PhD Candidate, Hydroaminocarbonylation of Alkenes with Ammonia: an Experimental and Theoretical Approach

The research of the PhD will concentrate on the development and understanding of catalysts for the hydroaminocarbonylation of alkenes with ammonia, for the …

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Arbeidsvoorwaarden

Standplaats:: J.H. Oortweg, Leiden, Zuid-Holland
Dienstverband:: Tijdelijk contract / Tijdelijke opdracht
Uren per week:: 38 uur

Salarisindicatie:: € 2222 - € 2840 per maand
Opleidingsniveau:: WO

Functieomschrijving

The research of the PhD will concentrate on the development and understanding of catalysts for the hydroaminocarbonylation of alkenes with ammonia, for the synthesis of primary amides. The objective of the research is to gain fundamental understanding of the reactivity of transition metal complexes to novel types of intermediates and products. The proposed research will lead to the development of catalysts for new potential production routes to primary amines as well as nitriles, in the latter case resulting in the replacement of processes based on toxic and expensive hydrogen cyanide. The understanding necessary to take forward the field of palladium-catalysed reactions will be obtained not only from experiment, but also from computational studies achieving an in-depth insight in the catalytic processes.

Functie-eisen

Master’s degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or equivalent;
Good to excellent proficiency in English;
Knowledge of and affinity with organometallic chemistry and homogeneous catalysis;
Knowledge of and affinity with computational chemistry;
Experience with inert-atmosphere techniques (Schlenk line, glove box);
The PhD research needs to start before December 2018.

Conditions

We offer a position for initially one year. After a positive evaluation of the progress of the thesis, personal capabilities and compatibility the appointment will be extended by a further three years. Salary range from €2,222 to €2,840 gross per month (pay scale P in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities).

Leiden University offers an attractive benefits package with additional holiday (8%) and end-of-year bonuses (8.3 %), training and career development and sabbatical leave. Our individual choices model gives you some freedom to assemble your own set of terms and conditions. For international spouses we have set up a dual career programme. Candidates from outside the Netherlands may be eligible for a substantial tax break. More at https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/working-at/job-application-procedure-and-employment-conditions.

All our PhD students are embedded in the Leiden University Graduate School of Science. Our graduate school offers several PhD training courses at three levels: professional courses, skills training and personal effectiveness. In addition, advanced courses to deepen scientific knowledge are offered by the research school.

Diversity
Leiden University is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups.

Additional information

Enquiries can be made to the promotor Professor E. Bouwman, email bouwman@chem.leidenuniv.nl. If you have any questions about the procedure, please contact secretary Mrs. Yvonne Snellenberg, email snellenb@chem.leidenuniv.nl, telephone +31 71 527 4450.

Applications
To apply for this vacancy, please send no later than 30 July 2018 an email to the secretary of the Metals in Catalysis, Biomimetics & Inorganic Materials group, Mrs. Yvonne Snellenberg at snellenb@chem.leidenuniv.nl. Please ensure that you upload the following additional documents quoting the vacancy number:

A cover letter explaining why you are interested in the position/research topic;
An updated CV;
The letters of recommendation by 1 or 2 former supervisors;
The transcripts of your MSc studies.