About the Role
Join our team! We are looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher who will play a central role in the CRiSP project (Circular Real-time Sensing Platform), aimed at developing a novel sensing and data platform for battery recycling, digital product passports and applying circular strategies in chemistry. You will work in the Slootweg Group at the Van ’t Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS), in close collaboration with industrial partner BOR-LYTE and Smart Industry testbeds. This position offers a unique opportunity to combine inorganic chemistry, spectroscopy, machine learning, and circularity into a next-generation platform for real-time decision-making in battery recycling. This is what you are going to do Develop and implement multi-sensor analytical workflows (e.g. chemical, spectroscopic and electrochemical methods) for real-time analysis of battery electrolyte streams; Design and validate data fusion strategies combining multiple sensor outputs into robust chemical information; Contribute to the development of machine-learning models for classification and routing of complex electrolyte mixtures; Translate experimental data into Digital Product Passport-compatible formats and workflows; Collaborate with industrial partners to validate the sensing platform in realistic recycling and manufacturing environments. This is what we ask of you When working on complex, multidisciplinary problems, you maintain structure and connect experimental results to broader system-level goals; You collaborate effectively across disciplines (chemistry, data science, engineering) and communicate clearly with academic and industrial partners; You take initiative in developing new experimental and analytical approaches; A PhD (working and thinking level) in chemistry, chemical engineering, or a closely related field; Knowledge of organomain group chemistry, practical working under inert atmosphere, prototyping and collaborations with industry is preferred; Hands-on experience with one or more of the following: spectroscopy (e.g. IR, Raman), electrochemistry, analytical chemistry, data analysis, or modelling; Experience with machine learning, sensor systems, or digital infrastructures is beneficial but not required. This is what we offer you You will work in a highly interdisciplinary and forward-looking project at the interface of chemistry, digitalisation, and circular economy. CRiSP is a visible and strategically important initiative that connects fundamental research to real industrial implementation and EU regulation. You will gain: Experience in combining chemistry with AI and digital infrastructures. Exposure to Smart Industry environments and industrial testbeds. Opportunities to develop both scientific and translational skills in a rapidly evolving field. We offer a temporary employment contract for 38 hours per week for a period of a year with a possible extension of another half year in case of sufficient funding. The preferred starting date is ultimately 1st of June 2026 . The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 3,546 - € 5,538 (scale 10). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. The UFO profile Researcher 4 is applicable. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities is applicable. Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at Science Park we offer you multiple fringe benefits: 232 holiday hours per year (based on fulltime) and extra holidays between Christmas and 1 January; multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre; multiple courses on topics such as leadership for academic staff; multiple courses on topics such as time management, handling stress and an online learning platform with 100+ different courses; 7 weeks birth leave (partner leave) with 100% salary; partly paid parental leave; the possibility to set up a workplace at home; a pension at ABP for which UvA pays two third part of the contribution; the possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch; Are you curious to read more about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits, take a look here. This is where you will work You will join the Slootweg Group within the Synthesis & Catalysis / Sustainable Chemistry theme at HIMS. Our group focuses on circular chemistry, sustainable main-group chemistry, and the development of scalable and data-driven chemical processes. Within CRiSP, you will operate at the interface of chemistry and digitalisation, contributing to a platform that integrates real-time sensing, machine learning, and Digital Product Passport infrastructure. The project is positioned at the frontier of circular manufacturing, addressing urgent challenges in battery recycling, resource efficiency, and regulatory compliance. You will collaborate closely with industrial and research partners, including BOR-LYTE and Smart Industry testbeds, in an environment that combines curiosity-driven science with tangible societal impact. The Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS) is one of eight institutes of the University of Amsterdam (UvA) Faculty of Science . HIMS performs internationally recognized chemistry and molecular research, curiosity driven as well as application driven. This is done in close cooperation with the chemical, flavor & food, medical and high-tech industries. Research is organized into four themes: Analytical Chemistry , Computational Chemistry , Synthesis & Catalysis and Molecular Photonics . The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 8,000, as well as 1,800 members of staff working in education, research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, be it elementary particles, the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain. Are you excited by the challenge of combining chemistry, data science, and real-time sensing to enable circular battery technologies? Do you enjoy working at the interface of experimental science, digitalisation, and industrial application? Are you curious about how chemistry can directly contribute to smart manufacturing and Digital Product Passports? Then this role will be an exciting and impactful next step in your career. Join our team! We are looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher who will play a central role in the CRiSP project (Circular Real-time Sensing Platform), aimed at developing a novel sensing and data platform for battery recycling, digital product passports and applying circular strategies in chemistry. You will work in the Slootweg Group at the Van ’t Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS), in close collaboration with industrial partner BOR-LYTE and Smart Industry testbeds. This position offers a unique opportunity to combine inorganic chemistry, spectroscopy, machine learning, and circularity into a next-generation platform for real-time decision-making in battery recycling. This is what you are going to do Develop and implement multi-sensor analytical workflows (e.g. chemical, spectroscopic and electrochemical methods) for real-time analysis of battery electrolyte streams; Design and validate data fusion strategies combining multiple sensor outputs into robust chemical information; Contribute to the development of machine-learning models for classification and routing of complex electrolyte mixtures; Translate experimental data into Digital Product Passport-compatible formats and workflows; Collaborate with industrial partners to validate the sensing platform in realistic recycling and manufacturing environments. This is what we ask of you When working on complex, multidisciplinary problems, you maintain structure and connect experimental results to broader system-level goals; You collaborate effectively across disciplines (chemistry, data science, engineering) and communicate clearly with academic and industrial partners; You take initiative in developing new experimental and analytical approaches; A PhD (working and thinking level) in chemistry, chemical engineering, or a closely related field; Knowledge of organomain group chemistry, practical working under inert atmosphere, prototyping and collaborations with industry is preferred; Hands-on experience with one or more of the following: spectroscopy (e.g. IR, Raman), electrochemistry, analytical chemistry, data analysis, or modelling; Experience with machine learning, sensor systems, or digital infrastructures is beneficial but not required. This is what we offer you You will work in a highly interdisciplinary and forward-looking project at the interface of chemistry, digitalisation, and circular economy. CRiSP is a visible and strategically important initiative that connects fundamental research to real industrial implementation and EU regulation. You will gain: Experience in combining chemistry with AI and digital infrastructures. Exposure to Smart Industry environments and industrial testbeds. Opportunities to develop both scientific and translational skills in a rapidly evolving field. We offer a temporary employment contract for 38 hours per week for a period of a year with a possible extension of another half year in case of sufficient funding. The preferred starting date is ultimately 1st of June 2026 . The gross monthly salary, based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience, ranges between € 3,546 - € 5,538 (scale 10). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 8,3% year-end allowance. The UFO profile Researcher 4 is applicable. A favourable tax agreement, the ‘30% ruling’, may apply to non-Dutch applicants. The Collective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universities is applicable. Besides the salary and a vibrant and challenging environment at Science Park we offer you multiple fringe benefits: 232 holiday hours per year (based on fulltime) and extra holidays between Christmas and 1 January; multiple courses to follow from our Teaching and Learning Centre; multiple courses on topics such as leadership for academic staff; multiple courses on topics such as time management, handling stress and an online learning platform with 100+ different courses; 7 weeks birth leave (partner leave) with 100% salary; partly paid parental leave; the possibility to set up a workplace at home; a pension at ABP for which UvA pays two third part of the contribution; the possibility to follow courses to learn Dutch; Are you curious to read more about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits, take a look here. This is where you will work You will join the Slootweg Group within the Synthesis & Catalysis / Sustainable Chemistry theme at HIMS. Our group focuses on circular chemistry, sustainable main-group chemistry, and the development of scalable and data-driven chemical processes. Within CRiSP, you will operate at the interface of chemistry and digitalisation, contributing to a platform that integrates real-time sensing, machine learning, and Digital Product Passport infrastructure. The project is positioned at the frontier of circular manufacturing, addressing urgent challenges in battery recycling, resource efficiency, and regulatory compliance. You will collaborate closely with industrial and research partners, including BOR-LYTE and Smart Industry testbeds, in an environment that combines curiosity-driven science with tangible societal impact. The Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS) is one of eight institutes of the University of Amsterdam (UvA) Faculty of Science . HIMS performs internationally recognized chemistry and molecular research, curiosity driven as well as application driven. This is done in close cooperation with the chemical, flavor & food, medical and high-tech industries. Research is organized into four themes: Analytical Chemistry , Computational Chemistry , Synthesis & Catalysis and Molecular Photonics . The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 8,000, as well as 1,800 members of staff working in education, research or support services. Researchers and students at the Faculty of Science are fascinated by every aspect of how the world works, be it elementary particles, the birth of the universe or the functioning of the brain. If you recognise yourself in the profile and are interested in the position, we look forward to receiving your motivation letter and CV. You can respond via the red button up to and including May 15, 2026 . Please include the following documents in your application (as PDF files): A motivation letter (max. 2 pages A4) Your CV, including the months (not just years) when referring to your education and work experience, including a list of publications Contact details of at least one academic reference We will review applications on a rolling basis and continue recruiting until the position is filled. In the event of equal suitability, preference will be given to the internal candidate. A knowledge security check can be part of the selection procedure (for details: national knowledge security guidelines ). If you receive an error message while applying from abroad, please try again later or contact us for assistance. For questions about the position, please contact: prof.dr. J.C. Slootweg, Full Professor in Circular Chemistry j.c.slootweg@uva.nl