PhD in Automated Spectroscopy of Photoactive Molecules and Thin Films

University of Amsterdam
· Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Science

Netherlands

The University of Amsterdam is recruiting a PhD candidate to build automated spectroscopy workflows and a self-driving laboratory platform for photoactive molecular systems and functional thin films. Applications close on 31 October 2026 at 23:59 Europe/Amsterdam.

The project extends the Robo Chem self-driving laboratory concept to photochemistry, porosity research and thin-film growth. It combines diffusion-ordered optical spectroscopy, flow-based ATR-UV–Vis methods, photophysics, instrument automation and AI-driven optimisation to connect molecular structure, organisation and function.

self-driving laboratories spectroscopy photochemistry thin films Robo Chem AI-driven experimentation

Level PhD

Time Commitment Full-time

Start Date Dec 31, 2026

Duration 4 years; initial 18-month contract with extension after satisfactory evaluation

Reference Code 15522

Field Automated Spectroscopy and Self-Driving Laboratories

Organization Type University

Amount EUR  / Per Month

Funding Type Salary

Funding Status Paid

Period Per Month

Applicants should hold a Master's degree in chemical engineering, physical chemistry, materials science or a closely related field.

Hands-on experience building experimental setups is expected, ideally involving spectroscopy. Applicants should be comfortable handling molecular solutions and photosensitive samples and working with optics, fluidics, detectors or light sources.

• Optical spectroscopy
• ATR-UV–Vis spectroscopy
• Photophysics
• Flow systems
• Instrument automation
• Python
• LabVIEW
• MATLAB
• 3D printing

• Experimental documentation
• Scientific communication
• Interdisciplinary collaboration
• Initiative