PhD Position in Chemistry (VU University of Amsterdam)

Your function Job description The project will focus on developing organocatalytic transformations through a sophisticated integration of synthetic organic chemistry and computational chemistry. Over the past few decades, organocatalysis has rapidly advanced and become indispensable for the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals. Despite these achievements, the rational design of new, effective organocatalytic systems remains a significant challenge due to the lack of a robust, generalizable strategy. This project aims to gain novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of catalysis by employing innovative computational and experimental approaches. These insights will guide the rational development of powerful organocatalytic reactions, enabling the efficient construction of increasingly complex molecular architectures. Your duties Planning and performing multistep synthesis. Computing and interpreting complex reaction profiles. Supervising BSc and MSc research projects. Attending national and international conferences. Writing scientific publications. Your profile Requirements Completed MSc in the field of synthetic organic chemistry (or closely related). An interest in computational chemistry and multidisciplinary research is desired. Strong verbal and written communication skills (in English) are required. As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognising that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset. We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements. What do we offer? A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you: a salary of € 2.901,00 (PhD) and maximum € 3.707,00 (PhD) gross per month in the fourth year, for a full-time employment an employment contract of initially 1 year. If there is sufficient perspective, this will be extended to a total of 4 years. Your dissertation at the end of the fourth year forms the end of your employment contract. We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and arrangements. Some examples: A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata. 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus discount on (and occasionally exclusive access to) theater performances and courses at the Griffioen Cultural Center a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge the possibility to work partly from home About us Faculty of Science Researchers and students at VU Amsterdam’s Faculty of Science tackle fundamental and complex scientific problems to help pave the way for a sustainable and healthy future. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to malnutrition, and from molecules to the moon: we cover the full spectrum of the natural sciences. Our teaching and research have a strong experimentally technical, computational and interdisciplinary nature. We work on new solutions guided by value-driven, interdisciplinary methodologies. We are committed to research, valorisation and training socially engaged citizens of the world who will make valuable contributions to a sustainable, healthy future. Are you interested in joining the Faculty of Science? You will join undergraduate students, PhD candidates and researchers at the biggest sciences faculty in the Netherlands. You will combine a professional focus with a broad view of the world. We are proud of our collegial working climate, characterised by committed staff, a pragmatic attitude and engagement in the larger whole. The faculty is home to over 11,000 students enrolled in 40 study programmes. It employs over 1,600 professionals spread across 10 academic departments. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely - a broader mind. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on diversity, significance and humanity, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces, across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Together we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, and an inspiring environment for education and research. Learn more about our codes of conduct We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility. Over 6,150 staff work at the VU and over 31,000 students attend academic education. Diversity Diversity is the driving force of VU Amsterdam. VU wants to be accessible and receptive to diversity in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, preferences and worldviews. We believe that trust, respect, interest and differences lead to new insights and innovation, to sharpness and clarity, to excellence and a broader understanding. We stand for an inclusive community and believe that diversity and internationalisation contribute to the quality of education, research and our services. Therefore, we are always searching for people whose backgrounds and experience contribute to the diversity of the VU community. Interested Are you interested in this position? Please apply via the application button and upload your curriculum vitae and cover letter until August 25th. Applications received by e-mail will not be processed. Vacancy questions If you have any questions regarding this vacancy, you may contact: Name: Thomas Hansen Position: Assistant Professor E-mail: [email protected] Submitting a diploma is part of the application process. Applications received by e-mail will not be considered. Acquisition in response to this advertisement is not appreciated. 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Your function

Job description

The project will focus on developing organocatalytic transformations through a sophisticated integration of synthetic organic chemistry and computational chemistry. Over the past few decades, organocatalysis has rapidly advanced and become indispensable for the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals. Despite these achievements, the rational design of new, effective organocatalytic systems remains a significant challenge due to the lack of a robust, generalizable strategy. This project aims to gain novel insights into the molecular mechanisms of catalysis by employing innovative computational and experimental approaches. These insights will guide the rational development of powerful organocatalytic reactions, enabling the efficient construction of increasingly complex molecular architectures.

Your duties

Planning and performing multistep synthesis.
Computing and interpreting complex reaction profiles.
Supervising BSc and MSc research projects.
Attending national and international conferences.
Writing scientific publications.

Your profile

Requirements
Completed MSc in the field of synthetic organic chemistry (or closely related).
An interest in computational chemistry and multidisciplinary research is desired.
Strong verbal and written communication skills (in English) are required.

As a university, we strive for equal opportunities for all, recognising that diversity takes many forms. We believe that diversity in all its complexity is invaluable for the quality of our teaching, research and service. We are always looking for talent with diverse backgrounds and experiences. This also means that we are committed to creating an inclusive community so that we can use diversity as an asset.

We realise that each individual brings a unique set of skills, expertise and mindset. Therefore we are happy to invite anyone who recognises themselves in the profile to apply, even if you do not meet all the requirements.

What do we offer?

A challenging position in a socially engaged organisation. At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world. And that is valuable. So in return for your efforts, we offer you:

a salary of € 2.901,00 (PhD) and maximum € 3.707,00 (PhD) gross per month in the fourth year, for a full-time employment
an employment contract of initially 1 year. If there is sufficient perspective, this will be extended to a total of 4 years. Your dissertation at the end of the fourth year forms the end of your employment contract.

We also offer you attractive fringe benefits and arrangements. Some examples:

A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis. For part-timers, this is calculated pro rata.
8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
discount on (and occasionally exclusive access to) theater performances and courses at the Griffioen Cultural Center
a wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge
the possibility to work partly from home

About us

Faculty of Science
Researchers and students at VU Amsterdam’s Faculty of Science tackle fundamental and complex scientific problems to help pave the way for a sustainable and healthy future. From forest fires to big data, from obesity to malnutrition, and from molecules to the moon: we cover the full spectrum of the natural sciences. Our teaching and research have a strong experimentally technical, computational and interdisciplinary nature.

We work on new solutions guided by value-driven, interdisciplinary methodologies. We are committed to research, valorisation and training socially engaged citizens of the world who will make valuable contributions to a sustainable, healthy future.

Are you interested in joining the Faculty of Science? You will join undergraduate students, PhD candidates and researchers at the biggest sciences faculty in the Netherlands. You will combine a professional focus with a broad view of the world. We are proud of our collegial working climate, characterised by committed staff, a pragmatic attitude and engagement in the larger whole. The faculty is home to over 11,000 students enrolled in 40 study programmes. It employs over 1,600 professionals spread across 10 academic departments.

Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam stands for values-driven education and research. We are open-minded experts with the ability to think freely - a broader mind. Maintaining an entrepreneurial perspective and concentrating on diversity, significance and humanity, we work on sustainable solutions with social impact. By joining forces, across the boundaries of disciplines, we work towards a better world for people and planet. Together we create a safe and respectful working and study climate, and an inspiring environment for education and research. Learn more about our codes of conduct

We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility. Over 6,150 staff work at the VU and over 31,000 students attend academic education.

Diversity
Diversity is the driving force of VU Amsterdam. VU wants to be accessible and receptive to diversity in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, preferences and worldviews. We believe that trust, respect, interest and differences lead to new insights and innovation, to sharpness and clarity, to excellence and a broader understanding.

We stand for an inclusive community and believe that diversity and internationalisation contribute to the quality of education, research and our services.

Therefore, we are always searching for people whose backgrounds and experience contribute to the diversity of the VU community.