Postdoc position in Sustainable Fuels using Integrated Green Technologies

Are you passionate about advancing sustainable chemical technologies? The Catalysis Engineering group is looking for a motivated postdoctoral researcher to be employed in a new EU project on the production of sustainable fuels using CO2 as a feedstock. The project involves multiple partners from different countries, and hence, collaborative work is important to reach the objective of this project. The candidate joining the project is expected to have experience in chemical engineering/applied chemistry with specialization in catalysis. Experience in operating high-temperature, high-pressure batch reactors and/or flow reactors is needed. You will join a collaborative team of chemists, engineers, and materials scientists working together to design and develop sustainable chemical processes. We offer a stimulating environment where curiosity, passion, and scientific rigor drive our research forward, and we ask for a strong passion for scientific research and for contributing to society through innovative technologies from you.

Join the Catalysis Engineering Group of the University of Amsterdam!

The Catalysis Engineering Group, led by Dr. Shiju Raveendran, is seeking a motivated postdoctoral researcher to contribute to the development of sustainable fuels using CO₂ as a feedstock. This position is part of an EU project involving multiple partners across different countries, where close collaboration and interdisciplinary research are essential to achieving the project goals.

The project focuses on designing and developing innovative catalytic processes for the sustainable conversion of CO₂ into valuable fuels and chemicals, contributing to the transition toward a circular and climate-neutral economy. The successful candidate is expected to have a background in chemical engineering or applied chemistry with specialization in catalysis. Experience in operating high-temperature and high-pressure batch reactors and/or flow reactors is required.

You will join a dynamic and collaborative team of chemists, engineers, and materials scientists working together to advance sustainable chemical technologies. The position offers an inspiring research environment with access to advanced catalytic synthesis and reactor testing facilities, as well as opportunities for international collaboration within the EU consortium.

We are looking for a candidate with strong scientific curiosity, enthusiasm for research, and a passion for contributing to society through innovative and sustainable technologies.

This is what you are going to do

• Conduct experiments in flow/batch reactors for the production of sustainable fuels.


• Synthesize novel, heat-stable solid catalysts designed to convert low-value waste streams to sustainable fuels and apply them in appropriate reactions.


• Characterize materials using different techniques, and link properties to performance.


• Optimize reaction conditions and explore scale-up potential.


• Document experiments systematically, publish results in relevant and reputed journals, and present findings at conferences.


• Collaborate with the Catalysis Engineering Group members and interdisciplinary teams/consortium partners to advance project goals.


• Help with educational and organisational activities, as needed by the group/institute.


• Participate in consortium meetings, workshops and meetings related to the project.


• Be up-to-date with the recent developments in the field by consulting with literature.


• Take own initiatives to plan the experiments creatively and safely as well as to meet the deadlines.

This is what we ask of you

• PhD degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related fields.


• Experience in operating lab-scale batch/flow reactors is necessary.


• Research experience in heterogeneous catalysis or nanomaterials synthesis.


• Experience with material characterization techniques (e.g., XRD).


• Strong passion for scientific research and for contributing to society through innovative technologies.


• Good scientific writing and communication skills.


• Willingness to take initiative, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines.


• Experience in data analysis and documentation tools such as Excel and Origin, and you use them to organize, analyze, and present experimental results effectively.


• Ability to work in interdisciplinary research teams, and willingness to learn from others.


• Creative and critical problem-solving approach to research and technical challenges.


• Proactive approach to learning, seek input from colleagues, and clearly communicate the experimental procedures and safety considerations.

This is what we offer you

We offer a temporary employment contract for 38 hours per week for a period of 12 months, with a probation period of 2 months. A further extension of 12 months may be possible based on available funding combined with adequate performance.

The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 3,546 - € 5,538 (scale 10). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. The UFO profile Researcher 4 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.

The candidate will work in the Catalysis Engineering group led by Dr. Shiju Raveendran in HIMS. The Catalysis Engineering Group aims to develop sustainable chemical processes/products. We combine knowledge from the fields of Chemical Science and Materials Science with expertise in the field of Reactor Engineering to achieve this target. We currently work on a number of societally relevant and industrially important topics such as chemical recycling of waste, CO2 conversion, sustainable fuels, renewable H2 etc.

If you recognize 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 30 June 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. In the event of equal suitability, preference will be given to the internal candidate. 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:

Dr. Shiju Raveendran, [email protected]

Associate Professor and Group leader- Catalysis Engineering