PhD: Automated Spectroscopy & Self-Driving Lab for Photoactive Films

Laplace Expert Ltd; Amsterdam; Remote; EUR 36,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Amsterdam invites a PhD candidate to create automated spectroscopy workflows and a self-driving laboratory platform for photoactive molecules and thin films. The project spans RoboChem concepts, photochemistry, porosity research and AI-driven experimentation.

Start date is December 31, 2026, for four years with an 18-month initial contract and potential extension. Salary ranges from EUR 3204 to EUR 4051 per month, paid monthly, and close on Oct 31, 2026.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience building experimental setups is expected.
• Experience with spectroscopy is preferred.
• Ability to handle molecular solutions and photosensitive samples and work with optics, fluidics, detectors or light sources.

Responsibilities

• Develop automated spectroscopy workflows.
• Contribute to a self-driving laboratory platform for photoactive systems and thin films.
• Collaborate across disciplines to optimize molecular structure–function relationships.

Skills

Optical spectroscopy

ATR-UV–Vis spectroscopy

Photophysics

Flow systems

Instrument automation

Python

LabVIEW

MATLAB

3D printing

Education

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

Tools

Python

LabVIEW

MATLAB

3D printing

Job description

University of Amsterdam invites a PhD candidate to create automated spectroscopy workflows and a self-driving laboratory platform for photoactive molecules and thin films. The project spans RoboChem concepts, photochemistry, porosity research and AI-driven experimentation.

Start date is December 31, 2026, for four years with an 18-month initial contract and potential extension. Salary ranges from EUR 3204 to EUR 4051 per month, paid monthly, and close on Oct 31, 2026.