wo vacatures in Weteringbrug

Postdoctoral fellowship: Real-time Deep-UV Raman spectroscopy and analytics

We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher for a pioneering Deep-UV Raman spectroscopy project on real-time plastic waste characterisation, developing the first Deep-UV spectral datasets and classification models for circular plastic recycling.

We are recruiting a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to lead the first implementation of Deep-UV Raman spectroscopy for real-time polymer identification. This project addresses a critical gap: no established Deep-UV spectral libraries or real-time interpretation models for plastics currently exist. The successful candidate will therefore act as a first mover, building foundational datasets and AI models that enable material traceability and circularity in plastics.

The role focuses on developing and curating Deep-UV spectral databases, designing AI-based classification models, and further advancing the measurement instrument in close collaboration with our industrial partner, Veridis Technologies.

An ideal candidate has experience in vibrational spectroscopy and spectral processing. Expertise in deep learning frameworks and methods such as 1D-CNNs, transformers, or chemometrics for spectral analysis is highly valued, though applicants with strong backgrounds in physics, physical chemistry, or analytical chemistry are also encouraged to apply.

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will perform experimental work with a Deep-UV Raman spectroscopy setup, measuring representative plastic waste samples and optimising acquisition protocols to generate high-quality spectral data. You will build and curate a Deep-UV Raman spectral database and develop chemometric and AI models for real-time classification, additive detection, and inline interpretation. The work includes validating algorithms on a lab-scale sorting setup and linking spectroscopic outputs to recyclability scoring and Digital Product Passport data flows.

• Build a comprehensive DUV Raman spectral library for post-consumer plastics, incl. rare and complex polymers
• Design and validate deep learning algorithms for real-time classification at high-throughput
• Develop spectral unmixing methods to identify additives, contaminants, and critical raw materials
• Work on the DUV Raman system in close collaboration with industrial stakeholders (Veridis)

If the project is successful, Veridis intends to offer a follow up to continue the development.

A highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with a strong background in analytical chemistry, spectroscopy and chemometrics with an interest in applied research geared towards long-term societal impact.

• Completed PhD in chemistry, physics, material sciences or a related field
• Strong foundational knowledge of vibrational spectroscopy and spectral pre-processing techniques.
• Experience with 1D-CNNs, transformers, or chemometrics for spectral analysis is highly valued.
• A genuine interest in the circular economy and the regulatory landscape of plastic recycling (e.g., DPP, EU Green Deal).
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team involving both academic and industrial partners.

At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world.

• A salary of minimum € 3.546,00 (Scale 10) and maximum € 5.538,00 (Scale 10) gross per month, on a full-time basis.
• Afterwards, it is possible to extend the project for another year (2 years total duration).

• A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis.
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• A wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at VU Amsterdam offers an active and engaged intellectual community composed of researchers from around the world. Research is focused on four themes: (i) high-energy and gravitational physics, (ii) quantum metrology and laser applications, (iii) physics of life and health, and (iv) physics of photosynthesis and energy. The department is involved in teaching in the programs Physics and Astronomy (joint degree with the University of Amsterdam), Science Business and Innovation, Medical Natural Sciences (all three BSc and MSc), and the BSc program in Mechanical Engineering (together with the University of Twente). Furthermore, the department has a strong track record in the valorization of its research, including translational research to the clinic (often together with the Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc (on campus), and location AMC), collaborations with industry (e.g. ARCNL), and a thriving startup scene.

Working at the Faculty of Science means collaborating with students, lecturers and researchers who are focused on their field, yet have a broad view of the world. We are proud of a positive and inclusive workplace culture within the faculty, where we work together with great energy and a pragmatic attitude to tackle social challenges. At the Faculty of Science, scientists and students work on fundamental and complex societal issues for a sustainable, healthy and just future.

From forest fires to big data, from obesity to malnutrition, from helium to the universe and from genetics to medicine: our education and research cover the full breadth of science, from molecules to mankind. Our academic education and research are highly experimental, technical and interdisciplinary in nature. That is why we collaborate extensively with leading scientific institutes and industry. The faculty has more than 8,000 students studying in one of the 39 programms and employs more than 1,400 staff across 10 scientific departments, making us one of the largest science faculties in the Netherlands.

We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility. Over 6,150 staff work at the VU and over 31,000 students attend academic education.

VU wants to be accessible and receptive to diversity in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, preferences and worldviews. We believe that trust, respect, interest and differences lead to new insights and innovation, to sharpness and clarity, to excellence and a broader understanding.

We stand for an inclusive community and believe that diversity and internationalisation contribute to the quality of education, research and our services.

Therefore, we are always searching for people whose backgrounds and experience contribute to the diversity of the VU community.

Are you interested in this position and do you believe that your experience will contribute to the further development of our university? In that case, we encourage you to submit your application.

Submitting a diploma and a reference check are part of the application process.

Interviews will be performed on a running basis until the vacancy is filled.

We are recruiting a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to lead the first implementation of Deep-UV Raman spectroscopy for real-time polymer identification. This project addresses a critical gap: no established Deep-UV spectral libraries or real-time interpretation models for plastics currently exist. The successful candidate will therefore act as a first mover, building foundational datasets and AI models that enable material traceability and circularity in plastics.

The role focuses on developing and curating Deep-UV spectral databases, designing AI-based classification models, and further advancing the measurement instrument in close collaboration with our industrial partner, Veridis Technologies.

An ideal candidate has experience in vibrational spectroscopy and spectral processing. Expertise in deep learning frameworks and methods such as 1D-CNNs, transformers, or chemometrics for spectral analysis is highly valued, though applicants with strong backgrounds in physics, physical chemistry, or analytical chemistry are also encouraged to apply.

As a postdoctoral researcher, you will perform experimental work with a Deep-UV Raman spectroscopy setup, measuring representative plastic waste samples and optimising acquisition protocols to generate high-quality spectral data. You will build and curate a Deep-UV Raman spectral database and develop chemometric and AI models for real-time classification, additive detection, and inline interpretation. The work includes validating algorithms on a lab-scale sorting setup and linking spectroscopic outputs to recyclability scoring and Digital Product Passport data flows.

• Build a comprehensive DUV Raman spectral library for post-consumer plastics, incl. rare and complex polymers
• Design and validate deep learning algorithms for real-time classification at high-throughput
• Develop spectral unmixing methods to identify additives, contaminants, and critical raw materials
• Work on the DUV Raman system in close collaboration with industrial stakeholders (Veridis)

If the project is successful, Veridis intends to offer a follow up to continue the development.

A highly motivated postdoctoral researcher with a strong background in analytical chemistry, spectroscopy and chemometrics with an interest in applied research geared towards long-term societal impact.

• Completed PhD in chemistry, physics, material sciences or a related field
• Strong foundational knowledge of vibrational spectroscopy and spectral pre-processing techniques.
• Experience with 1D-CNNs, transformers, or chemometrics for spectral analysis is highly valued.
• A genuine interest in the circular economy and the regulatory landscape of plastic recycling (e.g., DPP, EU Green Deal).
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team involving both academic and industrial partners.

At VU Amsterdam, you contribute to education, research and service for a better world.

• A salary of minimum € 3.546,00 (Scale 10) and maximum € 5.538,00 (Scale 10) gross per month, on a full-time basis.
• Afterwards, it is possible to extend the project for another year (2 years total duration).

• A full-time 38-hour working week comes with a holiday leave entitlement of 232 hours per year. If you choose to work 40 hours, you have 96 extra holiday leave hours on an annual basis.
• 8% holiday allowance and 8.3% end-of-year bonus
• A wide range of sports facilities which staff may use at a modest charge

The Department of Physics and Astronomy at VU Amsterdam offers an active and engaged intellectual community composed of researchers from around the world. Research is focused on four themes: (i) high-energy and gravitational physics, (ii) quantum metrology and laser applications, (iii) physics of life and health, and (iv) physics of photosynthesis and energy. The department is involved in teaching in the programs Physics and Astronomy (joint degree with the University of Amsterdam), Science Business and Innovation, Medical Natural Sciences (all three BSc and MSc), and the BSc program in Mechanical Engineering (together with the University of Twente). Furthermore, the department has a strong track record in the valorization of its research, including translational research to the clinic (often together with the Amsterdam UMC, location VUmc (on campus), and location AMC), collaborations with industry (e.g. ARCNL), and a thriving startup scene.

Working at the Faculty of Science means collaborating with students, lecturers and researchers who are focused on their field, yet have a broad view of the world. We are proud of a positive and inclusive workplace culture within the faculty, where we work together with great energy and a pragmatic attitude to tackle social challenges. At the Faculty of Science, scientists and students work on fundamental and complex societal issues for a sustainable, healthy and just future.

From forest fires to big data, from obesity to malnutrition, from helium to the universe and from genetics to medicine: our education and research cover the full breadth of science, from molecules to mankind. Our academic education and research are highly experimental, technical and interdisciplinary in nature. That is why we collaborate extensively with leading scientific institutes and industry. The faculty has more than 8,000 students studying in one of the 39 programms and employs more than 1,400 staff across 10 scientific departments, making us one of the largest science faculties in the Netherlands.

We are located on one physical campus, in the heart of Amsterdam's Zuidas business district, with excellent location and accessibility. Over 6,150 staff work at the VU and over 31,000 students attend academic education.

VU wants to be accessible and receptive to diversity in disciplines, cultures, ideas, nationalities, beliefs, preferences and worldviews. We believe that trust, respect, interest and differences lead to new insights and innovation, to sharpness and clarity, to excellence and a broader understanding.

We stand for an inclusive community and believe that diversity and internationalisation contribute to the quality of education, research and our services.

Therefore, we are always searching for people whose backgrounds and experience contribute to the diversity of the VU community.

Are you interested in this position and do you believe that your experience will contribute to the further development of our university? In that case, we encourage you to submit your application.

Submitting a diploma and a reference check are part of the application process.

Interviews will be performed on a running basis until the vacancy is filled.