Summary
The University of Amsterdam (UvA) is offering a 4-year PhD position to develop responsive MOF-peptide coatings for adaptive protection. In this highly interdisciplinary project, you will combine porous-material synthesis, thin-film preparation, and in situ infrared spectroscopy to connect molecular reactions and peptide self-assembly to macroscopic sealing.
PhD in Spectroscopy of Smart Self-Sealing Materials, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands
Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
| Position | PhD Candidate (38 hours/week) |
| Institution | University of Amsterdam (UvA) |
| Salary | €3,204 – €4,051 gross per month |
| Duration | 4 years (initial 18 months, extended after evaluation) |
| Vacancy Number | 15410 |
Subject Area
Chemistry, Biochemistry, Physical Chemistry, Spectroscopy, and Materials Science.
Location
University of Amsterdam Science Park (Faculty of Science), Netherlands.
Eligibility
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in chemistry, biochemistry, physical chemistry, or a closely related field.
- 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).
- Comfortable preparing and handling biochemical samples (e.g., peptide/protein solutions, buffering, pH adjustments).
- A strong interest in combining different types of experiments, including material preparation, adsorption tracking, and monitoring chemical reactions via in situ spectroscopy.
- Ability to work carefully and reproducibly, with strong motivation to analyze complex spectroscopic data.
- Strong initiative, passion for science, and a collaborative mindset to work with students and consortium partners.
Scholarship Description
As a PhD candidate, your primary responsibilities will include:
- Synthesizing and characterizing porous MOFs and MOF thin films, tailoring their chemistry, and loading peptides.
- Developing and running in situ ATR-FTIR experiments to monitor adsorption, chemical reactions, and fibril formation under controlled conditions.
- Quantifying reaction kinetics and peptide selectivity using complementary methods (UV/Vis, GC, NMR, HPLC).
- Relating spectroscopic signatures to film formation and sealing performance.
- Collaborating with a computational PhD candidate and partners at TNO, publishing results, and assisting in departmental teaching activities.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply online via the application portal on the UvA vacancy page. Your application must include the following documents (as PDF files):
- A motivation letter (max. 1 page A4).
- Your CV, including the specific months and years of your education/work experience and a list of publications.
- Contact details for at least one academic reference.
For specific questions about the position, you can contact Dr. Bettina Baumgartner at b.baumgartner@uva.nl.
Last Date to Apply
October 15, 2026
