PhD Position in Coordination Chemistry: Applications are invited for a 4-year fully funded PhD position in Stimuli-Responsive Coordination Chemistry within the Organic Chemistry and Catalysis (OCC) Group at Utrecht University, The Netherlands.
The project focuses on developing stimuli-responsive ligands that enable dynamic and reversible metal–ligand interactions, with applications in sustainable metal recovery and circular technologies. The PhD will be jointly supervised by Dr. Daniël Broere (Utrecht University) and Dr. Devin Boom (TNO) and is embedded in a larger interdisciplinary consortium on battery recycling.
Fully Funded PhD Position in Stimuli-Responsive Coordination Chemistry
Designation
PhD Candidate / Doctoral Researcher
Research Area
- Stimuli-Responsive Coordination Chemistry
- Ligand Design and Metal–Ligand Interactions
- Sustainable & Circular Chemistry
- Metal Recovery from Waste Streams
- Battery Recycling Technologies
Location
Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
Eligibility / Qualification
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
- Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry or a closely related field
- Strong background in synthetic organic chemistry and coordination chemistry
- Experience or affinity with:
- Computational chemistry
- Electrochemistry
- Photochemistry (desirable)
- Good oral and written English communication skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a research team
- Strong commitment to laboratory safety and research ethics
Job Description
The PhD project aims to develop a new class of stimuli-responsive ligands that can dynamically and reversibly control metal coordination in response to external triggers. Key responsibilities include:
- Designing and synthesizing novel stimuli-responsive ligands
- Studying metal binding, release, and selectivity mechanisms
- Performing coordination chemistry, spectroscopic characterization, and electrochemical separation techniques
- Applying computational methods for ligand design and mechanistic insight
- Contributing to sustainable recovery of critical metals from complex waste streams
- Participating in an interdisciplinary consortium on battery recycling
- Receiving training in life cycle assessment (LCA) and techno-economic analysis (TEA)
Funding & Benefits
- Fully funded 4-year PhD position
- Initial contract: 18 months, extendable by 30 months upon positive evaluation
- Competitive gross monthly salary according to the Dutch Collective Labour Agreement (CAO NU, Scale P)
- Additional benefits include:
- Professional development programs
- Flexible leave options
- Sports and cultural activities
- Customizable employment conditions through Utrecht University’s Terms of Employment Options Model
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit the following documents:
- Letter of motivation
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Contact details of references
- List of academic grades
📧 Send applications directly to:
Dr. Daniël Broere
Email: d.l.j.broere@uu.nl
📌 Email Subject Line (mandatory):
“NGF-PhD-UU”
🔗 Research group information: www.broerelab.com
Starting Date
Flexible, preferably before Q3 2026
Last Date for Apply
Until the position is filled
