PhD in Automated Spectroscopy of Photoactive Molecules and MOF Thin Films (Self-Driving Lab), University of Amsterdam

Job Description

The University of Amsterdam’s Faculty of Science is offering a PhD in automated spectroscopy for a self-driving laboratory, extending the RoboChem platform to photoactive molecules and to porous thin films of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and organic cages for CO2 capture and solar-energy conversion (vacancy 15522).

At a glance

• Position: PhD candidate, 38 hours a week, four years
• Where: Faculty of Science, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Supervisors: Dr Tomáš Šolomek, Dr Bettina Baumgartner and Prof. Tim Noël
• Pay: €3,204 (first year) to €4,051 (last year) gross a month, plus 8% holiday and 8.3% year-end allowances
• Start: From 1 January 2027
• Apply: 31 October 2026

About the self-driving spectroscopy PhD project

• Design and build flow set-ups with 3D-printed parts, pumps and computer-controlled valves, and the software to run them
• Develop flow cells that connect spectroscopic instruments to the platform
• Create automated, reproducible workflows to measure optical spectra, quenching and quantum yields
• Apply AI methods to search experimental parameter space and turn results into mechanistic insight
• Build an in-situ, polarisation-resolved ATR-UV–Vis flow system to follow how porous or photoactive thin films form and orient

The first part of the project sets up quantitative diffusion-ordered optical spectroscopy for rapid photochemical measurements, aimed at discovering new systems for photoactivated chemotherapy. The second part follows the growth of MOF and organic-cage thin films in real time and how they respond to guest molecules, light or charge.

Why this role matters

Self-driving laboratories, where robots run experiments and algorithms choose the next one, are changing how new materials for energy and medicine are found. This PhD trains you to build such a platform yourself, combining spectroscopy, automation and data analysis, skills that are in demand in both academic and industrial labs.

What University of Amsterdam is looking for

• A Master’s degree in chemical engineering, physical chemistry, materials science or a closely related field
• Hands-on experience building experimental set-ups, ideally with spectroscopy, and careful handling of photosensitive samples
• Comfort with optics, fluidics, detectors, light sources or similar lab hardware
• Python, LabVIEW or Matlab for instrument control or data processing (expertise not needed at the start)
• Careful documentation, safe work with chemicals, and clear communication

Nice to have

• Interest in instrument automation and quantitative data analysis
• Willingness to work with students and partner groups inside and outside the Netherlands

Pay and location

The gross monthly salary for 38 hours a week runs from €3,204 in the first year to €4,051 in the last year (scale P), not including an 8% holiday allowance and an 8.3% year-end allowance. The first contract is for 18 months and, after a good evaluation, is extended to four years in total. The candidate is expected to help teach Bachelor’s and Master’s students. Non-Dutch applicants may qualify for the 30% tax ruling. A knowledge-security check can be part of the selection.

How to apply

Apply through the official University of Amsterdam page. The closing date is 31 October 2026. Apply with the red button on the vacancy page, attaching as PDFs a motivation letter of at most one A4 page, a CV with months (not just years) for education and work, including a list of publications, and contact details for at least one academic referee. Applications are reviewed as they arrive.

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