2 PhD Positions in ConSOLIDATe Project on Light-induced Degradation

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2 PhD Positions in ConSOLIDATe Project on Light-induced Degradation

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Job description

Offer DescriptionInterested in studying light-induced degradation of materials used in art, pharmacy or as protective coatings in a diverse and international team? Within the ConSOLIDATe project, headed by professor Maarten van Bommel and jointly caried out at two universities (University of Amsterdam and de Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam), we have two open PhD positions on the development of new analytical techniques for studying material degradation in solution and in solid phase.Dive into studying light-induced degradation
Many organic compounds change under the influence of (UV) light. This is beneficial in water purification, but undesirable when cultural-heritage objects fade or when pharmaceuticals or protective coatings degrade. Understanding the chemistry of light-induced degradation (LID) is essential, yet highly challenging.The ConSOLIDATe (Controlled Study Of Light Induced Degradation by Advancing Technology) project aims to tackle two crucial research questions: how do materials degrade in solution and solid phase, and what is the (extent of) correlation between these processes? Two PhD candidates will design and apply new workflows using two-dimensional liquid-chromatographic and (sub)surface Raman techniques to study LID of various materials in solution and solid phase under different conditions.The ConSOLIDATe project is supported by NWO Domain Applied and Engineering Sciences (TTW). Research groups from the University of Amsterdam (UvA) and the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU) team up with AkzoNobel, AstraZeneca, the cultural-heritage agency of The Netherlands (RCE), and KWR Watercycle Research Institute.This is what you will do
One PhD candidate will be appointed at UvA and will primarily concentrate on studying the process of in-solution degradation of compounds from complex mixtures and develop advanced chromatographic tools, using and optimising a previously designed LID setup. The second PhD candidate will be appointed at VU and will focus on the development of stimulated and spatially-offset Raman spectroscopy techniques for non-invasive, depth-selective analysis of light-exposed solid samples. Secondments of the PhD candidates to the private partners involved are foreseen.This is what we ask of you

• A MSc degree in (analytical) chemistry or related science is required;
• Both candidates should have knowledge about spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques, and should be able to collaborate in an international team;
• The PhD candidate studying light-induced degradation in solution, must have a strong affinity and preferably experience with liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry;
• The PhD candidate focussing on the development of Raman spectroscopy techniques for studying solid samples should demonstrate experience and skills in optical spectroscopy;
• Experience in the domain of the coating industry, pharmaceutical industry, art preservation or water purification is an advantage;
• Motivation to take ownership and independently tackle solutions to scientific challenges;
• Willingness to collaborate with PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers in related research projects and with other research groups within and outside the Netherlands;
• All candidates must possess good communication skills in oral and written English.

In your application letter, please specify how you expect to contribute to the ConSOLIDATe project and motivate your preference for one of the two positions.This is what we offer you
A temporary contract 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. 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 preferred starting date is September 2025.
The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between €2,901- €3,707 (scale P). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants.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.

This is where you will work
The (HIMS) is one of eight institutes of the University of Amsterdam (UvA) . 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: , , and .The University of Amsterdam is the Netherlands’ largest university, offering the widest range of academic programmes. At the UvA, 30,000 students, 6,000 staff members and 3,000 PhD candidates study and work in a diverse range of fields, connected by a culture of curiosity.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.To work at the University of Amsterdam is to work in a discerning, independent, creative, innovative and international climate characterized by an open atmosphere and a genuine engagement with the city of Amsterdam and society. you can read more about working at the University of Amsterdam.inspires researchers and students to find sustainable solutions for complex societal issues covering the full spectrum of the natural sciences. We share knowledge and experience with leading research institutes and industries, both in the Netherlands and abroad. We employ more than 1,250 staff members, and are home to around 6,000 students. You will be working in the , and of which offer an active and engaged intellectual community composed of researchers from around the world pushing the boundaries of our knowledge.If you recognize 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 25 June, 2025.
Please include the following documents in your application (as PDF files):

• A motivation letter (max. 2 pages A4)
• Your CV
• Contact details of at least one academic reference

We will review applications on a rolling basis and continue recruiting until the position is filled. The first interviews will be scheduled in the first half of July 2025. Please note that the information you submit, will be shared with VU staff members involved in this project as well.For questions about the position, please contact:Maarten van Bommel, Professor of Conservation Science:A knowledge security check can be part of the selection procedure (for details: )If you receive an error message while applying from abroad, please try again later or contact us for assistance.Where to apply WebsiteRequirementsAdditional InformationWebsite for additional job detailsWork Location(s)Number of offers available 2 Company/Institute UvA Country Netherlands City Amsterdam Postal Code 1098XH Street Science Park 904 GeofieldContact CityAmsterdam WebsiteStreetSpui 21 Postal Code1012 WXSTATUS: EXPIREDShare this page

Expected salary

Location

Amsterdam, Noord-Holland

Job date

Sun, 08 Jun 2025 00:38:07 GMT

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