PhD in Automated Spectroscopy of Photoactive Molecules and Thin Films

About the position

PhD in Automated Spectroscopy of Photoactive Molecules and Thin Films

Research Field: Chemistry » Analytical chemistry

Researcher Profile: First Stage Researcher (R1)

Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?: Not funded by a EU programme

Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure?: No

In this PhD project, you will build a self-driving laboratory platform that will help solving outstanding questions at the forefront of (photo)chemistry by implementing automated spectroscopy workflows for molecular systems and thin films in combination with AI-driven process optimization.

Help us shape the future of chemical research!

Self-driving lab platform for photochemical and porosity research

Join a highly interdisciplinary project with the spectroscopy at its core at the University of Amsterdam that brings together photophysics, spectroscopy, automation, flow technology and functional materials supervised by a team of passionate experts: Dr Tomáš Šolomek, Dr Bettina Baumgartner, and Prof Tim Noël.

The project aims at establishing a self-driving platform based on RoboChem, extending its capabilities to research in porous and photoactive materials.

You will first implement new reliable and quantitative diffusion-ordered optical spectroscopy that will permit rapid and automated determination of fundamental photochemical parameters, such as optical spectra, quenching, or quantum yields.

Second, you will develop a flow-based ATR-UV–Vis spectroscopy platform that follows the formation of porous or photoactive thin films in real time.

The focus will be on organic cages and metal–organic framework (MOF) thin films as key material classes.

Develop flow cells to connect various spectroscopic tools to the setup.

Develop a controlled flow system for in situ ATR-UV–Vis spectroscopy including polarization and use it to monitor the formation, orientation, and evolution of porous or photoactive thin films.

You enjoy experimental research and want to work at the interface of physical chemistry, spectroscopy, photochemistry and instrumentation.

You will have room to develop expertise in quantitative photophysics, optical spectroscopy, laboratory automation, flow systems and functional thin-film materials, while working with supervisors who bring complementary expertise.

We value personal development: you will receive training in flow chemistry and automation, 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 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:

What you’ll bring

• You have a Master's degree in chemical engineering, physical chemistry, materials science, or a closely related field.
• You have hands-on experience with building experimental setups, ideally involving experimental spectroscopy, and can prepare and handle molecular solutions and photosensitive samples accurately and reproducibly.
• Experience with Python, LabVIEW, or Matlab for instrument control/data processing is required, but you do not need to be an expert at the start.
• Open to collaborate with students (BSc/MSc), PhDs and postdocs involved in related project and research groups within and outside the Netherlands.
• You will have regular individual meetings with your supervisors with an open-door policy to ensure you have guidance when needed and space to grow independently.
• 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.

At a glance

Position type

PhD

Institution

University of Amsterdam

Department

Not stated

Research group

Not stated

Location

Amsterdam, Netherlands, NL

Supervisor / contact person

Dr Tomáš Šolomek, Dr Bettina Baumgartner, Prof Tim Noël

Funding

Salaried
Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme?: Not funded by a EU programme
The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and ranges between €3,204 (1st year) to €4,051 (last year), scale P.
Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at Science Park we offer you multiple fringe benefits:
7 weeks birth leave (partner leave) with 100% salary;

Duration

4 years

Expected start

Not stated

Vacancy reference

EURAXESS-468719

Research focus

Discipline

Materials Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering

Research area

Not stated

Methods

Synthesis, Spectroscopy

Software

Python, MATLAB

Dates to know

Listed on FOSS Positions

28 Sep 2026

Original advertisement date

Not stated in the source

Application deadline

31 Oct 2026 · 22:59 UTC

Priority review date

Not stated

Last checked

28 Sep 2026

Last updated

28 Sep 2026

2026-10-31T22:59:59+00:00

How to apply

Application Deadline: 31 Oct 2026 - 22:59 (UTC)
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 Universitiesis applicable.
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.
Where to apply
Apply now

https://www.academictransfer.com/en/jobs/364237/phd-in-automated-spectroscopy-of-photoactive-molecules-and-thin-films/apply/

Original sources

https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/468719 ↗

https://www.academictransfer.com/en/jobs/364237/phd-in-automated-spectroscopy-of-photoactive-molecules-and-thin-films/apply/ ↗