O Overview
We welcome motivated BSc and MSc students who want to work at the interface of catalysis, chemistry, data science, and modeling. Projects are typically embedded in ongoing research in computational catalysis, data-driven catalyst design, sustainable chemistry, and operando-inspired reaction analysis. Exact topics can be tailored to your background, interests, and the availability of supervision within the group.
M MSc Projects
Representative directions for students looking for an in-depth thesis project.
Computational Catalysis & Mechanistic Modeling
Study catalytic reaction pathways with atomistic modeling, identify active states, and connect computed energetics to experimentally relevant trends.
- Suitable for students in chemical engineering, chemistry, or related computational fields.
- Typical output includes mechanistic insight, structure-reactivity relations, and model validation.
- Programming experience is helpful, but not always required at the start.
Data-Driven Catalyst Design
Build and analyze datasets, descriptors, and machine-learning workflows for catalyst discovery, screening, and interpretation.
- Good fit for students who enjoy combining chemistry with data analysis and automation.
- Projects may involve model development, benchmarking, or workflow engineering.
- Experience with Python, statistics, or scientific computing is an advantage.
Operando and Dynamic Catalysis Concepts
Explore how catalyst structure and reactivity change under realistic conditions, including transient behavior, deactivation, and off-cycle chemistry.
- Projects can combine literature analysis, simulations, and interaction with experimental datasets.
- Well suited for students interested in realistic catalytic environments rather than idealized snapshots.
- Strong curiosity about mechanism and condition-dependent behavior matters more than a narrow prior specialization.
Sustainable Chemistry & Circular Carbon Conversion
Work on catalyst concepts relevant to CO2 utilization, biomass conversion, hydrogen-related chemistry, or plastic upcycling.
- Projects connect catalytic fundamentals to sustainability-driven process challenges.
- Depending on the topic, the work may be computational, data-driven, or mixed-method.
- Suitable for students who want their thesis to combine rigor with societal relevance.
B BSc Projects
Compact projects with a clear scope, designed to build research skills and topic familiarity.
Catalysis Literature & Mechanism Mapping
Survey an emerging catalytic topic, structure the state of the art, and translate literature into reaction schemes, comparison tables, or mechanistic maps.
- Strong option for students who want a research-oriented topic without heavy coding requirements.
- Emphasis on critical reading, scientific argumentation, and synthesis.
Data Analysis, Visualization & FAIR Workflows
Organize, clean, and visualize catalysis data while learning reproducible and FAIR research practices for computational and experimental datasets.
- Useful preparation for later thesis work in digital chemistry and catalysis.
- Can include scripting, dashboarding, or structured data curation.
Introductory Modeling or Workflow Benchmarking
Test a computational workflow, compare methods on a small benchmark set, or reproduce selected results from the literature to understand best practices.
- Good entry point for students curious about simulation, automation, or computational chemistry.
- Focus is on learning robust scientific workflow design rather than maximizing scale.
O Openings
Routes into the group for students and early-career researchers.
BSc / MSc Thesis Opportunities
We regularly host student projects linked to ongoing work in catalysis, computational chemistry, and data-driven research. The best fit depends on timing, supervision capacity, and the match between your profile and current projects.
- Include your CV, transcript, and a short motivation when reaching out.
- Mention which topic area interests you and what kind of project you are looking for.
PhD and Postdoctoral Openings
Positions for PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers arise through funded projects, fellowships, and collaborative initiatives. Formal vacancies are typically announced through TU Delft channels.
- Monitor the TU Delft vacancies website for officially advertised positions.
- If your expertise strongly matches the group profile, a concise research-oriented inquiry is welcome.
How to Apply
If you are interested in joining the group for a project or a position, please contact Prof. Dr. Evgeny A. Pidko with a short motivation, your CV, and any relevant transcripts or references. In your message, state whether you are applying for a BSc project, MSc thesis, internship, PhD, or postdoctoral position.
Prepare
Summarize your background, topic interests, preferred timing, and relevant coursework or methods experience.
Contact
Send a concise email with your documents and indicate the research area or project direction that motivates you most.
Match
Suitable opportunities depend on research fit, timing, and supervision capacity within the group.