Postdoc Catalyst Dynamics in Homogeneous Hydrogenation Catalysis

Join us at TU Delft! We’re looking for a postdoc to push the boundaries of molecular hydrogenation catalysis. Start: Fall 2025- Spring 2026. #PD #Catalysis

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and motivated postdoctoral researcher with a strong expertise in organometallic chemistry and chemical kinetics to join the NWO VICI project DYNACAT, led by Prof. Evgeny Pidko. The project focuses on understanding the fundamental mechanisms behind catalyst activity and deactivation in (de)hydrogenation reactions of challenging organic substrates with applications ranging from H2 storage to sustainable production of fine and speciality chemistry. The successful candidate will lead the synthesis and characterization of molecular pre-catalysts, design and perform high-pressure catalytic experiments, and use state-of-the-art operando spectroscopy (UV-Vis, FTIR, NMR) to track catalyst transformation and deactivation. Working in close collaboration with computational researchers, you will contribute to the development of a new generation of durable catalysts through iterative experiment-theory integration.

We offer

• A highly interdisciplinary and collaborative research environment
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities for organometallic synthesis, computational modelling, high-pressure catalysis and operando analysis
• Opportunities to shape and lead the development of a cutting-edge experimental platform
• An inclusive and dynamic group with strong international and cross-disciplinary connections

This position is part of the Inorganic Systems Engineering (ISE) group at TU Delft, a vibrant and diverse team working on frontier problems in molecular and heterogeneous catalysis through close integration of computation, spectroscopy, and theory. The positions are expected to start in early 2026.

Job requirements

We seek a candidate who:

• Holds a PhD degree (or completed the draft of the PhD thesis) in organometallic chemistry, homogeneous catalysis, or related discipline.

• Is enthusiastic about chemistry, catalysis, and motivated by fundamental scientific questions.

• Is skilled in synthetic chemistry, kinetics, and spectroscopy.

• Has proven experience in air-sensitive synthesis and catalytic testing and strong affinity with mechanistic studies and operando spectroscopy (NMR, UV-vis, FTIR).

• Is a strong experimentalist with developed analytical skills and creativity and affinity with lab automation and digitalization.

• Is fluent in English and has good scientific presentation and writing skills.

• Open to working in a team, hand in hand with computational chemists and chemical engineers.

TU Delft (Delft University of Technology) 

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context. 

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration. 

Challenge. Change. Impact! 

Faculty Applied Sciences 

With more than 1,100 employees, including 150 pioneering principal investigators, as well as a population of about 3,600 passionate students, the Faculty of Applied Sciences is an inspiring scientific ecosystem. Focusing on key enabling technologies, such as quantum- and nanotechnology, photonics, biotechnology, synthetic biology and materials for energy storage and conversion, our faculty aims to provide solutions to important problems of the 21st century. To that end, we educate innovative students in broad Bachelor's and specialist Master's programmes with a strong research component. Our scientists conduct ground-breaking fundamental and applied research in the fields of Life and Health Science & Technology, Nanoscience, Chemical Engineering, Radiation Science & Technology, and Engineering Physics. We are also training the next generation of high school teachers. 

Click here to go to the website of the Faculty of Applied Sciences.

Conditions of employment 

• Duration of contract is 2 years.
• A job of 38-40 hours per week. 

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities. The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged. 

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit, Coming to Delft Service, offers information on their website to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, Coming to Delft Service organises events to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.  . 

Additional information
If you would like more information about this vacancy or the selection procedure, please contact Prof. Evgeny Pidko, via E.A.Pidko@tudelft.nl.

Application procedure
Are you interested in this vacancy? Please apply no later than 1 September 2025 via the application button and upload the following documents:

• A one-page motivation letter that is specific to this vacancy
• A detailed CV
• Publication list
• Contact information of at least 2 reference (name + e-mail)

You can address your application to Prof. Evgeny Pidko.

Please note:

• You can apply online. We will not process applications sent by email and/or post. 
• A pre-employment screening can be part of the selection procedure.
• For the final candidates, a knowledge security check will be part of the application procedure. For more information on this check, please consult Chapter 8 of the National Knowledge Security Guidelines. We carry out this check on the basis of legitimate interest.
• Please do not contact us for unsolicited services.