Postdoctoral Position in Homogeneous Catalysis, Netherlands

August 4, 2010

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Postdoctoral Position,Homogeneous Catalysis,Eindhoven University of Technology,Netherlands

Job Description: The Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry (ST) is one of the nine departments of Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e). It was established in 1957. The department has approximately 500 employees (411 fte), 16 full professors, 370 undergraduate students (bachelor and masterstudents) and about 170 graduate students (140 Ph.D. and 30 design engineers).The department aspires to be an academic institution for education and research in chemical science and engineering that meets the highest international standards. The aim is to generate and to develop technology and scientific knowledge relevant for the long-term needs of society. Scientific curiosity and the use of newly generated knowledge are the main driving forces for the continuing enhancements of the three chosen fields of expertise: molecular, materials, and process engineering.

The Homogeneous Catalysis Group
The homogeneous catalysis group offers a dynamic international research environment. Research activities span a wide range from fundamental questions to application oriented research. In an integrated approach we are interested in the development of efficient and sustainable catalytic conversions. In mechanistic studies we strive for a deep understanding of chemo-, regio-, and stereoselective processes on the molecular level, employing (in situ) spectroscopic methods and kinetic studies. Ligand and catalyst design, synthesis, and characterization are an important part in this process. This fundamental insight and knowledge is employed to develop new catalytic conversions and to improve existing routes towards more sustainable processes (e.g. feed-stock diversification and renewables). Catalyst testing and reaction optimization is strongly supported by state of the art automated and parallel testing facilities. For the applicability of homogenous catalysts, separation and recycling are key issues. We aim at the development of generic methods for catalyst immobilization and compartmentalization, towards continuous operation, employing two-phase catalysis and membrane separation techniques. Typically in this field catalyst development and reaction/reactor engineering go hand in hand. Actual projects span from fine chemical applications like asymmetric catalysis for fragrances and pharmaceuticals to large scale intermediates like amines and aldehydes for the polymer, detergent and lubricant sector. Of course this broad range of activities has led to numerous international cooperations with academic and industrial partners. We are actively participating in a range of European research networks and initiatives.

Project
The project is part of a European Research and Training Network (ITN-NanoHost; http://www.nanohost.eu/) within FP7 deadling with homogeneous catalyst immobilization and recycling in the context of process intensification. The project, NanoHost, “Homogeneous Supported Catalyst Technologies: the sustainable approach to highly-selective, fine chemicals production” is a joint effort of 7 partners and 3 associated partners.
The candidate will focus on the synthesis and application of nanostructured organic/inorganic hybrid materials for molecular weight enlarged catalysts (MWE catalysts) in a homogeneous catalytic reaction of industrial relevance. MWE catalysts will be prepared, characterized, and applied in continuously operated reactors equipped with a membrane filtration unit for catalyst compartmentalization.
Relevant kinetic and thermodynamic data will be acquired in multi-batch and continuously operated reactor setups. Based on these initial studies an improved loop reactor unit will be designed, modelled, and built in a close cooperation with other partners.
State-of-the-art equipment and expertise for research in homogeneous catalysis and catalyst immobilization is present (HP-autoclaves, membrane filtration units, Schlenk lines, glove-box, analytical and preparative HPLC, (high pressure) NMR and IR spectroscopy, etc.). Training in a wide range of supplementary skills is offered by the host institution and by special training workshops and secondments arranged by the network.

Profile
We are looking for a talented and enthusiastic postdoc with a master degree in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering, with solid knowledge and practical skills in organic chemistry, organometallic chemistry or homogeneous catalysis. You also need to meet up the requirements for the eligibility of the researchers from Nanohost. You can look for more information: http://www.nanohost.eu. Applicants are expected to have excellent skills in preparative organic and organometallic chemistry and have good analytical and communicative skills. You are creative and think for yourself, fluent in English and you are a team player.

Appointment and Salary
We offer a challenging job at a dynamic and ambitious university. The gross monthly salary in accordance with the Collective Labor Agreement of the Dutch Universities (CAO NU) starts with € 2861,-. Besides this, the TU/e has an excellent package of attractive benefits for employees, a child-care facility, and a modern sports complex. Assistance for finding accommodation can be given.

Application Deadline 31-08-2010.

For further Fellowship Information

Scholarship Tags: catalysis, Fellowships, homogeneous, Netherlands