PhD Position in Synthetic Organic and Organometallic Chemistry

Do you want to help shape the future of chemical synthesis? We are looking for a highly motivated PhD candidate to join a newly funded NWO project focused on developing catalytic cascade C–H activation reactions for the rapid construction of complex molecular ring systems. Working at the interface of synthetic organic chemistry, organometallic catalysis, ligand design, and mechanistic studies, you will develop new palladium-catalysed transformations and uncover the fundamental principles that govern their reactivity and selectivity. Your research will contribute to the development of efficient synthetic methods relevant to pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals.

Join our team!

We are looking for a PhD candidate who will play a central role in a newly funded NWO project aimed at developing catalytic cascade C–H activation reactions for the efficient construction of complex molecular ring systems.

You will join the Fernández Ibáñez Group at the Van ’t Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS), University of Amsterdam, and work at the interface of synthetic organic chemistry, organometallic catalysis, ligand design, and mechanistic studies. The project focuses on the development of novel palladium-catalysed transformations that enable the direct conversion of simple starting materials into complex molecular architectures relevant to pharmaceuticals, natural products, and other bioactive compounds.

In addition to developing new catalytic methodologies, you will investigate the fundamental mechanisms underlying these reactions, providing insight into catalyst performance, C–H activation pathways, and the factors governing reactivity and selectivity.

This is what you are going to do

• Design and develop novel palladium-catalysed C–H activation and cascade reactions for the efficient construction of complex ring systems.


• Synthesize and characterize new ligands, catalysts, and organic substrates to explore and optimize reactivity and selectivity.


• Conduct detailed mechanistic investigations using a combination of experimental techniques (e.g., kinetics, spectroscopy, isotopic labelling) and, where applicable, computational tools.


• Analyze reaction outcomes using modern analytical methods (e.g., NMR, GC-MS, HPLC) and systematically optimize reaction conditions to improve yield and scope.


• Document and communicate research findings through scientific publications, conference presentations, and collaboration within a multidisciplinary research team.

This is what we ask of you

• You hold (or are about to complete) a Master’s degree in Chemistry, ideally with a strong background in organic chemistry, organometallic chemistry, or catalysis.


• You have hands-on laboratory experience in synthetic organic chemistry, including multi-step synthesis and purification techniques.


• You have a strong interest in reaction mechanism, catalysis, and method development, and are motivated to work at the interface of synthesis and fundamental organometallic chemistry.


• You are familiar with or eager to learn modern analytical and characterization techniques (e.g., NMR, GC-MS, HPLC) and data interpretation for reaction optimization and mechanistic studies.


• You are an independent, curious, and collaborative researcher with strong communication skills in English and the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary and international research environment.

This is what we offer you

A temporary contract for 38 hours per week for the duration of 4 years (the initial contract will be for a period of 18 months and after satisfactory evaluation it will be extended for a total duration of 4 years). The preferred starting date is ultimately September 1. This should lead to a dissertation (PhD thesis). We will draft an educational plan that includes attendance of courses and (international) meetings. We also expect you to assist in teaching undergraduates and master students.

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and ranges between €3,059 (1st year) to €3,881 (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 Universities is applicable.

Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at Science Park we offer you multiple fringe benefits:

• 232 holiday hours per year (based on fulltime) and extra holidays between Christmas and 1 January;


• multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre;


• multiple courses on topics such as leadership for academic staff;


• multiple courses on topics such as time management, handling stress and an online learning platform with 100+ different courses;


• 7 weeks birth leave (partner leave) with 100% salary;


• partly paid parental leave;


• the possibility to set up a workplace at home;


• a pension at ABP for which UvA pays two third part of the contribution;


• the possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch;

Are you curious to read more about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits, take a look here.

This is where you will work

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.

The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 8,000, as well as 1,800 members of staff working in education, research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, be it elementary particles, the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain.

If you recognise yourself in the profile and are interested in the position, we look forward to receiving your motivation letter and CV. You can respond via the red button up to and including August 1, 2026.

Please include the following documents in your application (as PDF files):

• A motivation letter (max. 2 pages A4)


• Your CV, including the months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience, including a list of publications


• Contact details of at least one academic reference

We will review applications on a rolling basis and continue recruiting until the position is filled.

A knowledge security check can be part of the selection procedure (for details: national knowledge security guidelines). If you receive an error message while applying from abroad, please try again later or contact us for assistance.

For questions about the position, please contact:

• Prof. Dr. M. A. (Tati) Fernández-Ibánez, [email protected]


• Associate Professor in Organic Chemistry