PhD in Computational Nano-Electrochemistry, UvA, 2026

The University of Amsterdam is offering a fully funded PhD position in Computational Nano-Electrochemistry. This opportunity is ideal for motivated candidates interested in applying advanced computer simulations to drive the clean energy transition by modeling electrochemical processes at the nanoscale.

The successful candidate will join the Computational Chemistry Group at the Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS) and contribute to understanding and controlling electrochemical reactions crucial for next-generation energy conversion and storage technologies.

Quick Facts

About the Position

The PhD candidate will develop and apply multi-scale simulation workflows, integrating Density Functional Theory (DFT), ab initio molecular dynamics, and machine learning interatomic potentials to model electrochemical interfaces. Key research areas include investigating reaction mechanisms, solvent dynamics, and electric double-layer effects in nano-confined electrochemical systems. The role involves close collaboration with experimental electrochemists and catalysis researchers to validate theoretical models and guide material design, with expectations to publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences. Additionally, the candidate will complete a PhD thesis within four years and assist in teaching undergraduate and master’s chemistry courses.

Eligibility

• Hold or be about to obtain a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Physics, Computational Science, Materials Science, or Chemical Engineering.
• Possess a solid background in quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics, machine learning, or atomistic simulations (e.g., DFT, molecular dynamics, scientific programming in Python/Linux or C++).
• Demonstrate initiative, critical thinking, and creativity in solving complex scientific problems.
• Communicate ideas clearly in English, both written and verbally.
• Enjoy collaborative work in an international team and actively share code, methods, and insights.

Benefits

• Gross monthly salary ranging from €3,204 (1st year) to €4,051 (last year), plus 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% year-end allowance.
• Favorable '30% ruling' tax agreement may apply to non-Dutch applicants.
• Temporary contract for 4 years, with an initial 18-month contract extendable upon satisfactory evaluation.
• Access to national and local high-performance computing (HPC) facilities.
• Regular group seminars and hands-on mentorship.
• 232 holiday hours per year (based on full-time) and extra holidays between Christmas and January 1.
• Access to multiple courses from the Teaching and Learning Centre, including leadership, time management, and stress handling.
• 7 weeks birth leave (partner leave) with 100% salary.
• Partly paid parental leave.
• Possibility to set up a workplace at home.
• Pension at ABP, with UvA paying two-thirds of the contribution.
• Opportunity to follow courses to learn Dutch.

Documents Required

• Motivation letter (max. 1 page A4)
• CV, including months for education and work experience, and a list of publications
• Contact details of at least one academic reference
• Copy of MSc diploma and academic transcripts (or current transcript if not yet graduated)

How to Apply

1. Prepare a motivation letter, CV, academic transcripts, and contact details for at least one academic reference.
2. Submit all required documents as PDF files via the online application portal by the deadline.

Apply on the official page →

Source: EURAXESS.
Details can change – always confirm eligibility and deadline on the official listing before applying.

Featured image: Photo by Artem Podrez on Pexels