Postdoctoral Researcher in Mechanochemical Hydrogen Storage (NaBH4)

Are you excited by the challenge of developing next-generation hydrogen storage materials through cutting-edge inorganic chemistry Do you enjoy working at the frontier of mechanochemistry solid-state reactivity and sustainable energy systems Are you curious about how chemistry can enable circular hydrogen carriers and scalable energy storage solutions Then this role will be an exciting and impactful next step in your career.

We are looking for a Postdoctoral Researcher who will play a central role in a project on sodium borohydride (NaBH4) as a circular hydrogen carrier within the collaboration with H2fuel and HydroFlexx. The project focuses on the mechanochemical synthesis and regeneration of NaBH4 via ball milling under hydrogen pressure as a scalable and sustainable alternative to conventional high-energy processes.

You will work in the Slootweg Group at the Van t Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (HIMS) contributing to the development of closed-loop hydrogen storage systems based on borohydrides. The project builds on recent advances demonstrating that mechanochemistry enables high-yield regeneration of NaBH4 from borate waste under solvent-free conditions opening a disruptive pathway toward circular hydrogen storage.

This position offers a unique opportunity to combine inorganic synthesis mechanochemistry hydrogen technology and process development into a next-generation platform for sustainable energy storage.

• Develop and optimize mechanochemical routes for the synthesis and regeneration of NaBH4 using ball milling under H₂ pressure;
• Investigate solid-state reaction mechanisms and parameter dependencies (e.g. milling conditions hydride sources pressure temperature);
• Design and perform experiments on borohydride formation from borates and related precursors;
• Characterize materials using spectroscopic and analytical techniques (e.g. NMR IR XRD);
• Contribute to scaling strategies and integration into circular hydrogen storage cycles in collaboration with project partners.

• When working on complex experimental systems you structure your work and connect mechanistic insight to process-level performance;
• You collaborate effectively and communicate clearly with researchers across chemistry engineering and application domains;
• You take initiative in developing and troubleshooting experimental setups including high-pressure and solid-state systems;
• A PhD (working and thinking level) in inorganic chemistry or a closely related field;
• Strong experience in inorganic or main-group chemistry including air-sensitive techniques;
• Hands-on experience with solid-state synthesis mechanochemistry or hydrogen-related materials is highly valued;
• Experience with spectroscopic or structural characterization techniques (e.g. NMR XRD);
• Familiarity with high-pressure systems metal hydrides or energy materials is beneficial.

You will work in a highly innovative and rapidly developing field at the interface of inorganic chemistry mechanochemistry and sustainable energy systems. This project is positioned at the forefront of enabling practical and circular hydrogen storage technologies with strong scientific and societal relevance.

You will gain:

• Expertise in mechanochemical synthesis and solid-state reactivity;
• Experience with hydrogen storage materials and circular energy systems;
• Opportunities to contribute to high-impact publications and potential patentable innovations.

We offer a temporary employment contract for 38 hours per week for a period of 12 months. An extension maybe possible based on available funding combined with adequate performance. The preferred starting date is ultimately 1st of August 2026.

The gross monthly salary based on 38 hours per week and dependent on relevant experience ranges between 3546 - 5538 (scale 10). This does not include 8% holiday allowance and 83% year-end allowance. The UFO profile Researcher 4 is applicable. A favourable tax agreement the 30% ruling may apply to non-Dutch applicants. TheCollective Labour Agreement of Dutch Universitiesis 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.

Are you curious to read more about our extensive package of secondary employment benefits take a lookhere.

You will join the Slootweg Group within the Synthesis & Catalysis / Sustainable Chemistry theme at HIMS. Our group focuses on circular chemistry main-group reactivity and the development of scalable chemical processes for energy and materials applications.

Within the H2fuel collaboration you will contribute to the development of NaBH4 as a circular hydrogen carrier including its regeneration from borate waste via mechanochemical routes. Recent work in the group demonstrates that ball milling enables efficient solvent-free regeneration of borohydrides in high yield providing a pathway to close the hydrogen storage cycle.

The project is positioned at the frontier of circular energy systems addressing key challenges in hydrogen storage transport and regeneration. You will work in a collaborative and interdisciplinary environment combining fundamental chemistry with technological application.

TheVan 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 ChemistryComputational ChemistrySynthesis & CatalysisandMolecular Photonics.

The Faculty of Science has a student body of around 8000 as well as 1800 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 recognize 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 July 1 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 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:

• . J.C. Slootweg
• Full Professor in Circular Chemistry