Career at WUR
About Us
- Plenty of variety and challenges
- Pleasant working atmosphere
- Time for personal development
- Proper work-life balance
- Internationally leading
Your job
Do you want to shape the future of sustainability? We are seeking a highly self-motivated PhD candidate to join our team working on atomic level catalyst design and reaction mechanism of CO2 and CO hydrogenation processes.
The project focuses on understanding of reaction mechanisms and establishing structure–reactivity relationships in CO2 and CO heterogeneous catalysis using a combination of DFT, AIMD, and machine-learning potential driven MD. The PhD position is embedded in a broader research consortium working on green hydrogen and electrons for carbon-based chemistry. This project will have a close collaboration with experimental and industrial catalysis partners.
Your Duties And Responsibilities Include
- atomic-scale modeling of heterogeneous catalysis of CO2 and CO hydrogenation reaction;
- reaction mechanisms, kinetics, and dynamics under realistic conditions;
- development and application of machine-learning methods;
- supervision of thesis students and teaching assistance.
You will work here
The research is embedded within the chair Biobased Chemistry and Technology , and member of the Computational Catalysis and Surface Chemistry team , which is led by Dr. Guanna Li.
Your qualities
- hold (or will soon obtain) a MSc degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, physics, or a related field;
- you have a strong interest in computational chemistry and catalysis, and you are highly self-motivated to take on challenging, high-risk-high-gain research projects;
- experience with DFT, AIMD and MLP;
- enjoy working at the interface of catalysis and computational modeling;
- programming or scripting skills (Python, Bash, etc.);
- strong communication skills in English, both written and spoken;
- strong teamwork spirit and commitment.
You Also Possess
For this position your command of the English language is expected to be at C1 level . Sometimes it is necessary to submit an internationally recognised Certificate of Proficiency in the English Language. More information can be found here .
We offer
Wageningen University & Research offers excellent terms of employment . A few highlights from our Collective Labour Agreement include:
- partially paid parental leave;
- working hours that can be discussed and arranged so that they allow for the best possible work-life balance;
- there is a strong focus on vitality and you can make use of the sports facilities available on campus for a small fee;
- a fixed year-end bonus of 8.3%;
- excellent pension scheme.
In addition to these first-rate employee benefits, you will receive a fully funded PhD position and you will be offered a course program tailored to your needs and the research team.
The gross salary for the first year is € 3.059,- per month rising to € 3.881,- in the fourth year in according to the Collective Labour Agreements for Dutch Universities (CAO-NU) (scale P). This is based on a full-time working week of 38 hours. We offer a temporary contract for 18 months which will be extended for the duration of the project if you perform well.
We encourage development and internal mobility within our organisation. Our recruitment and selection policy sets out the conditions that apply specifically to you as a (former) employee. If you have any questions, we are happy to help.
You will work on the greenest and most innovative campus in the Netherlands, in an international and open working environment.
Coming from abroad
Wageningen University & Research is the university and research centre for life sciences. The themes we deal with are relevant to everyone around the world and Wageningen, therefore, has a large international community and a lot to offer to international employees.
Because we expect you to work and live in the Netherlands our team of advisors on Dutch immigration procedures will help you with the visa application procedures for yourself and, if applicable, for your family.
Feeling welcome also has everything to do with being well informed. Wageningen University & Research's International Community page contains practical information about what we can do to support international employees coming to Wageningen. Furthermore, our Welcome Center can assist you with any additional advice and information about for example housing, opening a bank account, dual career programs or schooling. Finally, certain categories of international staff may be eligible for a tax exemption on a part of their salary during the first five years in the Netherlands.
Important information
For more information about the position, please contact Guanna Li, assistant professor, via email:
[email protected].
Questions about the procedure? Get in touch with Rutger Voorrips, Corporate Recruiter, via email:
[email protected].
Ready to apply?
You can apply directly using the apply button on the vacancy page on our website which will allow us to process your personal information with your approval. Only applications submitted through our website will be considered.
To apply, please send the following documents (
max. 3 pages in total for both documents):
- Complete and up-to-date curriculum vitae;
- Motivation letter.
The maximum length of the documents must not exceed 3 pages. If it exceeds, applications will not be considered. Additional files such as grades and transcripts are not required during this stage and will not be considered.
We will review applicants on an ongoing basis, and the position will remain open until a suitable candidate is selected.
Welcome, safe, and valued
Wageningen University & Research (WUR) highly values diversity and inclusion because we believe that different insights lead to innovative solutions. We create a work environment where everyone feels welcome, safe, and appreciated, regardless of background, identity, or experience. Together, we are building a culture where everyone's unique contribution adds to the success of our organization.
We are
The mission of Wageningen University & Research is “To explore the potential of nature to improve the quality of life”. Under the banner Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen University and the specialised research institutes of the Wageningen Research Foundation have joined forces in contributing to finding solutions to important questions in the domain of healthy food and living environment. With its roughly 30 branches, 7,600 employees (6,700 fte) and 13,100 students and over 150,000 participants to WUR’s Life Long Learning, Wageningen University & Research is one of the leading organisations in its domain. The unique Wageningen approach lies in its integrated approach to issues and the collaboration between different disciplines.
Read the 5 reasons why your future colleagues enjoy working at WUR and watch the video below to get an idea of our green campus!
We will recruit for the vacancy ourselves, so no employment agencies please. However, sharing in your network is appreciated.
Locations
Wageningen
Professional field
PhD & EngD
Educational level
Masters degree
Apply before
1-9-2026
Salary range
€3059 - €3881
Hours
38 - 38