and an open-door policy to ensure you have guidance when needed and space to grow independently.
• You’ll have access to excellent facilities for both organic and materials synthesis, as well as state-of-the-art spectroscopy.
• We value personal development: you will receive training in advanced spectroscopy, data analysis (e.g., Python or MATLAB), and scientific communication.
• You’ll have the opportunity to attend conferences, contribute to publications, and co-supervise Bachelor’s and Master’s students—building both your research and mentoring skills.
• 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 the end of 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 €3,204 (1st year) to €4,051 (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 Universities is applicable.
• 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