PhD Position in Spectroscopy of Smart Self-Sealing Materials
Develop adaptive MOF-peptide coatings for real-time chemical sensing and self-sealing using in situ spectroscopy.
Best for:Best for chemistry or biochemistry graduates with hands-on spectroscopy and materials synthesis experience, seeking interdisciplinary research at the intersection of porous materials, peptide science, and adaptive systems.
Overview
This PhD position at the University of Amsterdam focuses on creating smart, breathable materials capable of sensing environmental threats and sealing themselves autonomously. The project combines porous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with peptide-based coatings to enable adaptive protection mechanisms. The successful candidate will synthesize and characterize MOFs, prepare thin films, and use in situ infrared spectroscopy to monitor molecular reactions, peptide self-assembly, and sealing performance. Collaborative work with a computational PhD and industry partners (TNO) will bridge experimental and theoretical approaches, aiming to advance adaptive materials science. The role includes teaching support, conference participation, and mentoring undergraduate students.
What you'll do
- Synthesize and characterize porous MOFs and MOF thin films, tailoring pore chemistry and loading peptides into materials.
- Develop and conduct in situ ATR-FTIR experiments to monitor adsorption, chemical reactions, peptide uptake/release, and fibril formation under controlled conditions.
- Quantify reaction kinetics, peptide loading/release, and selectivity using UV/Vis spectroscopy, mass balance, GC, NMR, and HPLC.
- Correlate spectroscopic signatures and reaction kinetics with film formation and sealing performance, including controls for environmental changes.
- Collaborate closely with a computational PhD candidate and consortium partners (TNO) to validate experimental results.
- Publish research findings in international scientific platforms and present at conferences.
- Assist in teaching undergraduate and master’s students, including co-supervision of Bachelor’s and Master’s projects.
- Document experimental conditions and results clearly, ensuring reproducibility and data analysis rigor.
Requirements
Degree required: Master’s degree (or equivalent) in chemistry, biochemistry, physical chemistry, or a closely related field.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English; proficiency sufficient for academic research and collaboration (no explicit test score required).
Instruction: English
- Hands-on laboratory experience with spectroscopy, particularly infrared spectroscopy.
- Experience with synthesis and characterization of functional materials, including porous materials or thin films.
- Proficient in preparing and handling biochemical samples (e.g., peptide/protein solutions, pipetting, buffer preparation, pH adjustment).
- Ability to conduct complex spectroscopic data analysis and connect results to molecular processes.
- Strong initiative, meticulous work ethic, and passion for interdisciplinary scientific research.
- No explicit nationality or residency restrictions mentioned.
- Open to international applicants (30% tax ruling may apply).
- No age or prior experience caps specified.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-15
Submit a motivation letter (max 1 page), CV with detailed education/work experience (including months), and contact details for one academic reference via email. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
- Motivation letter (max 1 page A4)
- CV (with months for education/work experience, including publications list)
- Contact details of at least one academic reference
Contact
Dr. Bettina Baumgartner· Supervisor
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