Leiden Institute of Chemistry

Advanced Spectroscopy

To achieve a more sustainable society, it is important to move away from cradle-to-grave applications, and to develop a more circular economy, wherein reusability and recycling are part of the development of any new product. In that context, the currently undergoing change of chemical feedstocks from fossil fuels to biomass and CO2, and the electrification of our infrastructure, represent important developments of modern chemistry. Catalysis plays a crucial role in developing the corresponding transformations, and mechanistic understanding of these catalytic transformations requires advanced spectroscopic techniques that can resolve the corresponding reactions with high temporal, spatial and/or chemical resolution.

The LIC offers excellent opportunities for interactions with experimental groups (e.g., spectroscopy and imaging, including NMR (BPOC/SSNMR group), NAP-XPS, STM, electrochemistry, catalysis and surface chemistry (CASC group), and coordination chemistry (MCBIM group) as well as with the theoretical and computational chemistry (THEOR group) group, which can help to tackle the aforementioned challenges.

Position

The Leiden Institute of Chemistry (LIC) aims to hire a spectroscopist within the framework of “Fundamentals of Science”. The position will be embedded in and should strengthen the Energy & Sustainability cluster of our institute. While showing synergy with the existing research at the LIC, the successful candidate will come with expertise in advanced spectroscopy, which may include (but are not limited to) time-resolved (pump-probe) spectroscopy, spatially resolved (single-molecule) spectroscopy, and light-induced reactions, with the aim to unravel the mechanism of reactions relevant to renewable cyclic chemistry. The researcher is expected to develop an independent research line that fits into the local, national and international research landscape. A collaborative mind-set is important to integrate into and further enhance the strengths of the Energy & Sustainability cluster and the entire LIC.

Facilities

The Leiden Institute of Chemistry (LIC) is located in a brand new building and has all the facilities required for modern synthetic chemistry, (spectro-)electrochemistry, photochemistry, computational chemistry, and organometallic/coordination chemistry. The Faculty also houses the Fine Mechanical Service for the design of specialised equipment, and has close ties to the Leidse Instrumentmakers School.

Education

The LIC is responsible for the bachelor programmes “Molecular Science & Technology” and “Life Science & Technology” (jointly with the Delft University of Technology), and for the master programmes “Chemistry” and “Life Science & Technology”. The candidate is expected to develop and teach (advanced) courses in advanced spectroscopy and physical chemistry.